# XII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Mr. Knightley dines at Hartfield, where he and Emma reconcile after their disagreement over Harriet Smith and Robert Martin. The evening includes conversations about family, Jane Fairfax, and a minor dispute about Mr. Perry's medical advice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)

Emma and Mr. Knightley's reconciliation shows their differing judgments on Harriet and Robert Martin, with Emma's pride in her intentions and Knightley's criticism of her influence.

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Emma reflects on her past disagreement and seeks to restore friendship, indicating a step toward self-awareness and maturity.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Reconciles with Mr. Knightley, holding the baby and initiating a friendly exchange.

### Mr. Knightley

Dines at Hartfield, reconciles with Emma, discusses farming and legal matters with his brother.

### Mr. Woodhouse

Prefers quiet conversation with Isabella, expresses concern about South End and Perry's advice.

### Isabella Knightley

Visits Hartfield with her children, praises Jane Fairfax, and defends her choice of South End.

### Mr. John Knightley

Joins the party, discusses with his brother, and shows displeasure at Mr. Perry's interference.

## Key lines

> Emma felt they were friends again; and the conviction giving her at first great satisfaction, and then a little sauciness, she could not help saying, as he was admiring the baby, "What a comfort it is, that we think alike about our nephews and nieces. As to men and women, our opinions are sometimes very different; but with regard to these children, I observe we never disagree."

Emma felt their friendship was restored, which pleased her and made her a bit cheeky, so she remarked to Mr. Knightley that they agree on children even if they differ on adults.

_Emma uses the baby as a peace offering and teases Mr. Knightley about their differing opinions._

> "If you were as much guided by nature in your estimate of men and women, and as little under the power of fancy and whim in your dealings with them, as you are where these children are concerned, we might always think alike."

Mr. Knightley suggests that if Emma judged people as naturally as she does children, they would never disagree.

_Mr. Knightley gently criticizes Emma's tendency to be influenced by fancy and whim in her judgments._

## Links

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