# Chapter XXIII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Emma and Harriet visit the Martins, causing Harriet pain. Emma then encounters Mr. and Mrs. Weston, who announce Frank Churchill's imminent arrival. Frank Churchill visits Hartfield and decides to call on Jane Fairfax.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Emma reflects on the Martins' lower rank and the necessity of separating Harriet from them, despite their deserving nature.

### Matchmaking and Self-Deception

Emma observes Mr. Weston's hopeful glances and her father's blindness to potential matches, while she herself orchestrates social interactions.

### Gossip and Community Life

The community's awareness of Jane Fairfax's reduced circumstances and the expectation that Frank Churchill should call on her promptly.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Accompanies Harriet to the Martins, feels the pain of the separation, and later converses with Mr. and Mrs. Weston and Frank Churchill.

### Harriet Smith

Visits the Martins and is emotionally affected by the encounter, recalling past happiness.

### Mr. Weston

Meets Emma on the road, announces Frank Churchill's arrival, and later accompanies his son to Hartfield.

### Mrs. Weston

Present with Mr. Weston when they meet Emma; described as a pretty young woman by Frank Churchill.

### Frank Churchill

Visits Hartfield, compliments Mrs. Weston, and expresses intention to call on Jane Fairfax.

### Mr. Woodhouse

Oblivious to matchmaking, offers to send a servant to guide Frank Churchill to the Bates' house.

## Key lines

> I had not expected more than a very tolerably well-looking woman of a certain age; I did not know that I was to find a pretty young woman in Mrs. Weston.

Frank Churchill admits he was surprised to find Mrs. Weston so young and attractive.

_Frank's compliment to Mrs. Weston, observed by Emma._

> Happily he was not farther from approving matrimony than from foreseeing it.

Fortunately, Mr. Woodhouse neither anticipates nor approves of marriages.

_Emma's relief that her father is oblivious to potential matches._

> If you do not call early it will be a slight.

Mr. Weston warns Frank that delaying his visit to Jane Fairfax would be seen as disrespectful.

_Social pressure to acknowledge Jane Fairfax despite her reduced circumstances._

## Links

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