Emma · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Weston informs Mrs. Elton of Frank Churchill's impending visit to Highbury, discussing Mrs. Churchill's health and the family's move to London. The conversation touches on social pretensions, with Mrs. Elton boasting of her brother Mr. Suckling and disparaging upstarts. Later, the party divides for cards, leaving Emma, Mr. Knightley, Mrs. Elton, and Mr. John Knightley together in uneasy silence.
Themes in this chapter
Gossip and Community Life
Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton exchange gossip about Mrs. Churchill's health and the Tupman family, reflecting the community's interest in social standing and personal affairs.
Social Class and Mobility
Mrs. Elton's disdain for the Tupmans as 'upstarts' and Mr. Weston's criticism of Mrs. Churchill's pretensions highlight anxieties about class and lineage.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Weston
Eagerly anticipates Frank Churchill's visit and shares news of the family's move to London.
- Mrs. Elton
Engages in conversation with Mr. Weston, boasting about her brother and defending her sister's refinement.
- Emma Woodhouse
Present during the conversation but remains silent, feeling out of spirits and preferring not to talk.
- Mr. Knightley
Little disposed for conversation during the card party.
- Mr. John Knightley
Proves more talkative than his brother, preparing to leave early the next day.
- Mr. Woodhouse
Sits down to cards with Mr. and Mrs. Weston and Mr. Elton.
Key passages
“I hope I shall soon have the pleasure of introducing my son to you.”
Mr. Weston expresses his anticipation of presenting Frank Churchill to Mrs. Elton.
Sets up Frank Churchill's imminent arrival in Highbury.
“She was nobody when he married her, barely the daughter of a gentleman; but ever since her being turned into a Churchill she has out-Churchill'd them all in high and mighty claims: but in herself, I assure you, she is an upstart.”
Mr. Weston criticizes Mrs. Churchill for her arrogant behavior, noting her low origins before marriage.
Reveals Mr. Weston's resentment and the theme of social climbing.
“I always say a woman cannot have too many resources—and I feel very thankful that I have so many myself as to be quite independent of society.”
Mrs. Elton boasts of her own self-sufficiency and many accomplishments.
Highlights Mrs. Elton's vanity and self-regard.