Discussion #3 Notes

Emily Observation: thought it was interesting how Emma said she would sort of back off of Harriet and somewhat allow her to make decisions more for herself, yet she still weaved her opinion into Harriet's head in a more subtle way. Emma even said "I shall not give you any advice, I shall have nothing to do with it," but then persisted on in gently nudging her opinion onto Harriet (Austen, 48). Why can't she back off?

Alex reply (to Emily): I think her pushiness is her way of becoming close with people, honestly.

Natalie question: What do you think of the riddles Emma and Harriet have been collecting?

Emily: thinks it is almost like false hope, and by finding these riddles Emma is leading Harriet on in a way.

Natalie: thinks Harriet is falling for Mr. Elton but he is not falling for her. Emma is using these and twisting the words of them to basically lead Harriet to believe they mean something else.

Natalie question: Do you think Mr. Elton has feelings at all for Harriet? Do you think the riddles are personal?

Mary Kate: yes, thinks they foreshadow something that will happen between them.

Emily: no, Emma is being ignorant and planning what she wants to happen. Like natalie said earlier she is basically twisting the words to make Harriet and even herself believe Mr. Elton has feelings.

Natalie question: Why could Emma decode the riddle but Harriet couldn't?

Alex: I think it has to do with their social classes and education, the riddles are written in a way that's formal and educated and since we know Harriet comes from a lower social class than Emma maybe that's why.

Emily:  Maybe because the riddles are actually written for Emma in way she would get, but Emma is just telling different things to Harriet.

Natalie question: Do you think Harriet will marry Mr. Martin despite how Emma feels?

Emily: thinks Harriet will considering how we know Harriet was fond of him after we learned in the first few chapters. She sees the good in him that Emma can't.

Mary Kate: I feel like she will just because she'll get sick of Emma.

We all agree with Mary Kate.

Natalie question: Do you think Jane is a good new companion for Emma?

Natalie: thinks not, because Emma says "I wish Jane fairfax very well, but she tires me to death" (Austen, 82).

Emily: doesn't think so, if they were to be good friends Emma would probably be more infatuated with her at this point.

Alex agrees.

Mary Kate: also agrees with Emily, Emma is the type that needs to immediately connect with someone like Harriet or Miss Taylor, and she hasn't done that with Jane.