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.