Emma · Chapter
Chapter XXII explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Elton returns to Highbury engaged to Augusta Hawkins, a woman of modest fortune and background. Emma reflects on the match with disdain, noting that Miss Hawkins brings no name or blood. Harriet remains pining for Mr. Elton, while Emma tries to manage Harriet's feelings and her acquaintance with the Martin family.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Emma dismisses Miss Hawkins as inferior due to her mercantile background, emphasizing the importance of name and blood over fortune.
Matchmaking and Self-Deception
Emma's earlier matchmaking for Harriet with Mr. Elton has failed, and she now struggles to undo the emotional damage.
Marriage as Social Contract
Mr. Elton's engagement to Augusta Hawkins is portrayed as a transaction of fortune and convenience, with both parties satisfied.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Emma reflects critically on Mr. Elton's engagement and tries to manage Harriet's emotions and social obligations.
- Harriet Smith
Harriet is still in love with Mr. Elton, frequently glimpsing him and hearing about him, and struggles with her feelings.
- Mr. Elton
Mr. Elton returns engaged to Augusta Hawkins, proud and self-satisfied, and dismissive of Emma and Harriet.
- Mrs. Elton
Augusta Hawkins is described as having a modest fortune and background, with no superior name or blood.
- Robert Martin
Robert Martin and his family are mentioned as Harriet considers returning a visit to the Martins.
Key passages
“The charming Augusta Hawkins, in addition to all the usual advantages of perfect beauty and merit, was in possession of an independent fortune, of so many thousands as would always be called ten; a point of some dignity, as well as some convenience.”
Augusta Hawkins is described as having a fortune of about £10,000, which gives her a certain social standing and practical benefit.
This highlights the transactional nature of marriage and the importance of dowry.
“She brought no name, no blood, no alliance. Miss Hawkins was the youngest of the two daughters of a Bristol—merchant, of course, he must be called; but, as the whole of the profits of his mercantile life appeared so very moderate, it was not unfair to guess the dignity of his line of trade had been very moderate also.”
Emma thinks Miss Hawkins has no distinguished family background, being the daughter of a modest Bristol merchant.
Emma's snobbery about class and lineage is evident.