The Proposal
~Blog Post #5~
Topic E
May 15, 2015
By Grace Morabito
Throughout
Jane Austen’s Emma, one special
moment for the main character is during her proposal. Emma Woodhouse is always
the one that has helped others with their love lives and never her own. She
always said she is not ready because she is waiting for the right person. This
scene might come as a shocker to a lot of people too. Mr. Knightley is the one
that expressed his feelings towards Emma. He says he has “blamed her, and lectured her”
throughout their relationship, but “she has borne it as no other woman in
England would have” (403). In this, he is taking credit for all the teasing he
has done to her in the past. He also expresses how no other woman could have
possibly reacted to everything he has done to her. This is a very powerful
compliment because it recognizes the person Emma is and is accepting of
everything she is. Although this proposal was not very dramatic, the two are very
happy together. It is simply done, but the message still is related to her and
now they are to be married. Now, they go to their friends and family to share
the news. Even though they want to be together, but must also get approval from
Emma’s father too. This shows how important and serious marriage is during this
time. This scene is significant because it is most likely not expected
considering how Emma feels at the beginning of the book about marriage. It
seems to be the last thing on her mind at the time, but now, she is ready due
to her feelings for Mr. Knightley. As marriage also being one of the main
themes in the book, it only seems fit for the main character to be involved in
it. The proposal is also a kind of closure for the book because it sees the
future for Emma and what it will entail. This special moment for Emma overall
foreshadows what will be the next chapter of her life.
Grace, I think you did a very nice job with your blog post! This was a very pivotal scene in the book, as marriage was an important theme often discussed. In his proposal, Mr. Knightley finally compliments Emma, which is something he never did throughout the book. The proposal was a big shock in the plot, because Emma always opposed marriage and she and Mr. Knightley always fought with each other. This scene was a good way to transition to the end of the book
ReplyDeleteIt gave readers a glimpse into what Emma's future might be like with Mr. Knightley. At this scene, Emma has finally matured and is okay with the idea of marriage.
ReplyDelete