Chapter XX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)

  Emma's prejudice against Jane Fairfax is examined; she initially resolves to be charitable but quickly reverts to suspicion and dislike based on Jane's reserve.

• Self-Knowledge and Growth

  Emma reflects on Mr. Knightley's accusation that she dislikes Jane because Jane embodies the accomplishments Emma herself aspires to, showing a moment of self-awareness.

• Gossip and Community Life

  Emma's speculations about Jane's attachment to Mr. Dixon and her attempts to extract information about Frank Churchill illustrate the role of gossip and curiosity in Highbury society.

Characters to notice

• Emma Woodhouse

  Emma struggles with her feelings toward Jane Fairfax, alternating between admiration and suspicion, and is frustrated by Jane's reserve.

• Jane Fairfax

  Jane returns to Highbury after two years; Emma notes her elegance and beauty but is put off by her cold, cautious manner and secrecy about Weymouth and Mr. Dixon.

• Mr. Knightley

  Mentioned as having previously told Emma that her dislike of Jane stems from seeing in Jane the accomplished woman Emma wishes to be.

• Frank Churchill

  Jane and Frank were at Weymouth at the same time; Emma tries to learn about him from Jane but gets only vague answers.

• Mr. Dixon

  Emma speculates that Jane may have a secret, unrequited attachment to Mr. Dixon, and that he might have nearly switched his affections from Miss Campbell to Jane.

• Miss Bates

  Jane's aunt, described as tiresome and an eternal talker, whose presence at Hartfield contributes to Emma's renewed irritation.

Key passages

• “Emma could not but feel all this; and then, her face—her features—there was more beauty in them altogether than she had remembered; it was not regular, but it was very pleasing beauty.”

  Emma was struck by Jane's beauty, which was more striking than she recalled, though not classically perfect.

  Emma's reluctant admiration of Jane's appearance marks a shift in her attitude.

• “She was, besides, which was the worst of all, so cold, so cautious! There was no getting at her real opinion. Wrapt up in a cloak of politeness, she seemed determined to hazard nothing.”

  Emma found Jane's reserve and politeness frustrating, as she could not discern Jane's true thoughts or feelings.

  Emma's irritation with Jane's guardedness fuels her renewed prejudice.

• “Mr. Knightley had once told her it was because she saw in her the really accomplished young woman, which she wanted to be thought herself; and though the accusation had been eagerly refuted at the time, there were moments of self-examination in which her conscience could not quite acquit her.”

  Emma recalled Mr. Knightley's suggestion that her dislike of Jane stemmed from jealousy of Jane's genuine accomplishments, a charge she had denied but sometimes felt was true.

  This moment of introspection reveals Emma's inner conflict and potential for growth.