by Kate Rosenberger

Created on: August 12, 2008

Emma Woodhouse is a wealthy young woman in her early twenties. She is the younger of two daughters of a wealthy widower. Since her mother's death, Emma has fallen into the role of caretaker to her father and mistress of their house. At the start of the novel we learn that her governess, Miss Taylor, has just gotten married to a Mr. Weston. Emma's circle of friends includes Mrs. Weston, Harriet Smith and Mr. Knightley who is the brother of Emma's sister's husband. Emma is a goodhearted friend if not slightly arrogant and meddling.

Emma encourages her friend Harriet to pursue a rector by the name of Mr. Elton. In a rather comedic way, she finds ways to thrust the two together. Meanwhile, a farmer by the name of Robert Martin proposes to Harriet. Harriet does not have Emma's looks or fortune but Emma encourages her to decline Mr. Martin and continue to pursue Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley sees what is happening and tries to dissuade Emma from interfering in Harriet's life but she brushes his arguments aside.

At a dinner party we learn about a Mr. Frank Churchill who is Mr. Weston's son from a previous marriage. He is trying to arrange a visit since he has not seen his father since his marriage to Miss Taylor. Though Emma claims that she does not want to marry, she is immediately intrigued by Mr. Churchill.

After the dinner Emma shares a carriage with Mr. Elton. During the ride Mr. Elton professes his love for Emma and proposes marriage. Emma is shocked and horrified. She informs Mr. Elton that she had sought him for Harriet and not herself. He emphatically and disgustedly denies that he has feelings for Harriet. Emma declines him and an angry Mr. Elton leaves for Bath not long thereafter. Emma is left with the sad task of relaying this information to Harriet.

We are next introduced to Miss Bates. She is a sweet but chatty old spinster with very little money. Miss Bates niece, Miss Jane Fairfax, comes to stay with her and Emma takes an immediate dislike to her. Emma sees her as a threat. She too is very pretty and is a more skilled piano player than Emma. We learn from Jane that Mr. Elton has become engaged to a Miss Augusta Hawkins while in Bath.

Frank Churchill finally pays a visit to his father and new stepmother. Mr. and Mrs. Weston try to match Frank and Emma together. Emma begins to believe not only that Frank is in love with her but that she is falling in love with him. He sweeps in and out of town several times over the next few chapters as Emma ponders her feelings

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