# Chapter XXXVIII explained — Emma

> Chapter companion for Emma by Jane Austen.

## What happens

The ball at the Crown commences with Emma arriving early at Mr. Weston's request. Frank Churchill is present, and the evening proceeds pleasantly. Emma observes Mr. Knightley not dancing, which disturbs her, and later notices Mr. Elton's deliberate refusal to dance with Harriet Smith, despite Mrs. Weston's attempts to arrange a partner for her. Mrs. Elton arrives and is introduced to Frank Churchill, whom she praises. Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax arrive, and Miss Bates's incessant chatter fills the room.

## Themes in this chapter

### Matchmaking and Self-Deception

Emma's earlier matchmaking schemes are indirectly reflected in her observation of Mr. Elton's slight to Harriet, highlighting the consequences of her interference.

### Pride and Prejudice (in Judgment)

Emma's critical observations of Mr. Knightley's non-dancing and Mr. Elton's behavior reveal her own pride and prejudiced judgments of others.

### Gossip and Community Life

The ball serves as a microcosm of Highbury society, with characters like Miss Bates engaging in incessant talk and Mrs. Elton asserting her status through commentary.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Woodhouse

Emma arrives early at the Crown with Harriet, observes the ball with enjoyment, is disturbed by Mr. Knightley not dancing, and notices Mr. Elton's slight to Harriet.

### Frank Churchill

Frank is present at the ball, shows restlessness and curiosity about Mrs. Elton, and displays politeness by fetching umbrellas for Miss Bates.

### Mr. Knightley

Mr. Knightley stands among the non-dancers, looking grave; Emma observes his figure and wishes he would dance.

### Mr. Elton

Mr. Elton deliberately avoids dancing with Harriet Smith, sauntering about and engaging in conversation with Mrs. Weston instead.

### Mrs. Elton

Mrs. Elton arrives at the ball, praises Frank Churchill to Mr. Weston, and takes charge of receiving Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax.

### Harriet Smith

Harriet is left without a partner for the last two dances before supper, causing Emma concern.

## Key lines

> Emma must submit to stand second to Mrs. Elton, though she had always considered the ball as peculiarly for her.

Emma reluctantly accepts that Mrs. Elton takes precedence at the ball, even though Emma had thought the event was arranged for her benefit.

_Highlights Emma's sense of entitlement and the social dynamics of precedence._

> She was more disturbed by Mr. Knightley’s not dancing than by anything else.

Emma is more troubled by Mr. Knightley's refusal to dance than by any other aspect of the ball.

_Shows Emma's particular concern for Mr. Knightley's behavior and her underlying feelings._

> He would not ask Harriet to dance if it were possible to be avoided: she was sure he would not—and she was expecting him every moment to escape into the cardroom.

Emma is certain that Mr. Elton will avoid asking Harriet to dance and expects him to retreat to the cardroom.

_Reveals Mr. Elton's continued slight toward Harriet and Emma's awareness of it._

## Links

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