Emma · Chapter
Emma explained
The opening chapter introduces Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy, clever, and self-satisfied young woman who lives at Hartfield with her hypochondriac father.
What happens
The opening chapter introduces Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy, clever, and self-satisfied young woman who lives at Hartfield with her hypochondriac father. Having successfully arranged the marriage of her governess, Miss Taylor, to Mr. Weston, Emma reflects on her matchmaking abilities and resolves to continue her meddling. The chapter establishes Emma's privileged position, her close relationship with Mr. Knightley, and her determination to find a suitable companion, setting the stage for her friendship with Harriet Smith.
Themes in this chapter
Matchmaking and Self-Deception
Emma takes pride in her matchmaking success with Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston, believing she has a talent for bringing people together. Her self-satisfaction blinds her to the potential consequences of her meddling.
Social Class and Mobility
The chapter highlights the social hierarchy of Highbury: Emma's wealth and status at Hartfield, the Westons' rise through trade, and the subtle distinctions that govern relationships and marriage prospects.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Introduced as handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition. She is indulged by her father and has been mistress of his house since her mother's death.
- Mr. Woodhouse
Emma's father, a nervous, affectionate man who is fond of his daughters and dislikes change. He is a valetudinarian who worries about drafts and late hours.
- Mrs. Weston
Formerly Miss Taylor, Emma's governess for sixteen years. She has just married Mr. Weston, and Emma takes credit for the match.
- Mr. Knightley
A sensible man of about thirty-seven, brother of Mr. John Knightley and a close friend of the Woodhouse family. He is the only one who criticizes Emma's faults.
- Isabella Knightley
Emma's elder sister, married to Mr. John Knightley. She is mentioned as having a similar disposition to their father, with strong family attachments.
Key passages
“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.”
Emma Woodhouse is beautiful, intelligent, and wealthy, living in comfort and happiness, and has experienced very little trouble or annoyance in her twenty-one years.
Opening lines establishing Emma's privileged and contented life.
“The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments.”
Emma's main flaws are that she is used to getting her own way and thinks too highly of herself, which could spoil her happiness.
Narrator's foreshadowing of Emma's character weaknesses.