Posted by Linda on June 05, 1997 at 00:00:35:
In reply to Re: Emma = Caroline Bingley [P&P]? posted by Kathleen (Kaf) on June 04, 1997 at 19:42:05
] ] What do y'all say to the possibility that in making Emma, JA was presenting a kinder version of Ms. Bingley? It has
]
] ________
] Look at Harriet - she was certainly not at Emma's level, yet she took her under her wing.
Harriet hung upon Emma's every word; did whatever Emma wanted her to do. Emma wanted to direct Harriet's life. This would not have worked with Elizabeth Bennet.
Or the Coles - Emma knew they were beneath her socially, but couldn't resist attending the party.
Because everyone else would be there and she did not want to miss out on the fun.
Caroline would never have attended that party.
She may have, in order to show how superior she was to all the country folk.
] 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.
But also very snobbish.
] I think that Elizabeth and Emma could have become friends.
The enlightened Emma, perhaps.