Remarkable Realizations
~Blog post #4~
Topic A
May 8, 2015
by Emily Edicola
A quote that I found that truly shows Emma's growth during the book is when Emma realizes Mr. Elton's feelings are for her and not Harriet. She states, "It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing two people together" (128). This quote shows a significant development in Emma's character. She was so ignorant the entire time she's trying to set up Harriet and Mr. Elton and now she is seeing things as they are. She knows that it was not a good idea to play matchmaker with the two of them and even admits she had "taken up the idea" and "made everything bend to it" (126). She saw the hints that Mr. Elton tried dropping but instead of seeing the truth, she saw what she wanted to see and made Harriet believe it as well. It is apparent that she truly does feel remorse for what she has done when she promises to "do such things no more" (128). Even though her intentions were good, the way she went about trying to get them together was wrong. I think that Emma has learned from this situation how tricky and hurtful it can be to play with others feelings, as well as to try and see things for what they really are.
Emily, I completely agree with you. I think by Emma realizing the reality of the situation and understanding she can’t control how people feel is a big sign of change and a sign that she has matured in a little way. I thought it was big of her to own up to the fact that trying to arrange people’s life for them is foolish and sometimes hurtful. She had to “stop and admit that, her own behavior to him had been so complaisant,” and I think that because she could even stop and recognize this is a big deal because just a couple chapters ago she saw nothing wrong with what she was doing. I think she is starting to grow up and face reality.
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