Posted by kathleen (elder) on June 29, 1997 at 11:23:19:
In reply to Re: Strong vs. Northam posted by Kathy F. on June 29, 1997 at 11:11:16
] In defense of MS (and to the detriment of Emma2), Mr. Knightley did not know he was in love with Emma until Box Hill, and then he went to London the next day. (read the book.) So if you get the feeling that it was almost impossible to see that he loved her until the end--you're right!!! In the book, thinking back, he realizes that he has loved her since she was 13, but that didn't really influence his actions towards her except as a brother/father/uncle figure. Looking back, he understands why he has been so over-reacting (?) over her social missteps--because he loved her as a lover, not just a friend. I think that Emma2 made a big mistake in showing Mr. Knightley's love for Emma too early.
] Also, in the book, after Emma realizes that she loves Mr. Knightley, she ponders over his behavior to her, especially on Box Hill, and she believes that he couldn't possibly love her, otherwise he wouldn't have acted that way. Later (post-engagement) she realizes he was just upset at her behavior to Frank (and vice versa) and her behavior to Miss Bates. He was in the grip of a very powerful emotion, having just realized that he was in love with her, and yet she could still act that way. Terrible, just terrible.
] Kathy
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There was a scene in the screenplay for Emma3 that was filmed but left out of the final movie which gives some further indication of the friendly relationship between Emma & Mr Knightley. We see Emma arrive at the Coles' (?) party just after Mr Knightley, and she teases him about using his carriage for once. The scene ends with him calling her a nonsensical girl. The omitted bit shows them entering the house, Emma looking around for Frank, smiling at Frank, and Mr Knightley feeling left out. (I wish they had left it in.)