The
first three chapters of Emma seem to describe many different relationships by how they are growing and ending. It first starts by describing
Emma and her family by saying that “she was the youngest of two daughters of a
most affectionate, indulgent father; and had, in consequence of her sister’s
marriage, been mistress of his house from a very yearly period” (3). It also
discusses that “her mother had died” and Emma didn't really have a mother’s
affection growing up (3). This brought Emma’s governess, Miss Taylor, into her
life. Miss Taylor became like a mother figure to Emma and when she left to
marry Mr. Weston, Emma was left with no one but her father since her sister had
gone away to London after she got married. This is an example of how a
relationship in Emma’s life is beginning to change because Miss Taylor will not
be around as much and they are losing touch. In contrast, a relationship is
starting to grow because Miss Taylor has just gotten married to Mr. Weston and
their relationship is constantly growing while her relationship with Emma is
becoming more distant. We also learn of Mr. Weston’s prior life in that he was
married before and had a son named Frank. But when the first Mrs. Weston passed
on, Frank was basically adopted by the Churchill’s who did not have any
children. This is an example of another relationship that ended due to death
but resulted in Mr. Weston making “his fortune” so now he could live
prosperously with the second Mrs. Weston (14). Overall, the beginning chapters
of Emma are mainly set around informing the reader of significant relationships
that have ended and some that are just beginning.
I agree with you, I think these first couple chapters are to introduce the people that her life is going to revolve around and set the stage for upcoming conflict. Because we learn so much about Emma’s relationship with Miss Taylor, like you explained, I think you are right when you predicted that Miss Taylor leaving is basically foreshadowing another major change in Emma’s life, especially since she meets Harriet Smith which is someone she has “long felt an interest in” (Austen, 20). Because someone important to Emma is leaving her life, but someone who fascinates her is also coming into it, I am led to believe that all these strong relationships signify a big change that will soon happen.
ReplyDeleteI would give you a 24 because I feel that youre argument was well backed up and analyzed but your first quote is a bit too lengthy and I feel like you could have split it up better
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