Emma · Chapter
XXXII explained
Emma and Harriet pay their respects to the newly married Mrs.
What happens
Emma and Harriet pay their respects to the newly married Mrs. Elton. Emma finds her vain, conceited, and underbred, while Mr. Woodhouse offers a mild, polite assessment. Emma reflects on her own feelings and the awkwardness of the visit.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Mrs. Elton's constant references to Maple Grove and her brother-in-law's wealth highlight her preoccupation with social status and her attempt to elevate her own standing.
Matchmaking and Self-Deception
Emma's reflections on Mr. Elton's marriage and her earlier matchmaking schemes for Harriet reveal her continued self-deception about her own judgment.
Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)
Emma's quick and harsh judgment of Mrs. Elton's character demonstrates her own pride and prejudice, as she dismisses the bride as vulgar and underbred.
Characters to notice
- Emma Woodhouse
Visits Mrs. Elton, forms a negative opinion of her as vain and underbred, and reflects on her own feelings about Frank Churchill.
- Harriet Smith
Accompanies Emma to visit Mrs. Elton, behaves well despite the awkwardness, and expresses admiration for the bride.
- Mrs. Elton
Newly married to Mr. Elton; described as vain, conceited, and underbred, with a tendency to compare everything to Maple Grove.
- Mr. Elton
Present during the visit; Emma reflects on his awkward position as a newlywed.
- Mr. Woodhouse
Engages Mr. Elton during the return visit and offers a mild, polite opinion of Mrs. Elton.
- Mr. Knightley
Mentioned by Mrs. Elton as having visited the Westons; she refers to him familiarly as 'Knightley.'
Key passages
“Emma had feelings, less of curiosity than of pride or propriety, to make her resolve on not being the last to pay her respects”
Emma was motivated more by a sense of duty and social standing than by curiosity to visit the new bride promptly.
Shows Emma's concern for social propriety and her desire to avoid being seen as neglectful.
“the quarter of an hour quite convinced her that Mrs. Elton was a vain woman, extremely well satisfied with herself, and thinking much of her own importance”
Emma quickly concluded that Mrs. Elton was conceited and self-important.
Highlights Emma's swift and critical judgment of Mrs. Elton's character.
“Insufferable woman! ... Worse than I had supposed. Absolutely insufferable!”
Emma finds Mrs. Elton unbearable and even worse than she initially thought.
Reveals Emma's strong negative reaction and her disdain for Mrs. Elton's manners.