Posted by Kathleen (Kaf) on June 04, 1997 at 19:42:05:
In reply to Emma = Caroline Bingley [P&P]? posted by Kathy F. on June 03, 1997 at 20:16:36
] What do y'all say to the possibility that in making Emma, JA was presenting a kinder version of Ms. Bingley? It has
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So, in a sense, what you are asking is what would happen if Emma Woodhouse and Elizabeth Bennett met. Would Emma treat Elizabeth like Caroline did? I don't think so. Look at Harriet - she was certainly not at Emma's level, yet she took her under her wing. Or the Coles - Emma knew they were beneath her socially, but couldn't resist attending the party. Caroline would never have attended that party.
I think that they are similar in wealth and connections, but that's where the similarity ends. Caroline was self-centered and haughty, whereas Emma was self-centered but loving.
If you took the competition for the same man out of the equation, I think that Caroline would still have been awful towards Elizabeth. I think that Elizabeth and Emma could have become friends.