Emma · Chapter
Chapter XLV explained
Emma returns home to find Mr.
What happens
Emma returns home to find Mr. Knightley and Harriet with her father. Mr. Knightley announces he is going to London, and though their parting is strained, a moment of near-gallantry suggests reconciliation. Emma shares news of Jane Fairfax's governess position, which distracts her father. The next day, news arrives of Mrs. Churchill's death, prompting speculation about Frank Churchill's newfound freedom. Emma resolves to show kindness to Jane Fairfax, sending arrowroot and a note, but Jane refuses her help. Emma later learns Jane was seen walking, contradicting her claim of being unwell, deepening Emma's regret and resolve to befriend her.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Knowledge and Growth
Emma reflects on her past coldness toward Jane Fairfax and resolves to change, showing personal growth and regret.
Gossip and Community Life
The community's reaction to Mrs. Churchill's death—from solemnity to curiosity about burial—illustrates the role of gossip in Highbury.
Marriage as Social Contract
Mrs. Churchill's death frees Frank Churchill from marital constraints, altering his prospects and those of Harriet Smith.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Reflects on her visit to Miss Bates, feels gratified by Mr. Knightley's near-gallantry, and resolves to help Jane Fairfax despite rejection.
- Mr. Knightley
Visits Hartfield, announces sudden trip to London, shows a moment of tender intention toward Emma before leaving.
- Harriet Smith
Present at Hartfield, behaves with self-command regarding Mrs. Churchill's death and its implications for Frank Churchill.
- Mr. Woodhouse
Distressed by Mr. Knightley's departure, but comforted by news of Jane Fairfax's governess position.
- Jane Fairfax
Refuses Emma's arrowroot and note, later seen walking despite claiming illness, indicating her resolve to avoid Emma's kindness.
- Frank Churchill
Mentioned in context of Mrs. Churchill's death; his potential freedom from her influence is speculated upon by Emma.
Key passages
“I would not go away without seeing you, but I have no time to spare, and therefore must now be gone directly. I am going to London, to spend a few days with John and Isabella.”
Mr. Knightley tells Emma he must leave immediately for London to visit his brother and sister-in-law.
His abrupt departure and grave manner suggest lingering tension from their earlier disagreement.
“He took her hand;—whether she had not herself made the first motion, she could not say—she might, perhaps, have rather offered it—but he took her hand, pressed it, and certainly was on the point of carrying it to his lips—when, from some fancy or other, he suddenly let it go.”
Mr. Knightley nearly kisses Emma's hand but stops himself, leaving her puzzled but pleased by the gesture.
This moment of near-intimacy signals a thaw in their relationship and hints at deeper feelings.
“The great Mrs. Churchill was no more. It was felt as such things must be felt. Everybody had a degree of gravity and sorrow; tenderness towards the departed, solicitude for the surviving friends; and, in a reasonable time, curiosity to know where she would be buried.”
Mrs. Churchill's death is met with formal mourning, but soon gives way to gossip about funeral arrangements.
The community's shift from sorrow to curiosity reflects the social rituals and underlying pettiness of Highbury.