# LII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se/chapters/lii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emma_se/chapters