Emma by Jane Austen

Perhaps one of Jane Austen’s funniest novels, Emma is about a young woman of considerable wealth and social standing who finds delight in being a self-proclaimed matchmaker for those in her community. She meddles with the relationships of her friends, having little regard for consequence.

Emma Woodhouse did not exactly grow up in ideal conditions. Her father was ill, and her mother died many years ago. Consequently Emma’s large estate is only occupied by her ailing father and governess. The Woodhouse residence becomes even lonelier when the governess, who becomes one of Emma’s close friends, marries and moves away. The absence of a consistent, unwavering female role model takes its toll on Emma’s behavior later on in the story.

With so much free time on her hands, Emma attempts to transform a poor farmer’s daughter, Harriett, into a woman of high standards, someone more like herself. Emma even decides to offer her new companion assistance in finding romance, insisting that Harriett belongs with a handsome vicar named Mr. Elton. The majority of the novel revolves around Emma’s selfish, single-minded matchmaking plans. The fact that Emma believes herself capable of manipulating the romantic lives of those around her shows that she thinks she is correct in all her ways – clearly one of her flaws. She is especially oblivious to the feelings of those around her, even those of the man who loves her dearly.

Austen’s remarkable attention to detail is demonstrated in the characterization of Emma throughout the novel. Emma can be so arrogant and overbearing with her thoughts and actions that readers may find themselves completely and utterly annoyed. At the same time, Austen is careful to reveal Emma’s undeniable wit and charm, winning over the hearts of her audience.

Emma has become a classic model for misconstrued romance within nearly two centuries since its first publication in 1815. It has been the subject of many adaptations, including Clueless, a modern movie starring Alicia Silverstone.