Discussion #4

Emma Discussion #4

-Discussion #4-

April 29, 2015 

Questions by: everyone 

1.      What does Emma’s feelings about telling the news to Harriet show about her change in personality and/or her outlook on Harriet?

Emma is not as confident as before as Harriet has gone up in social stature (Shanon)

She’s showing her up with her reaction to the news, while Emma is embarrassed that she was wrong (Emily)

Emma is jealous of her (Grace)

2.      What leads Emma to believe Harriet is the “superior creature?’’

Emma was wrong, while Harriet was strong in the situation (Shanon)

Harriet took the news strong and was not upset (Emily)

3.      How does Mr. Knightley react to all the talk about Frank? What might this show?

Mr. Knightley shows anger and insults/questions Frank (Emily)

Mr. Knightley likes Emma and is jealous of Frank (Grace)

He is not happy with Emma liking Frank (Shanon)

4.      Why does Emma take Harriet to see Mrs. and Miss Bates?

They go to Mrs. and Miss Bates house for help with Mr. Elton and Harriet (Emily)

They go for advice on what to do about the situation (Grace)

5.      What does Harriet regret most about what happened over the past few weeks?

She feels weird about realizing Mr. Elton does not like her (Shanon)

She feels bad about declining Mr. Martin’s proposal (Emily)

6.      Why does Emma give up matchmaking?

Thought she was perfect but realized she is not (Grace)

She realized she was bad at it and it ruined some of her relationships with others (Shanon)

She failed and failure was something Emma would not do (Emily)

7.      What happens when Harriet receives the bad news about Mr. Elton?

She takes it okay, not very angry (Grace)

She accepts it and lives on (Shanon)

She understands and responds maturely (Emily)

8.      How do Emma and Mr. Knightley have different views during the fight about gender?

Emma thinks that women are treated unfairly (Grace)

Mr. Knightley doesn’t think Frank is worth the wait (Shanon)

Mr. Knightley thinks men should over rule women (Emily)

9.      How do you think this will impact their relationship?

They will get over it because it is just a stupid argument (Grace)

They will become more separated due to their different views (Shanon)

They will be in a fight for a long time (Emily)

10.  Why does the book touch on this topic?

To describe the growing conflict between the two characters (Grace)

To show the different views from back then (Shanon)

Creates a story with drama and lessons (Emily)

Discussion #3

Emma Discussion #3

-Discussion #3-

April 28, 2015 

Note Taker: Shanon Murphy 

Questions by: Grace Morabito

1. What is the point of the riddles? Why do you think Emma started the riddles?

              Emily: -It was a fun game/activity back in this time  -Riddles were used to reveal secrets

              Grace: -The riddle from Mr. Elton foreshadows a proposal   -Emma wants to test Harriet’s skills and wit

               Shanon: -The fact that Harriet cannot solve the riddles shows her lack of cleverness and shows she doesn’t belong with Mr. Elton

2.  How and why does Emma explain she is single?

             Emily: -Harriet asks Emma      -Emma may be waiting for “the best of the best”

             Grace: -Marriage is not for her right now, at this point in her life

             Shanon: -Emma expresses interest towards Frank Churchill (waiting)

3. How do Emma and Mr. Knightley make up?

            Emily: -Mr. Knightley comes over for dinner

            Grace: -They “agree to disagree”

            Shanon: -They learn to accept each other’s differences

4. What’s Mr./Mrs. Knightley’s controversial decision? What could this represent?

            Emily: -Knightleys decide they are going to South end of Beach Resort in the fall instead of visiting the Woodhouses

            Shanon: -This shows the distance between the family and the fact that they are slowly growing apart

5. How is Emma seen differently when she visits the poor?

                 Grace: -gives another side of her personality   -shows her desire to be useful

                 Emily: -the poor family engages her compassion

                 Shanon: -Emma still tries to get Mr. Elton and Harriet together, which shows she still hasn't changed and still has some of her old selfish habits      

6. Who all comes to the Christmas Eve party? Who can’t come? Do you think this is a coincidence?

                      Emily: -The Woodhouses, Mr. Elton, and Knightleys are there  - Emma ditches Harriet

                      Grace: -Harriet is “sick”     - Harriet might just be pretending and doesn't want to come

                     Shanon: -Harriet is uncomfortable in these situations  - Mr. Elton stills goes without Harriet which shows he may not be interested in Harriet

7. What happens during the carriage first ride between Emma and Mr. Elton? How does this make her feel?

            Grace: -Mr. Elton acts very suspicious

            Emily: -Emma starts to notice that Mr. Elton may like her and not Harriet  -symbolizes their relationship

            Shanon: - the ride is awkward and full of tension

8. Who is Frank Churchill to Emma? Why?

            Emily: -Frank is a possible suitor for Emma because of his social status

            Grace: -This is significant as this is one of the first times Emma confesses feelings/interest for a boy

9. What happens between the second time in the carriage ride of Emma and Mr. Elton?

            Shanon: -Mr Elton proposes, and Emma sees the riddle was intended for her

            Grace: -Mr. Elton professes his love for her which makes Emma upset

            Emily: -Emma hopes Mr. Elton is drunk      -the rest of the ride is awkward

10.  Why do you think Mr. Elton does this? How does Emma react?

             Emily: -shows he is more interested in the money      -Emma realizes she has been wrong the whole time

            Shanon: -significant moment for Emma as she realizes for one of the first times in the story she is wrong

11. What do you think will happen if and when Harriet finds out?

                      Grace: -Harriet will be upset because she had just declined Mr. Martin in hopes of a proposal from Mr. Elton

                      Emily: -She will be really mad and confused       -Harriet has relied too much on Emma and now she’s confused that she is wrong

                      Shanon: -Harriet might think Emma purposely tricked her in order to get Mr. Elton for herself  

Shanon Murphy- Blog Post #2

Social Status and Marriage
~Blog Post #2~

Topic A

April 24, 2015

By Shanon Murphy

Throughout Jane Austen’s Emma, marriage is a common theme and controversial topic discussed many times among the characters. As it is today, marriage is a significant event in the characters’ lives, and they spend much of their time looking for potential matches throughout the book. These matches, however, do not have anything to do with romantic feelings for someone. Most of the matches formed or attempted to form have to do with the social status and manners of the other person. For the women in Hartfield and Highbury, marriage is important as it is a way to rise up in social status. Emma notices this fact when she points out how it is “’incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage’” (53). This quote displays an aspect of the theme of social status and marriage that continues to develop throughout the book.

After Harriet declines Mr. Martin’s proposal, a heated debate arises between Mr. Knightley and Emma over the situation. Mr. Knightley is baffled when he hears Harriet says no to Mr. Martin, as he feels “’the advantage of the match’” to be on Harriet’s side (54).  Since Harriet’s true status is unknown, he believes that Harriet would benefit from marrying Mr. Martin, who, in his opinion, is far more clever and smarter than Harriet. Emma disagrees with all that Mr. Knightley says and thinks he is “’unjust to Harriet’” (55). Emma thinks Harriet will have the power to choose among many men as her spouse because of her beauty and manner. Emma believes that Mr. Elton, a very handsome, rich man, will be a much better companion for Harriet, as he is higher up in social status.

This is just a small look into the complications match making and marriage create throughout the book. Without even talking to Harriet or considering if there is any love between her and these men, Emma and Mr. Knightley angrily debate on what Harriet should do. Much of their conversation is based on what one person has to offer the other with social status, such as money, looks, and manners. This statement supports the significant quote above by Emma, in which she points out most women are just looking for a man to boast their popularity, so it would be unheard of for her to deny the chance to be married. The characters barely consider the feelings of the relationship, which is a common theme that continues to make problems throughout the book.  

Grace Morabito - Blog Post #2

Emma and Mr. Knightley Fight

~Blog Post #2~

Topic F

April 24, 2015

By Grace Morabito

In Jane Austen’s Emma, the conversation between Emma and Mr. Knightley shows a lot about the person they are and their views they have. A farmer, Robert Martin, comes to visit Mr. Knightley for advice on his future plans, including marriage. He believes Robert is a great, intelligent man. Mr. Knightley has “no hesitation in advising him to marry” (52). He wants Robert to find a woman with just as much talent as he does. This is why he feels that Harriet is the perfect match. Mr. Knightley believes that it is the quality of the woman that matters the most. On the contrary, Emma feels differently. She advises Harriet to reject the proposal and even helps her write it. Emma feels that Robert is “her inferior as to rank in society” (54). She thinks Harriet deserves someone better like Mr. Elton. Any man would be lucky to have someone as beautiful as Harriet, so that is why she deserves the best. As for Robert, he is just not a gentleman that Harriet should be with. Emma and Mr. Knightley continue to go back and forth about how they feel with the future of Harriet. Emma keeps telling him that she as a friend is just trying to look out for the best interests in Harriet. On the other hand, Mr. Knightley thinks that Emma doesn’t want to lose Harriet because if she marries Robert then she would have to move to his farm. Then this would leave Emma without a person like Harriet to boss around and manipulate with. She would also be failing in her quest to match make Mr. Elton with Harriet. All of these descriptions show how different Emma and Mr. Knightley are as people and their values. Although they are different, this could foreshadow just how opposites attract each other in the idea that the two of them secretly like each other. 

Emily Stahoviak- Blog Post #2

Mr. Knightley's Strong Words

~Blog Post #2~

Topic A

April 24, 2015

by Emily Stahoviak 

  

    In Emma by Jane Austen, Mr. Knightley angrily voices his thoughts saying,  "You have been no friend to Harriet Smith, Emma" (58). Mr. Knightley and Emma are in a quarrel over Harriet declining the proposal by Mr. Martin. Mr. Knightley believes Mr. Martin is an "excellent young man" and that the two would make a great couple (52). Upon the marriage proposal, Harriet looks to Emma as a guide, and ultimately declines the proposal because of her. Mr. Knightley believes that Emma "persuaded her to refuse him," but Emma only thinks it was the right thing to do in this situation (56). Mr. Martin was from a lower class, which makes Harriet look bad in her brand new life at Hartfield. Emma constantly states that Mr. Martin is "a respectable young man, but cannot admit him to be Harriet's equal" and strives to set up Harriet and Mr. Elton (56). 

   Mr. Knightley feels as though Emma is a bad influence for Harriet and they should go their separate ways because they are a destructive pairing. Harriet was "as happy as possible with the Martins in the summer" and Emma ruined her chance at love by being manipulative (58). Mr. Knightley believes that Harriet is going down the wrong path and that she should not feel superior to others because she herself has just entered the Hartfield society. 

    The social status of Mr. Martin should not have been a factor of the proposal, according to Mr. Knightley. Love and companionship should override the social stature of the two. Mr. Knightley didn't even consider the social standings into the proposal, in fact, he only feared "that Mr. Martin could do much better" than Harriet Smith (56).

Discussion #2- Emily note taker

Emma Discussion

~Discussion Post #2~

April 23, 2015

Notes by: Emily Stahoviak

Questions asked by: Shanon Murphy

Question: what does Miss Taylor and Mr. Knightly's discussion about Emma and Harriet's friendship reveal about Emma?

Grace: "I think her the very worst companion Emma ever had" (34).

Shanon: Mr. Knightly thinks she doesn't have the patience and Miss Taylor thinks she needs a companion.

Question: who's opinion do you agree with and why? 

Both: She sees her Harriet as a project, not a loving friend.

Question: why did Emma want to create a portrait of Harriet? 

Shanon: she wants to point out her beauty to Mr. Elton to make her seem beautiful.

Question: why does Mr. Elton show up? 

Both: he compliments Emma's painting skills and thinks she's and thinks she's attractive. He believes that Emma is doing the painting to impress him. 

Question: what does Harriet's reaction to the portrait say about her personality?

Shanon: she was hesitant about it but she wants to be like Emma because she looks up to her. She takes her commands and is a follower of her.

Question: what are the reasons for Harriet declining Mr. Martin's proposal?

Shanon: she was going to accept it at first, after Emma said her opinion. Emma makes fun of his manners, his length of letters, his social status, and how ugly he is. She would also have to move away from Emma if she married him.

Question: what does Harriet's reaction of never seeing Emma again say about their relationship? 

Shanon: she freaked out about leaving her, although they could see each other very easily. They both are kind of "Miss Taylor's" to each other.

Question: do you think Harriet was happy declining Mr. Martin?

Grace: she is too blinded by Emma manipulating her.

Shanon: she does everything for Emma.

Question: what should Harriet have done instead?

Shanon: she should have thought it over more and maybe get someone else's opinion before making a big decision. 

Grace: she should've stood up for herself and done what she wanted. She should make her own opinions instead of taking Emma's. 

Question: what is Mr. Knightley's opinion of Mr. Martin and his proposal?

Shanon: he was very happy about it and approved of it. He thought Harriet and Mr. Martin would make a great match because "no one knows her status" (50).

Predictions for next chapter: 

All: Harriet will regret declining Mr. Martina offer of marriage. Also, Emma will give Mr. Elton the painting of Harriet and continue to force them to love each other.  

Emma Discussion #1

Questions by: Emily Stahoviak

1.     In what ways does the author show Emma’s good and bad qualities?

·      “Pretty, handsome, rich” (1) -Shanon

·      Always gets her way -Emily

·      Author indirectly states that she is spoiled -Grace

·      Her way is what goes -Shanon

2.     Where does Emma live and in what time period?

·      Hartfield -Emily

·      Neighboring village is Highbury -Grace

·      1800s -Shanon

3.     What is the significance of her age?

·      21 years old -Emily

·      Should be mature, but doesn’t always act like it -Grace

4.     Do you find Emma likeable?

·      Tries to help everyone when she doesn’t even know it -Shanon

·      Grew up spoiled and has an annoying personality when she doesn’t even know it -Emily

5.     Why did Miss Taylor getting married have a negative effect on Mr. Woodhouse

·      Nervous -Grace

·      Doesn’t like change because he doesn’t want to get hurt -Shanon

·      Says “Poor Miss Taylor” (5) -Emily

·      Thinks that she is better off living with him because he has a big house and plenty of space -Grace

6.     What role does Mr. Knightley play?

·      Puts Emma in her place -Shanon

·      Teases her often -Emily

·      Points out her flaws -Grace

7.     What kinds of “classes” are represented throughout the book?

·      Emma is part of the upper-class as well as their family/friends like the people at the party -Shanon

·      Middle class people are seen as lower in Emma’s perspective like Mr. Martin the farmer  -Emily

8.     Do you think Emma manipulates people? Who and how?

·      Tries to manipulate anyone she can, sometimes not even realizing she is -Grace

·      Harriet ends up agreeing with whatever Emma says -Shanon

·      Emma convinces Harriet to reject Mr. Martin’s proposal -Emily

9.     Why does Emma take the role of matchmaker?

·      Takes credit for it -Grace

·      Thinks that she is good at it -Shanon

·      Believes she knows who should go with who -Emily

·      Takes focus off of her finding a person to love -Grace

10. Why is marriage talked about so much?

·      One of the main themes -Shanon

·      Has to do with matchmaking which is also a common theme -Emily

·      Emma secretly wants to be married but hasn’t found the man -Grace

·      Was a main focus during this time period -Shanon

11. What predications can you make for the next section of book?

·      Will get Harriet married -Emily

·      Finds a man -Grace

Shanon Murphy- Blog Post #1

Tension between Emma and Mr. Woodhouse

~Blog Post #1~

Topic C

April 17, 2015

By: Shanon Murphy

            In Jane Austen’s Emma, the main character, Emma Woodhouse, is a very confident, stubborn, and educated young woman. Ever since the loss of her mother at a young age, Emma lives with her father and governess, Miss Taylor. After sixteen years with the family, Miss Taylor’s marriage forces her to move out, which creates tension throughout the household as Emma is left alone to live with her father, Mr. Woodhouse. In contrast to Emma, Mr. Woodhouse is a very nervous, doubtful man who is not fond of change. The differences between Emma and Mr. Woodhouse’s personality create conflict in their relationship where Emma often influences her father.

            Marriage is a controversial topic that is often discussed in the Woodhouse household. Mr. Woodhouse strongly disagrees with the idea of marriage, while “the greatest amusement in the world” for Emma is finding matches for people (9). They do not see eye to eye on Miss Taylor’s decisions pertaining to marriage, and an argument arises over whether they should visit her and her husband. The influence Emma has over her father is seen in this conversation as she demands, “we must go and pay our wedding-visit very soon” (6). Emma shows no respect for her father’s opinions and takes advantage of his inability to “suppose that other people could feel differently from himself” (5). He is afraid and does not show his authority over Emma or punish her.

            The tension in  Emma and her father’s relationship grows as the time without Miss Taylor passes. Emma is able to persuade her father on topics he is unsure of. Because she has not been disciplined much, Emma often challenges her father's authority and tries taking control in the relationship. 

Emily Stahoviak- Blog Post #1

Emma and Miss Taylor's Friendship

~Blog Post #1~

Topic C

April 16, 2015

by Emily Stahoviak

The relationship between Emma and her maid, Miss Taylor, changes throughout the first couple of chapters. Emma had lost her mother at a very young age, and didn't really have a mother figure in her life. Miss Taylor, soon to be Mrs. Weston, became a sort of mother-figure for Emma. Although Emma doesn't listen to her as often as she listens to her father, she does turn to Miss Taylor for all sorts of advice. Miss Taylor tends to give Emma good advice as she is a very good role model, but she also loves Emma a bit too much to see her clearly. Since her father "was no companion for her," Emma turns to Miss Taylor for everything (5). Miss Taylor wasn't just her mother figure, but her best friend.
    Unfortunately, the relationship had to come to a hard, depressing end for the best friends. Miss Taylor was getting married to Mr. Weston and moving out of their house. This causes a huge strain in the relationship of Miss Taylor and Emma because Miss Taylor is moving in with her new husband, leaving the Woodhouse family behind. Her father, however, has an even harder time with this change. He doesn't understand marriage and "hates change of any kind" (5). He thinks that Miss Taylor would be way better off at their house and that she was wasting her life away. Emma attempts to comfort her father, saying that they would constantly be visiting with her, but Emma only partially succeeds in comforting herself. She knows that even though she's only moving "a mile and a half away," that she would be starting a new life without her (6). Emma is left without a companion when she moves away.

Grace Morabito- Blog Post #1

Emma's Significance

~Blog post #1~

Topic J

April 17, 2015

by Grace Morabito

In Jane Austen’s novel, Emma, the significance of the title reveals a lot about who the main character is as a person. Emma is the main character of the novel as a young woman in her twenties. One can describe her as being “handsome, clever, and rich” as if living the perfect life (3). She is not humble about it either. She is very proud of who she is and is not afraid to show it. The title represents her name because it focuses on her life story. If the fictional character is to choose the title for the book, it would be her name because that is how her personality is. She is always thinking about herself. Emma is upset that her nanny is resigning due to getting married, but is happy in the case that she brings the two to fall in love. This is significant because it shows how great of a person and helpful she can be. Mr. Knightley is the only man that tells her of her flaws and makes her feel insecure. She tries to pass them away as them come though. She befriends a girl named Harriet because she has potential of the same social class. Mr. Knightley says, “neither of them will do the other any good” (31). This is most likely true as they are so different, but Emma will stop at nothing to prove him wrong. Although Emma is a person that seems to be very self-conscious, she doesn’t show her shallowness at all. She in turn tries to help everyone else with his or her problems through manipulation, which she is best at. The significance of the title reveals to the readers that the book title shows exactly who the book is going to be about and what kind of person she is.