Emma · Chapter
Chapter VII explained
Harriet Smith receives a marriage proposal from Robert Martin and seeks Emma Woodhouse's advice.
What happens
Harriet Smith receives a marriage proposal from Robert Martin and seeks Emma Woodhouse's advice. Emma, who has designs on Harriet marrying Mr. Elton, subtly manipulates Harriet into refusing the proposal, emphasizing the social gulf between Harriet and the Martin family. Harriet reluctantly agrees, and with Emma's help, writes a refusal letter.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Emma's manipulation of Harriet's refusal is driven by class prejudice, viewing Robert Martin as beneath Harriet's potential.
Matchmaking and Self-Deception
Emma's matchmaking schemes for Harriet and Mr. Elton lead her to deceive herself about Harriet's true feelings and the propriety of her interference.
Friendship and Influence
Emma uses her influence over Harriet to steer her away from Robert Martin, prioritizing her own social ambitions for Harriet over Harriet's genuine attachment.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Manipulates Harriet into refusing Robert Martin's proposal, prioritizing her own plans for Harriet to marry Mr. Elton.
- Harriet Smith
Receives a marriage proposal from Robert Martin and, after being influenced by Emma, decides to refuse it.
- Robert Martin
Proposes to Harriet via a letter, which Emma criticizes as beneath Harriet's station.
- Mr. Elton
Mentioned by Emma as a more suitable match for Harriet, though he is not present in the chapter.
- Mrs. Goddard
Harriet's schoolmistress, mentioned as the place where Harriet heard about Mr. Martin's visit.
Key passages
“The style of the letter was much above her expectation. There were not merely no grammatical errors, but as a composition it would not have disgraced a gentleman; the language, though plain, was strong and unaffected, and the sentiments it conveyed very much to the credit of the writer.”
Emma is surprised by the quality of Robert Martin's proposal letter, noting its grammatical correctness and gentlemanly tone.
Emma's assessment of the letter reveals her initial bias against Martin's social class.
“I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him.”
Emma advises Harriet that hesitation in accepting a proposal is reason enough to refuse.
Emma uses this rule to manipulate Harriet into refusing Martin, despite Harriet's initial uncertainty.
“You would have thrown yourself out of all good society. I must have given you up.”
Emma warns Harriet that marrying Robert Martin would exclude her from polite society and end their friendship.
Emma's threat reveals her classist views and the social stakes of Harriet's decision.