Emma · Chapter
LII explained
Emma arranges for Harriet to stay in London with Isabella to avoid a painful meeting, then visits Jane Fairfax.
What happens
Emma arranges for Harriet to stay in London with Isabella to avoid a painful meeting, then visits Jane Fairfax. At the Bates home, she encounters Mrs. Elton, who hints at knowing a secret about Jane. Mr. Elton arrives, complaining about a missed meeting with Mr. Knightley.
Themes in this chapter
Gossip and Community Life
Mrs. Elton's veiled hints and Miss Bates's flustered comments illustrate how gossip circulates and shapes social interactions in Highbury.
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Emma reflects on her past interference with Harriet and resolves to act with more consideration, showing personal growth.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Feels relief at Harriet's departure and visits Jane Fairfax, showing goodwill and curiosity about Jane's secret.
- Harriet Smith
Sent to London under the pretext of visiting a dentist, to avoid meeting Emma after the revelation of her feelings for Mr. Knightley.
- Jane Fairfax
Receives Emma warmly, looking well and engaging; her secret engagement is hinted at by Mrs. Elton.
- Mrs. Elton
Behaves with ostentatious mystery, hinting at knowledge of Jane's secret and displaying her usual self-importance.
- Miss Bates
Returns home and shows confused delight, hinting at Jane's prospects and her gratitude to Mrs. Elton.
- Mr. Elton
Arrives hot and tired, complaining that Mr. Knightley was not at Donwell for their meeting.
Key passages
“It was a very great relief to Emma to find Harriet as desirous as herself to avoid a meeting.”
Emma was relieved that Harriet also wanted to avoid seeing each other.
Shows Emma's guilt and desire to distance herself from Harriet after the revelation.
“She soon resolved, equally as a duty and a pleasure, to employ half an hour of this holiday of spirits in calling on Miss Fairfax.”
Emma decided it was both a duty and a pleasure to visit Jane Fairfax.
Highlights Emma's sense of obligation and curiosity about Jane's situation.
“Emma could not doubt. It was a palpable display, repeated on every possible occasion.”
Emma was certain that Mrs. Elton was deliberately showing off her knowledge of a secret.
Illustrates Mrs. Elton's indiscreet behavior and Emma's perceptiveness.