Posted by Kali on September 01, 1997 at 14:35:02:
In reply to help! puzzled by word puzzle in word puzzles posted by greg on September 01, 1997 at 14:12:33
Yeah, Greg...this is a weird one. I agree that their may be double or even triple meaning in it. It could mean that Mr. Knightley is surprised at how well Frank and Jane managed to hide their attachment. It could also mean that Mr. Knightley is surprised at how stupid and blind his dear Emma has been regarding Frank (what an ironic name!) and his attachments.
Perhaps this statement - as convoluted as it is - is meant to be yet another buried clue. It seems plain enough when you look at in the context of Mr. Knightley loving Emma, but for those who are as yet unaware of Mr. Knightley's extreme attachment to her, it's an easily-ignored nonsequiter, attributable to Frank and Jane (which it may yet be!). Another instance of Austen sliding the truth under the door while she makes a scene (albeit an important one) outside the window?
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