A delightful new blog I've found

                                                         I have found a wonderful new blog!
                                                        May I encourage you to check it out here.
                                            Miss Elizabeth is a very encouraging young lady. :)
                                                  By the way, dears, I am starting a new thing called...
                                             "Blog encouragement posts". :) Basically something
                                                     I've thought up to help promote blogs I love
                                                  and hopefully help you to love them as well.

God Bless you,

Lady Susan (book review)

   I wanted to do a review for this cause' I have just completed my reading of it. And because somethings struck me while I was reading it. This contains NO spoilers whatsoever.

 Summery:

 Basically letters exchanged from Lady Susan Vernon (the heroine) 

to her friend and letters from her connections to their connections.  

My thoughts:

From the beginning I was impressed! But as I read more and more of it... well... I was not. The plot was good but I really did not like the characters and what their feelings were.

Lady Susan (herself) annoyed me. I could see nothing in her character that was selfless, charming or even lovely (as far as 'heroines' go). She was so selfish and to be blunt I felt deeply for her daughter. Lady Susan was not thinking about her child's happiness but her own comfort.

Again the plot was excellent! But the characters themselves were not very interesting or likable. (do not get me wrong... I enjoyed reading this) ALL of Jane Austen's novels are great but I must say this is my least favourite of them all. (I know I said "no spoilers" but...) 

*SPOILER* The whole thing with Lady Susan and Mr. Mainwaring was very strange to me. I mean the gentlemen (?) was married! *END OF SPOILER* 

Overall this Jane Austen novel was not bad. NO, indeed! I could not put in down... but I do that with all JA novels. 

My rating: :)

From a scale of 1-10 (ten being the best) I shall give this a 6. 

I think I may read it again in the future.  

            

So how did I do on my first book review? 

Awards! I love awards

Miss Woodhouse of Elinor, Elizabeth and Emma has awarded me this! Thank you bunches dear.  

Now I must post ten random thing about myself!

1. I have watched the BBC 1995 P&P too many times to count. (true story)

2. I'm obsessed with pic monkey!
3. I have 248 pictures from the two Emma adaptions I've seen saved to my family's computer. :)
4. I like popcorn and coca... together.
5. Mr. Darcy is the BEST!
6. I'm reading Emma... that is not news!
7. Both my middle fingers on both hands curve outward.
8. I'm very apt to be found inside on a hot summer day.
9. I wear my hair in a HUGE puff when I go to bed.
10. My real name is... um ... I don't think I'll tell you. :)
  

Now I have to award six other bloggers.

Marianne Dashwood 

Marissa

Emelie (horse lover) :)

Rachel Danielle 
Mrs. Darcy... by the by love this young lady! :)
Abby 

Awarded by... Miss Woodhouse. Thanks ever so much... again. :P


RULES:

• Link back to the person who awarded you in your 'acceptance' post
• Tell three helpful things you have done either on or off the blogosphere
• Nominate three other bloggers and tell them that you've nominated them

Three helpful things I've done. Hum? Oh! Oh I got it!

I really hate bragging but I encourage my friend Marissa to start her blog The countryside Lady. Check it out here.

I cleaned my younger sisters room yesterday (my three sisters and I share a room together. Our littlest sister is not old enough to sleep with us yet) I love my family!

I help nurse my younger brother when he is sick. :) He is such a challenge but we love each other. But he's too proud to admit it most of the time. ;) 

Here are the nominated peoples... :) hehe 

  

Marissa

The Anne-girl... I put the E in Ann this time. LOL!

Rose M.

Funny buttons and change

I have decided to postpone the rest of my Emma Book Study for life is getting entirely too busy right now. :) I will do the rest after Emma Week. But here is what I have been wasting my time making. Hope you enjoy these silly little buttons.   

Inspired by: Bolt. Character that I quoted: Rhino! :)   

Inspired by: P&P. Characters I quoted: Mr. Darcy and Lizzy!

Thank you all again for being patient with me.

God Bless and hope you will forgive the liberty I took in posting this, 

Emma Book Study: chapters 11-20

 

First I would like to extend my apologies for not posting yesterday but I think my very late night before was catching up with me. You all deserve and explanation and here it is. I will be combining chapters 40-55 in my last post. :) A lot I know. But hope you enjoy this post dears.

Summaries and Key Quotes: 

Mr. Woodhouse worries about them arriving safely.

11) Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley (Emma's sister and brother-in-law) arrive at Hartfield for Christmas a little after Mr. Elton returns from London. This chapter mostly conveys a description of the John Knighleys and Mr. Woodhouses fears about their trip.

Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley, from having been longer than usual absent from Surry, were exciting of course rather more than the usual interest. Till this year, every long vacation since their marriage had been divided between Hartfield and Donwell Abbey; but all the holidays of this autumn had been given to sea-bathing for the children, and it was therefore many months since they had been seen in a regular way by their Surry connexions, or seen at all by Mr. Woodhouse, who could not be induced to get so far as London, even for poor Isabella's sake; and who consequently was now most nervously and apprehensively happy in forestalling this too short visit.  

12) Mr. Knightley comes to dinner at Hartfield and both he and Emma make up for the harsh and angry words exchanged while they discussed Harriet and Mr. Martin. Emma wishes to know that he (Mr. Martin) was not made too unhappy but Mr. Knightley is convinced that he is.

Mr. Knightley was to dine with them--rather against the inclination of Mr. Woodhouse, who did not like that any one should share with him in Isabella's first day. Emma's sense of right however had decided it; and besides the consideration of what was due to each brother, she had particular pleasure, from the circumstance of the late disagreement between Mr. Knightley and herself, in procuring him the proper invitation. (Mr. Knightley dines at Hartfield)  

"What a comfort it is, that we think alike about our nephews and nieces. As to men and women, our opinions are sometimes very different; but with regard to these children, I observe we never disagree."

"If you were as much guided by nature in your estimate of men and women, and as little under the power of fancy and whim in your dealings with them, as you are where these children are concerned, we might always think alike."

"To be sure--our discordancies must always arise from my being in the wrong."

"Yes," said he, smiling--"and reason good. I was sixteen years old when you were born." (Emma and Mr. Knightley)

"I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years' experience, and by not being a pretty young woman and a spoiled child. Come, my dear Emma, let us be friends, and say no more about it. Tell your aunt, little Emma, that she ought to set you a better example than to be renewing old grievances, and that if she were not wrong before, she is now."

"That's true," she cried--"very true. Little Emma, grow up a better woman than your aunt. Be infinitely cleverer and not half so conceited. Now, Mr. Knightley, a word or two more, and I have done. As far as good intentions went, we were both right, and I must say that no effects on my side of the argument have yet proved wrong. I only want to know that Mr. Martin is not very, very bitterly disappointed." (they make up for the past)

"Mr. Perry," said he, in a voice of very strong displeasure, "would do as well to keep his opinion till it is asked for. Why does he make it any business of his, to wonder at what I do?-- at my taking my family to one part of the coast or another?--I may be allowed, I hope, the use of my judgment as well as Mr. Perry.-- I want his directions no more than his drugs." He paused-- and growing cooler in a moment, added, with only sarcastic dryness, "If Mr. Perry can tell me how to convey a wife and five children a distance of an hundred and thirty miles with no greater expense or inconvenience than a distance of forty, I should be as willing to prefer Cromer to South End as he could himself."

[Mr. Knightley intervenes here]

Mr. Woodhouse was rather agitated by such harsh reflections on his friend Perry, to whom he had, in fact, though unconsciously, been attributing many of his own feelings and expressions;-- but the soothing attentions of his daughters gradually removed the present evil, and the immediate alertness of one brother, and better recollections of the other, prevented any renewal of it.

13) The Woodhouses, the John Knightleys, Harriet and Mr. Elton are engaged at Randalls for a Christmas Eve party. Emma's hopes for Harriet seem to vanish seeing Harriet has a bad cold. Emma hints to Mr. Elton that he may not wish to go seeing that Miss Smith is so very ill but he does not take the hint and is quite persistent in paying attention to her! They arrive safely at Randalls.

In general their evenings were less engaged with friends than their mornings; but one complete dinner engagement, and out of the house too, there was no avoiding, though at Christmas. Mr. Weston would take no denial; they must all dine at Randalls one day;--even Mr. Woodhouse was persuaded to think it a possible thing in preference to a division of the party.

How they were all to be conveyed, he would have made a difficulty if he could, but as his son and daughter's carriage and horses were actually at Hartfield, he was not able to make more than a simple question on that head; it hardly amounted to a doubt; nor did it occupy Emma long to convince him that they might in one of the carriages find room for Harriet also.

John and Emma

"I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than Mr. Elton. It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works."

"Mr. Elton's manners are not perfect," replied Emma; "but where there is a wish to please, one ought to overlook, and one does overlook a great deal. Where a man does his best with only moderate powers, he will have the advantage over negligent superiority. There is such perfect good-temper and good-will in Mr. Elton as one cannot but value."

"Yes," said Mr. John Knightley presently, with some slyness, "he seems to have a great deal of good-will towards you." (Emma and Mr. John Knightley)

[had to add this]

"Christmas weather," observed Mr. Elton. "Quite seasonable; and extremely fortunate we may think ourselves that it did not begin yesterday, and prevent this day's party, which it might very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it is of no consequence. This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend's house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter. I went for only one night, and could not get away till that very day se'nnight."

Mr. John Knightley looked as if he did not comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly,

"I cannot wish to be snowed up a week at Randalls." (Mr. Elton and Mr. John Knighltey quarreling about snow)

14) Emma talks with Mrs. Weston about Frank Churchhill visting in Highbury and Emma will not believe it until she sees him there. Mr. Elton continues to pay serious attention to all her needs.

15) Emma departs from Randalls only to realize that her escort home is Mr. Elton! Half way to his own home when Emma is shocked by Mr. Elton purposing to her!  

           He professed himself extremely anxious about her fair friend-- her fair, lovely, amiable friend. "Did she 
           know?--had she heard any thing about her, since their being at Randalls?-- he felt much anxiety--he must
  confess that the nature of her complaint alarmed him considerably." And in this style he talked on for some time very properly, not much attending to any answer, but altogether sufficiently awake to the terror of a bad 
    sore throat; and Emma was quite in charity with him. (Mr. Elton to Emma before he purposes)

I wonder what she is thinking? :)

"Miss Smith!--message to Miss Smith!--What could she possibly mean!"-- And he repeated her words with such assurance of accent, such boastful pretence of amazement, that she could not help replying with quickness,

"Mr. Elton, this is the most extraordinary conduct! and I can account for it only in one way; you are not yourself, or you could not speak either to me, or of Harriet, in such a manner. Command yourself enough to say no more, and I will endeavour to forget it." (Mr. Elton and Emma)

16)  Some of Emma's thoughts in regard to Mr. Elton. She realizes she made a horrible mistake and grieves over it even more when Mr. Elton does not show himself. But she relieved by the gentleman's silence.

"If I had not persuaded Harriet into liking the man, I could have borne any thing. He might have doubled his presumption to me-- but poor Harriet!"

17)  The John Knightleys depart from Hartfield and in a note to Mr. Woodhouse Emma learns Mr. Elton is to go to Bath! Emma therefore must tell Harriet of the great mistake. Harriet blames no one and Emma blames herself.

The confession completely renewed her first shame--and the sight of Harriet's tears made her think that she should never be in charity with herself again.

Harriet bore the intelligence very well--blaming nobody-- and in every thing testifying such an ingenuousness of disposition and lowly opinion of herself, as must appear with particular advantage at that moment to her friend.

Emma was in the humour to value simplicity and modesty to the utmost; and all that was amiable, all that ought to be attaching, seemed on Harriet's side, not her own. Harriet did not consider herself as having any thing to complain of. The affection of such a man as Mr. Elton would have been too great a distinction.-- She never could have deserved him--and nobody but so partial and kind a friend as Miss Woodhouse would have thought it possible. (the sad truth is known)

18)  Mr. Frank Churchill has not come after all. Of course the Westons are disappointed and Emma as well. Mr. Knightley learns of it and both he and Emma argue about it. He judging Mr. Churchill through his letters and all the postponed trips he put of because of his aunt. Emma is displeased (but by no means angry) and defends Frank. they see so differently on the point that the subject is dropped.   

"The Churchills are very likely in fault," said Mr. Knightley, coolly; "but I dare say he might come if he would."

"I do not know why you should say so. He wishes exceedingly to come; but his uncle and aunt will not spare him."

"I cannot believe that he has not the power of coming, if he made a point of it. It is too unlikely, for me to believe it without proof."

"How odd you are! What has Mr. Frank Churchill done, to make you suppose him such an unnatural creature?"

  

19)  Harriet grieves over Mr. Elton and Emma is determined to to make her not think of it anymore. They call on the Bates and learn that Miss Jane Fairfax is to visit. Emma learns of the incident at Weymouth when Mr. Dixon saves Jane's life!  

Emma and Harriet had been walking together one morning, and, in Emma's opinion, had been talking enough of Mr. Elton for that day. She could not think that Harriet's solace or her own sins required more; and she was therefore industriously getting rid of the subject as they returned;--but it burst out again when she thought she had succeeded, and after speaking some time of what the poor must suffer in winter, and receiving no other answer than a very plaintive-- "Mr. Elton is so good to the poor!" she found something else must be done.

Think of something!

"So obliging of you! No, we should not have heard, if it had not been for this particular circumstance, of her being to come here so soon. My mother is so delighted!--for she is to be three months with us at least. Three months, she says so, positively, as I am going to have the pleasure of reading to you. The case is, you see, that the Campbells are going to Ireland. Mrs. Dixon has persuaded her father and mother to come over and see her directly. They had not intended to go over till the summer, but she is so impatient to see them again--for till she married, last October, she was never away from them so much as a week, which must make it very strange to be in different kingdoms, I was going to say, but however different countries, and so she wrote a very urgent letter to her mother--or her father, I declare I do not know which it was, but we shall see presently in Jane's letter--wrote in Mr. Dixon's name as well as her own, to press their coming over directly, and they would give them the meeting in Dublin, and take them back to their country seat, Baly-craig, a beautiful place, I fancy. Jane has heard a great deal of its beauty; from Mr. Dixon, I mean-- I do not know that she ever heard about it from any body else; but it was very natural, you know, that he should like to speak of his own place while he was paying his addresses--and as Jane used to be very often walking out with them--for Colonel and Mrs. Campbell were very particular about their daughter's not walking out often with only Mr. Dixon, for which I do not at all blame them; of course she heard every thing he might be telling Miss Campbell about his own home in Ireland; and I think she wrote us word that he had shewn them some drawings of the place, views that he had taken himself. He is a most amiable, charming young man, I believe. Jane was quite longing to go to Ireland, from his account of things." (Miss Bates tells the story)

20)    Gives more of the history of Jane Fairfax's life. She arrives in Highbury. Emma meets her and takes a disliking to her perhaps for the reason that she does not give a satisfactory description of Frank Churchill whom she saw in Weymouth. And that  is so reserved. 

Upon the whole, Emma left her with such softened, charitable feelings, as made her look around in walking home, and lament that Highbury afforded no young man worthy of giving her independence; nobody that she could wish to scheme about for her.

These were charming feelings--but not lasting. Before she had committed herself by any public profession of eternal friendship for Jane Fairfax, or done more towards a recantation of past prejudices and errors, than saying to Mr. Knightley, "She certainly is handsome; she is better than handsome!" Jane had spent an evening at Hartfield with her grandmother and aunt, and every thing was relapsing much into its usual state. Former provocations reappeared. The aunt was as tiresome as ever; more tiresome, because anxiety for her health was now added to admiration of her powers; and they had to listen to the description of exactly how little bread and butter she ate for breakfast, and how small a slice of mutton for dinner, as well as to see exhibitions of new caps and new workbags for her mother and herself; and Jane's offences rose again. They had music; Emma was obliged to play; and the thanks and praise which necessarily followed appeared to her an affectation of candour, an air of greatness, meaning only to shew off in higher style her own very superior performance. She was, besides, which was the worst of all, so cold, so cautious! There was no getting at her real opinion. Wrapt up in a cloak of politeness, she seemed determined to hazard nothing. She was disgustingly, was suspiciously reserved.

Possible Debate Questions 


I  did not see anything that might lead to anyone starting a comment-war. :) 

Thank you for your patience and the next post is coming soon.
God Bless you all!

I've been awarded!

 Kiri Liz was so kind as to award me... (and this is my first award) ...

Thank you so much dear! And please go check out her blog Allergic to Chocolate!

Rules:

Put a link to who gave you the award.
Put the award on your post.
Choose 5 blogs to receive the award.
Let them know you awarded them. 


OH dear me! I am quite at a loss to which people I should award! You all are so very wonderful and I adore all your blogs but I can only choose five therefore here are the folks :) I'm awarding.

The pleasure is all mine in giving this award to...
Marissa :)
Miss Woodhouse
Rachel Danielle
The Ann-girl
Maria Elisabeth (even though she is a PERCY forever girl) :) hehe...

Emma Book Study: chapters 1-10

  I am quite glad about doing an Emma book study and I am sure, simply sure that I shall have fun! It will last through the 21st to the 26th. I shall do ten chapters at a time and do the last five on Saturday. So thank you and hope you all are satisfied with my ideas. :) OH... and I shall add pictures from both Emma's as the scenes go along. My thoughts are in brackets.

 Chapter Summaries and Key Quotes

1) The lovely beginning conveying the truth that Miss Taylor (Emma's former governess) is to be married and the bringing about of it was all Emma's idea. And so begins the lovely story.  

   Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.

Highbury, the large and populous village, almost amounting to a town, to which Hartfield, in spite of its separate lawn, and shrubberies, and name, did really belong, afforded her no equals. The Woodhouses were first in consequence there. All looked up to them. She had many acquaintance in the place, for her father was universally civil, but not one among them who could be accepted in lieu of Miss Taylor for even half a day. It was a melancholy change; and Emma could not but sigh over it, and wish for impossible things, till her father awoke, and made it necessary to be cheerful.

"All right I didn't want to have to do this but you leave me no choice... here comes the smolder." 

Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella's husband. He lived about a mile from Highbury, was a frequent visitor, and always welcome, and at this time more welcome than usual, as coming directly from their mutual connexions in London. He had returned to a late dinner, after some days' absence, and now walked up to Hartfield to say that all were well in Brunswick Square..." 

"Emma knows I never flatter her," said Mr. Knightley, "but I meant no reflection on any body. Miss Taylor has been used to have two persons to please; she will now have but one. The chances are that she must be a gainer." (Mr.Knightley about Emma)

Emma turned away her head, divided between tears and smiles. 

There is surly enough room for you as well, Mr. Weston!

"Ever since the day--about four years ago--that Miss Taylor and I met with him in Broadway Lane, when, because it began to drizzle, he darted away with so much gallantry, and borrowed two umbrellas for us from Farmer Mitchell's, I made up my mind on the subject. I planned the match from that hour; and when such success has blessed me in this instance, dear papa, you cannot think that I shall leave off match-making." (Emma triumphing over her ‘success’ in matching Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston)

2) Tells a bit of Jane Fairfax and also Mr. Frank Churchill. And also tells a little of Mr. Woodhouse's disposition. 

“Mr. Frank Churchill was one of the boasts of Highbury, and a lively curiosity to see him prevailed, though the compliment was so little returned that he had never been there in his life. His coming to visit his father had been often talked of but never achieved.”

There was a strange rumour in Highbury of all the little Perrys being seen with a slice of Mrs. Weston's wedding-cake in their hands: but Mr. Woodhouse would never believe it.” (Mr. Woodhouse’s thoughts)

3) Emma meets Harriet and is delighted with her sweetness and simpleness. 

“As she (Emma) sat one morning, looking forward to exactly such a close of the present day, a note was brought from Mrs. Goddard, requesting, in most respectful terms, to be allowed to bring Miss Smith with her; a most welcome request: for Miss Smith was a girl of seventeen, whom Emma knew very well by sight, and had long felt an interest in, on account of her beauty. A very gracious invitation was returned, and the evening no longer dreaded by the fair mistress of the mansion.


[ So Miss Harriet Smith comes to Hartfield ]

Harriet Smith was the natural daughter of somebody. Somebody had placed her, several years back, at Mrs. Goddard's school, and somebody had lately raised her from the condition of scholar to that of parlour-boarder. This was all that was generally known of her history. She had no visible friends but what had been acquired at Highbury, and was now just returned from a long visit in the country to some young ladies who had been at school there with her.

She was a very pretty girl, and her beauty happened to be of a sort which Emma particularly admired. She was short, plump, and fair, with a fine bloom, blue eyes, light hair, regular features, and a look of great sweetness, and, before the end of the evening, Emma was as much pleased with her manners as her person, and quite determined to continue the acquaintance.” (meeting Harriet)

4) Emma and Harriet’s friendship strengthens as they get to know the other better. Harriet says she favours a young farmer (Mr. Martin) and Emma’s plan for her and Mr. Elton to marry still is in her heart (or rather the thought that Mr. Elton's heart will be Harriet's) and she is by no means wanting Harriet to continue her association with the Martins.   

“Harriet Smith's intimacy at Hartfield was soon a settled thing. Quick and decided in her ways, Emma lost no time in inviting, encouraging, and telling her to come very often; and as their acquaintance increased, so did their satisfaction in each other...” 

“They met Mr. Martin the very next day, as they were walking on the Donwell Road. He was on foot, and after looking very respectfully at her, looked with most unfeigned satisfaction at her companion. Emma was not sorry to have such an opportunity of survey; and walking a few yards forward, while they talked together, soon made her quick eye sufficiently acquainted with Mr. Robert Martin. His appearance was very neat, and he looked like a sensible young man, but his person had no other advantage; and when he came to be contrasted with gentlemen, she thought he must lose all the ground he had gained in Harriet's inclination. Harriet was not insensible of manner; she had voluntarily noticed her father's gentleness with admiration as well as wonder. Mr. Martin looked as if he did not know what manner was.” (Emma and Harriet meet Mr. Martin after talking of him)

"To be sure," said Harriet, in a mortified voice, "he is not so genteel as real gentlemen." (Harriet gives defence for her friend after Emma voices her opinion of him)

"Mr. Knightley's air is so remarkably good that it is not fair to compare Mr. Martin with him. You might not see one in a hundred with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley. But he is not the only gentleman you have been lately used to. What say you to Mr. Weston and Mr. Elton? Compare Mr. Martin with either of them. Compare their manner of carrying themselves; of walking; of speaking; of being silent. You must see the difference." (Emma to Harriet)

"I wonder he did not remember the book"--was all Harriet's answer, and spoken with a degree of grave displeasure which Emma thought might be safely left to itself. She, therefore, said no more for some time.”

[ and so Emma persuades Harriet to think a little less well of the farmer ] 
 

5) Mr. Knightley comes to Randalls (Mr. Weston’s home) and conveys his thoughts to Mrs. Weston that Harriet and Emma’s intercourse may not end agreeably and Mrs. Weston does not see it that way. 

"She always declares she will never marry, which, of course, means just nothing at all. But I have no idea that she has yet ever seen a man she cared for. It would not be a bad thing for her to be very much in love with a proper object. I should like to see Emma in love, and in some doubt of a return; it would do her good. But there is nobody hereabouts to attach her; and she goes so seldom from home." (Mr. Knightley about Emma)

In this chapter Mr. Elton whom Emma has thrown into Harriet’s life asks her (Emma) to indeed, do a water colour of Miss Smith. Emma agrees and starts. And is delighted to see that his attachment seems to grow stronger toward her friend.

No sooner was she (Harriet) out of sight, than Emma exclaimed,

"What an exquisite possession a good picture of her would be! I would give any money for it. I almost long to attempt her likeness myself. You do not know it I dare say, but two or three years ago I had a great passion for taking likenesses, and attempted several of my friends, and was thought to have a tolerable eye in general. But from one cause or another, I gave it up in disgust. But really, I could almost venture, if Harriet would sit to me. It would be such a delight to have her picture!" (Emma to Mr. Elton)

Not a FRACTION, Miss Smith!!!

The sitting began; and Harriet, smiling and blushing, and afraid of not keeping her attitude and countenance, presented a very sweet mixture of youthful expression to the steady eyes of the artist. But there was no doing any thing, with Mr. Elton fidgeting behind her and watching every touch. She gave him credit for stationing himself where he might gaze and gaze again without offence; but was really obliged to put an end to it, and request him to place himself elsewhere. It then occurred to her to employ him in reading.

"If he would be so good as to read to them, it would be a kindness indeed! It would amuse away the difficulties of her part, and lessen the irksomeness of Miss Smith's."

You have captured Miss Smith to PERFECTION!

"You have made her too tall, Emma," said Mr. Knightley. (after the painting is complete) 

8) Mr. Elton leaves for London to have the finished picture framed and Harriet comes to Hartfield saying she has received a proposal from Mr. Robert Martin. Emma is not pleased and convenes her friend though she does not mean to meddle of course to refuse the proposal. And also hints of Mr. Elton’s regard for her (Harriet).

"Who could have thought it? She was so surprised she did not know what to do. Yes, quite a proposal of marriage; and a very good letter, at least she thought so. And he wrote as if he really loved her very much--but she did not know--and so, she was come as fast as she could to ask Miss Woodhouse what she should do.--" Emma was half-ashamed of her friend for seeming so pleased and so doubtful. (Harriet to Emma)

9) Mr. Knightley comes to call on Emma to tell her that Robert Martin has very likely already purposed to her little friend and is quite delighted over it. But when Emma acquaints him with the fact the Harriet has refused Mr. Martin Mr. Knightley is surprised. They begin to quarrel and he leaves after giving Emma a sound scolding for her meddling.

"I saw her answer!--nothing could be clearer."

"You saw her answer!--you wrote her answer too. Emma, this is your doing. You persuaded her to refuse him." (Emma and Mr. Knightley quarrel)

    "A degradation to illegitimacy and ignorance, to be married to a respectable, intelligent gentleman-farmer!" (Emma and Mr. Knightley quarrel about Harriet and Mr. Martin)


[They quarrel and he leaves leaving Emma to think about her conduct] 

10) Mr. Knightley remains quiet and calm and Emma is not quite forgiven yet. Mr. Elton returns, the picture is hung and Emma receives praise from all who see it. Emma and Harriet begin to collect riddles and Mr. Elton contributes one that Emma concludes must be addressed to Harriet.

"Take it," said Emma, smiling, and pushing the paper towards Harriet--"it is for you. Take your own."

But Harriet was in a tremor, and could not touch it; and Emma, never loth to be first, was obliged to examine it herself.

To Miss--

CHARADE.

My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings,
Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease.
Another view of man, my second brings,
Behold him there, the monarch of the seas!

But ah! united, what reverse we have!
Man's boasted power and freedom, all are flown;
Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave,
And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone.

Thy ready wit the word will soon supply,
May its approval beam in that soft eye! (Mr. Elton’s charade)

10)  Emma and Harriet by chance meet Mr. Elton and Emma is quite in raptures to see that he as well as her friend are getting along splendidly. Nothing of significance happens excepting this. 

Comparisons with other Jane Austen novels

Perhaps there is. I have not really seen anything that may be close to any other of JA novels. Mr. Woodhouse is quite a character and there cannot be two of him... to be quite sure. Emma is matchmaker and no other JA heroine is. (of course). But here are some things I saw.

*~* Emma's matchmaking ideas are like Mrs. Jenning's in Sense and Sensibility. :-) Almost... she is not married and Mrs. Jennings was. That was very likely the most silly thing I've write in the post! 

*~* Jane Fairfax's situation is like Fanny Price's in Mansfield Park. I have not read the book so please tell me if I am wrong about this idea. :)

Possible Debate Questions 

1. Mr. Knightley's scolding of Emma seems too harsh! Does anyone else think as I do?!

2. Mr. Elton seemed honourable at the first and I can think that he would be a good match for Harriet (if I overlook the fact the he has set his cap at Emma)! I have no idea if men set there caps at anyone so... skip to the end! Did you think that Mr. Elton was a good match for Harriet the first time you read the book or watched the movie?

3. I can see why Emma may annoy some at the starting of the story. She is quite meddlesome but all if well at the end.

4. Mr. Martin is respectable! Emma may not think so but he is. Even though he is a farmer his a very well off and is honourable. 

Notes 

 I have notes today. Excuse them please. :) OH... did you know we have a wonderful piece of news? Jane Austen's Emma Week is starting 8th of June. Read all about the exciting thing here.

Thank you and God Bless.