Ignorance is Bliss
~Blog post #3~
Topic G
May 1, 2015
by Emily Edicola
The symbol of charades shown in the novel depict multiple things, not only literally but also metaphorically. The charades are literally small poems or letters and in Mr. Elton's case, are inspired by something. To Emma, the charades are a way for Mr. Elton to show his true feelings for Harriet, but in reality, they stand for Mr. Elton's feelings for Emma. They are a symbol of his affection towards her. Emma knows that the charade is more to her than to Harriet, "which Emma could understand" (67). She is so ignorant towards the hints he has dropped thus far because she wants to believe that he wants Harriet. Deep down I believe she has picked up on his true feelings but never wanted to admit it because she does not feel the same way back. She wants to protect Harriet from Mr. Martin with Mr. Elton and it is not in the plan for him to gain feelings for her. Emma goes on to help Harriet finish the charade when she does not understand. I think that since it was written for her intent, she can understand it very clearly as opposed to Harriet who can't quite connect the dots. Once Emma realizes Mr. Elton's compliment as stated through the charade, she exclaims to Harriet that because it is "so particular a meaning" she cannot doubt that Harriet "is his object (69). The charades are Mr. Elton's true feelings but because of Emma's ignorance, she does not understand the real underlying meaning.
I agree with you, I think Emma is not only ignorant but blind. She is so focused on what the little charades mean to Harriet that she is close minded and won’t accept the fact that maybe Mr. Elton doesn’t actually like her. I think Emma gets one idea, then gets so involved with it that she won’t let it go. It’s like she’s childish in the sense that if it’s not her way it’s the highway, and won’t see anything she doesn’t want to. She reads the poems and automatically looks for a way to make them about Harriet even if they may have nothing to do with her. She basically just forces a connection. She’ll read a line and think, “Harriet exactly” or “Harriet’s ready wit!” instead of stepping back and accepting the fact that they just are not about her (Austen, 68).
ReplyDeleteJust as you said, the charades are a way for Mr. Martin to show his true feelings for Emma, and Emma is blind to that fact. Comparing it to literal charades, Mr. Elton is trying to give us an idea of his feelings without straight up telling us what they are. Emma is the one trying to figure out the meaning of it. Just like any charade, it can be interpreted in any way. Emma, of course, interprets it the way she wants, so that it is Harriet whom he falls in love with. She can not accept the fact that it is not the truth and continues to lie to herself about it.
ReplyDelete