32 Quotes From Emma by Jane Austen – Summary
1. “Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.”
2. “I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.”
3. “One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.”
4. “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
5. “I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.”
6. “It is very unfair to judge anyone’s conduct without an intimate knowledge of their situation.”
7. “To be sure, a disagreeable truth is better than a pleasant lie.”
8. “I cannot make speeches, Emma… If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
9. “A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”
10. “I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him.”
11. “There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves.”
12. “Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief.”
13. “A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of.”
14. “To wish was to hope, and to hope was to expect.”
15. “I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.”
16. “Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives.”
17. “We should not like to part with our heroes, to be sure, but if we must part, it is ridiculous to be crying about it.”
18. “There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do if he chooses, and that is, his duty; not by manoeuvring and finessing, but by vigour and resolution.”
19. “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
20. “Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another!”
21. “A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”
22. “Without music, life would be a blank to me.”
23. “I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.”
24. “One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.”
25. “It is very unfair to judge anyone’s conduct without an intimate knowledge of their situation.”
26. “To be sure, a disagreeable truth is better than a pleasant lie.”
27. “I cannot make speeches, Emma… If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
28. “A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”
29. “I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him.”
30. “There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves.”
31. “Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief.”
32. “A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of.”
These quotes capture some of the wit, humor, and wisdom found in Jane Austen’s “Emma.”
“Emma” by Jane Austen is a classic novel that explores the life and misadventures of its protagonist, Emma Woodhouse. The story is set in the fictional village of Highbury and revolves around the theme of matchmaking, social class, and personal growth.
Summary:
- Introduction of Emma: Emma Woodhouse is introduced as a young, beautiful, and wealthy woman who lives with her father in Highbury. Having successfully matched her friend, Miss Taylor, with Mr. Weston, Emma fancies herself as a skilled matchmaker.
- Matchmaking Misadventures: Emma’s attempts at matchmaking often lead to unintended consequences. She takes Harriet Smith, a lower-class friend, under her wing and tries to find her a suitable match. However, Emma’s interference leads to misunderstandings, heartaches, and social complications.
- Mr. Knightley’s Influence: Mr. George Knightley, a family friend and neighbor, serves as a voice of reason and guidance for Emma. He challenges her assumptions and tries to help her see the consequences of her actions.
- Harriet’s Romantic Entanglements: Emma’s matchmaking involves Harriet in a series of romantic entanglements. The relationships become more complicated as Harriet’s suitors change, leading to a tangled web of emotions.
- Realization and Growth: As the story unfolds, Emma begins to realize the consequences of her actions and starts to understand her own feelings. She experiences personal growth and self-awareness, particularly in her understanding of love and social class.
- Resolution of Relationships: The novel culminates in the resolution of various romantic entanglements, with characters discovering their true feelings and finding appropriate matches. Emma’s own romantic fate becomes a central focus.
- Marriage as a Social Institution: Throughout the novel, Austen subtly critiques the social expectations and norms surrounding marriage. She explores the idea of marrying for love versus marrying for social status and wealth.
- Satire and Social Commentary: “Emma” is known for its satire and keen observation of social manners in early 19th-century England. Austen uses wit and irony to comment on the social hierarchy, manners, and relationships of the time.
- Happy Ending: In true Austen fashion, the novel concludes with a satisfying and happy ending, where characters find love and happiness in a manner consistent with their personal growth and understanding.
“Emma” is a novel rich in character development, social commentary, and humor. It remains a classic work of literature, celebrated for its exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships in a society bound by social conventions.
