# Chapter VI explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Emma continues to encourage Harriet's interest in Mr. Elton, believing she is guiding her friend's affections appropriately. She decides to draw Harriet's portrait, with Mr. Elton eagerly attending the sittings and praising the work excessively. Mr. Knightley and Mrs. Weston offer more critical observations, but Emma remains pleased with her matchmaking and artistic efforts.

## Themes in this chapter

### Matchmaking and Self-Deception

Emma's confident manipulation of Harriet's affections toward Mr. Elton, believing she is acting wisely while misreading his true intentions.

### Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)

Emma's pride in her matchmaking and artistic abilities leads her to overlook Mr. Elton's actual interest in herself rather than Harriet.

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Emma acknowledges her own lack of steadiness in drawing and music, yet remains complacent about her self-deception in matchmaking.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Emma orchestrates Harriet's portrait sittings, confident in her matchmaking and artistic skills, though aware of her own limitations.

### Harriet Smith

Harriet is the subject of the portrait, shy and flattered by the attention from Emma and Mr. Elton.

### Mr. Elton

Mr. Elton is overly attentive during the sittings, praising Emma's work and showing clear romantic interest in Harriet.

### Mr. Knightley

Mr. Knightley offers a critical observation that Emma has made Harriet too tall in the portrait.

### Mrs. Weston

Mrs. Weston comments on the portrait, noting that Harriet lacks the eyebrows and eyelashes depicted.

### Mr. Woodhouse

Mr. Woodhouse offers a simple, approving comment on the portrait's prettiness.

## Key lines

> Emma could not feel a doubt of having given Harriet's fancy a proper direction and raised the gratitude of her young vanity to a very good purpose

Emma was certain she had guided Harriet's romantic interests correctly and boosted her self-esteem.

_Emma's self-assurance in her matchmaking role is established early in the chapter._

> I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character, have taught her to think on points which had not fallen in her way before.

Emma claims to have helped Harriet develop more assertiveness and awareness.

_Emma's influence over Harriet is portrayed as beneficial, though it reflects her own desire to mold her friend._

> Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the only beauty she wanted

Mrs. Weston observes that Emma's portrait adds beauty Harriet does not naturally possess.

_This comment highlights Emma's tendency to improve reality through her art and matchmaking._

## Links

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