Harriet's Change
~Blog Post #3~
~Blog Post #3~
Topic B
May 1, 2015
by Emily Stahoviak
In Jane Austen's Emma, Harriet Smith's leadership and opinions change throughout her time in Hartfield. Harriet Smith starts off as Emma's follower, asking her for everything and making sure her actions are acceptable in the new society. Harriet is "pretty and good-tempered, but simple minded" and it shows in the choices she makes (35). When a farmer from a lower class, Robert Martin, proposes to her, Harriet immediately turns to Emma to make her decision. Harriet takes Emma's opinion of Robert not being "Harriet's equal," although she doesn't really believe it (56). Although she feels "tender-hearted towards the rejection of Mr. Martin," the persuasion of Emma causes her to decline (52).
Harriet Smith slowly but surely breaks out of her shell and starts to become her own person. Emma continues to set up Mr. Elton and Harriet, as she believes they will make a lovely couple. She sees him as a "handsome and agreeable man considered a welcome addition to any social gathering," which is attractive in her eyes (41). Harriet caves in at first for her friendship, but Mr. Elton eventually reveals that his true love is Emma, which puts Harriet into an uncomfortable situation. Mr. Elton never "thought of Miss Smith in the whole course " of his existence (124). This broken relationship taught Harriet that she made the wrong decision declining Robert Martin and she vows to change her ways.
Harriet continues to slowly transition into her own person when she "runs in" to the Martin family in town. She is ecstatic and eagerly runs to tell Emma about the interaction, maybe having a little hope for a second proposal. Emma sticks to her opinions on the Martin family, but Harriet expresses her own opinions on them despite Emma's. Throughout her experiences, Harriet continues to gain intelligence and figure out what she really wants.
Emily, I agree with you that Harriet Smith changes overtime. I like how you talk about her being a follower to Emma. That is a good way to explain the relationship between the two, although Emma doesn’t really see it that way. The entire time Emma is trying to get Mr. Elton and Harriet to fall in love, but I don’t really think either of them is really for it. Harriet shows it in not wanting to reject Mr. Martin’s proposal. She ends up declining it due to the manipulation of Emma. Mr. Elton shows his unwillingly to Harriet when he actually tells Emma he loves her. Now Harriet is in an awkward situation and she realized what a mistake she has made in declining Mr. Martin’s proposal. I believe that this is the turning point for Harriet as now she will do what she wants and not be influenced by Emma anymore. I also think she will choose to follow her heart and find a way to be with Mr. Martin, her true love.
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