Discussion 2 Notes

Leader: Alex Pann

At the beginning of our discussion Emily asked a few questions regarding the characters.

Emily: Who is Mrs. Weston?

Mary Kate: Miss Taylor married name.

Emily: What is Harriet’s relationship/connection with the Martin Family?

Alex: They are friends and she does to see them on their farm in the countryside. Harriet has feelings for Mr. Martin.

Alex Question: Why do you suppose Emma wasn't fond of Mr. Martin? What does this say about the importance of social classes back then?

Natalie: Emma felt that Mr. Martin’s social status was below Harriet and that Mr. Elton was a better fit for her.

Emily: “A young farmer, whether on horseback or on foot, is the very last sort of person to raise my curiosity” (26).

Alex Question: Do you think Mr. Knightly is negative towards Emma because he has feelings for her?

Mary Kate: Yes because he doesn't know how to cope with his feelings.

Emily: Yes but he’s trying to hid them because he’s trying to convince himself of the negative things he’s saying about Emma are true even though he knows deep down that he likes her.

Alex Question: How does Miss Taylor feel about the situation? Do you agree?

Emily: Miss Taylor feels guilty for leaving Emma.

Alex: Miss Taylor uses the friendship to justify her abandoning Emma.

Natalie: Miss Taylor feels that relationship between Harriet and Emma is healthy so she agrees with it.

Mary Kate: Emma is almost obsessed with Harriet making their relationship strange.

Alex Question: Who’s side are you on, Mr. Knightly or Emma?

Emily: I understand why she would go along with Emma, it was a different time period

Mary Kate: I think she should have accepted the proposal and married Mr. Martin.

Natalie: I think she should have married Mr. Martin because Emma doesn't know how she feels or what Harriet wants. Emma doesn't know what’s right for everyone.

Alex: She should have married Mr. Martin and not listened to Emma.