Chapter XXXIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Mobility

  Mrs. Elton's pretensions and her condescending patronage of Jane Fairfax illustrate the tensions of social climbing and class distinction.

• Matchmaking and Self-Deception

  Emma and Mrs. Weston speculate about Mr. Knightley's feelings for Jane Fairfax, while Mr. Knightley himself denies any romantic interest, showing the theme of misreading intentions.

• Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)

  Emma's strong prejudice against Mrs. Elton and her surprise at Jane Fairfax's choices highlight the theme of hasty judgment and pride.

Characters to notice

• Emma Woodhouse

  Emma maintains her dislike of Mrs. Elton, observes Mrs. Elton's treatment of Harriet, and discusses Mr. Knightley's supposed attachment to Jane Fairfax.

• Mrs. Elton

  Mrs. Elton is self-important and presuming; she grows cold toward Emma and takes a patronizing interest in Jane Fairfax, offering to introduce and assist her.

• Jane Fairfax

  Jane Fairfax is the object of Mrs. Elton's condescending kindness; Emma is surprised she tolerates Mrs. Elton's attentions.

• Mr. Knightley

  Mr. Knightley denies any intention of marrying Jane Fairfax, praises her talents but notes her reserved temper, and discusses the matter with Emma and Mrs. Weston.

• Harriet Smith

  Harriet is treated sneeringly and negligently by Mr. and Mrs. Elton, which Emma hopes will cure her attachment.

• Mrs. Weston

  Mrs. Weston subtly signals Emma during the conversation with Mr. Knightley and later suggests Mr. Knightley might be in denial about his feelings for Jane Fairfax.

Key passages

• “Such as Mrs. Elton appeared to her on this second interview, such she appeared whenever they met again—self-important, presuming, familiar, ignorant, and ill-bred.”

  Emma's first impression of Mrs. Elton as arrogant, intrusive, and unrefined was confirmed in every subsequent meeting.

  Emma's settled opinion of Mrs. Elton's character.

• “Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming, Miss Woodhouse.—I quite rave about Jane Fairfax.—A sweet, interesting creature. So mild and ladylike—and with such talents!”

  Mrs. Elton enthusiastically praises Jane Fairfax's charm, mildness, and musical talent.

  Mrs. Elton's effusive and patronizing admiration for Jane Fairfax.

• “No—till Cole alluded to my supposed attachment, it had never entered my head. I saw Jane Fairfax and conversed with her, with admiration and pleasure always—but with no thought beyond.”

  Mr. Knightley insists he had never considered marrying Jane Fairfax until Mr. Cole hinted at it, and that he only admired her as an acquaintance.

  Mr. Knightley's denial of romantic interest in Jane Fairfax.

• “I say that he is so very much occupied by the idea of not being in love with her, that I should not wonder if it were to end in his being so at last.”

  Mrs. Weston suggests that Mr. Knightley's constant denial of loving Jane Fairfax might actually lead him to fall in love with her.

  Mrs. Weston's playful speculation about Mr. Knightley's true feelings.