# Chapter XXVII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Emma reflects on her visit to the Coles, feeling pleased with her popularity but uneasy about having shared her suspicions of Jane Fairfax's feelings with Frank Churchill and about her own musical inferiority. She accompanies Harriet to Ford's, where they encounter Miss Bates, who rambles about Frank Churchill's helpfulness and Mr. Knightley's generosity with apples. Later, Mrs. Weston and Frank Churchill arrive, and Frank reluctantly joins Mrs. Weston to visit the Bateses while Emma waits for Harriet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Knowledge and Growth

Emma's regret over her musical idleness and her self-criticism about betraying Jane's feelings show her growing self-awareness.

### Gossip and Community Life

Miss Bates's rambling monologue and Harriet's report of the Coxes' gossip illustrate the pervasive role of talk in Highbury society.

### Matchmaking and Self-Deception

Emma's continued interference in Harriet's romantic prospects is evident as she steers Harriet away from the Martins.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Reflects on her visit to the Coles, regrets her musical inferiority and her indiscretion with Frank Churchill; accompanies Harriet to Ford's and interacts with Miss Bates and the Westons.

### Harriet Smith

Accompanies Emma to Ford's, praises Emma's playing, mentions Mr. Martin dining with the Coxes, and deliberates over purchases.

### Miss Bates

Meets Emma and Harriet at Ford's, rambles about Frank Churchill's kindness, Mr. Knightley's apples, and other domestic details.

### Frank Churchill

Walks with Mrs. Weston, expresses reluctance to visit the Bateses, and eventually agrees to accompany her.

### Mrs. Weston

Walks with Frank Churchill, insists he join her in visiting the Bateses to hear the new instrument.

### Jane Fairfax

Mentioned in Emma's reflections and Miss Bates's ramble; her musical skill is compared to Emma's, and she is noted as receiving apples from Mr. Knightley.

## Key lines

> She doubted whether she had not transgressed the duty of woman by woman, in betraying her suspicions of Jane Fairfax’s feelings to Frank Churchill.

Emma wondered if she had broken a code of female loyalty by sharing her guesses about Jane's emotions with Frank.

_Emma's internal conflict about her indiscretion highlights her moral reflection._

> My playing is no more like hers, than a lamp is like sunshine.

Emma compares her own musical skill unfavorably to Jane's, admitting a vast difference.

_Emma's humility about her musical abilities contrasts with her usual confidence._

> They told me—that Mr. Martin dined with them last Saturday.

Harriet hesitantly reports that Robert Martin had dinner with the Cox family.

_Harriet's mention of Mr. Martin stirs Emma's concern about Harriet's potential attachment._

## Links

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