Emma · Chapter
LI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Knightley reads Frank Churchill's letter of apology and confession to Emma, offering his critical commentary on Frank's behavior. He then proposes to Emma, suggesting they marry and live at Hartfield with her father, to which Emma agrees after consideration, though she feels concern for Harriet Smith's feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Social Contract
Mr. Knightley's proposal emphasizes the practical and emotional compromises of marriage, including living arrangements that prioritize Mr. Woodhouse's well-being.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Emma reflects on her past judgments, including her earlier dislike of Mr. Knightley marrying anyone, and recognizes her own growth and changing feelings.
Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)
Mr. Knightley critiques Frank Churchill's letter, highlighting the dangers of mystery and finesse, and praises truth and sincerity.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Reads Frank Churchill's letter, agrees to show it to Mr. Knightley, and accepts Mr. Knightley's proposal to marry and live at Hartfield.
- Mr. Knightley
Reads Frank Churchill's letter critically, then proposes to Emma, offering to move to Hartfield to live with her and her father.
- Harriet Smith
Emma reflects on Harriet's unrequited love for Mr. Knightley and the necessity of keeping her at a distance from the future family party.
- Frank Churchill
His letter to Mrs. Weston is read and criticized by Mr. Knightley; he confesses his secret engagement to Jane Fairfax.
- Mrs. Weston
Receives Frank Churchill's letter and forwards it to Emma; Emma feels grateful to her.
- Mr. Woodhouse
His comfort and happiness are central to Mr. Knightley's proposal; Emma cannot leave him, so Mr. Knightley offers to move to Hartfield.
Key passages
“Mr. Knightley himself would be doing nothing to assist the cure;—not like Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley, always so kind, so feeling, so truly considerate for everybody, would never deserve to be less worshipped than now; and it really was too much to hope even of Harriet, that she could be in love with more than three men in one year.”
Emma reflects that Mr. Knightley's kindness makes it harder for Harriet to get over him, unlike Mr. Elton, and that Harriet has already been in love too many times in one year.
Emma's internal commentary on Harriet's unrequited love and Mr. Knightley's admirable character.
“My Emma, does not everything serve to prove more and more the beauty of truth and sincerity in all our dealings with each other?”
Mr. Knightley tells Emma that Frank Churchill's letter reinforces the value of honesty and straightforwardness in relationships.
Mr. Knightley's moral lesson after reading Frank's letter.
“While her dear father lived, any change of condition must be impossible for her. She could never quit him.”
Emma states that she cannot marry as long as her father is alive, because she cannot leave him.
Emma's initial response to Mr. Knightley's proposal, prioritizing her father's care.
“The delightful family party which Emma was securing for herself, poor Harriet must, in mere charitable caution, be kept at a distance from.”
Emma realizes that her happy future with Mr. Knightley means Harriet must be excluded to avoid her pain.
Emma's conflicted feelings about Harriet's suffering due to her own happiness.