Harriet vs. Catherine


REPLIES - POST REPLY - THE LIBRARY - FAQ - HOME - Q

Posted by Constanza on January 12, 1998 at 15:05:36:


In response to Catherine Morland... in Emma?, written by Hilary on January 09, 1998 at 17:51:38


I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts...



Although there is superficial similarity between Harriet Smith and Catherine Morland - inasmuch as they are both sweet-tempered, good-natured, naïve girls -once you become acquainted with them you realize that their characters are quite different.

Harriet is essentially a credulous person, prone to believe anything from anybody and act accordingly, even against her better judgement. Though Emma's counsel proves wrong time and time again, she still trusts her opinion. She doesn't seem to have any idea of her own, or give anything a deep though.

Catherine is an honest person unaccustomed to hypocrisy and, as such, taking to think that people act and speak the truth. However she soon learns otherwise and realizes that Thorpe is a bragger and Isabella a liar. Even though she is willing to accept other people's opinions, she has her own ideas and defends them when challenged.

Harriet has not much sense; Catherine's only lacks further development. And I'll say Catherine shows a potentiality which is absent in Harriet.




REPLIES:




Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.


- Republic of Pemberley -
Home | Q | Jane Info