A
symbol that comes up throughout chapter 9 is the riddles given to Emma and
Harriet by Mr. Elton. Emma quickly decodes the riddle because Harriet cannot
solve it and Emma convinces her that the riddle foretells a proposal. This is a
symbol that exists both literally and figuratively because the riddles actually
exist and they symbolize a charade being played of Emma trying to get Mr. Elton
and Harriet together. Emma did not approve of Mr. Martin so she’s attempting to
get Harriet to like Mr. Elton and vice versa by using this riddle. “Harriet’s
feelings, they were visibly forming themselves into as strong an attachment as
her youth and sort of mind admitted” which shows her growing infatuation with
Mr. Elton, the only issue is that he doesn’t feel the same way (64). So,
riddles are playful and tricky which is similar to the situation between
Harriet and Mr. Elton because they are on different pages with their feelings.
This is making it seem like a riddle because they’re trying to figure each
other out and they can’t seem to solve it or make a relationship work between
them. The riddles don’t only represent a charade being played between Harriet
and Mr. Elton but also with Emma. I think that because Emma is continually
trying to make decisions for Harriet and show that she has her best interest in
mind will cause Harriet to break away and end up marrying Mr. Martin. This
symbolizes another charade because Emma cannot figure out anyone else’s life
but her own so the only “riddle” she can truly solve is the one that involves
her, not Harriet.
The riddles are also providing Harriet with a sense of false hope that Mr. Elton has feelings for her. The riddles are meant for Emma so she is the only one who can comprehend what they are saying and because of her ignorance to the situation, she interprets them to Harriet as if they're meant to her. I agree with your prediction that Harriet will eventually break away from Emma's ideals and marry Mr. Martin. It is clear that she has feelings for him still even though Emma thinks very lowly of him. I feel that her true feelings will influence her in the end. I predict she will find out Mr. Elton has feelings for Emma and use that as her excuse to go be with Mr. Martin.
ReplyDelete