H.S.C. English

Jane Austen, Emma - Study Questions

1. Why is Emma bored in Ch 1, and what dangers does Mr Knightley see in her match-making propensities?

2. Briefly explain the circumstances surrounding Mr Weston and his son.

3. "Those soft blue eyes, and all those natural graces... her leisure and powers." (Ch 3) What aspects of Emma's character does Jane Austen hold up for our inspection in this passage?

4. Comment on Emma's conversation with Harriet in Ch 4. What ironic technique is Jane Austen employing here? What is wrong with Emma's behaviour?

5. What does Mr Knightley think of the relationship between Emma and Harriet? What role does Mr Knightley play in the novel at this point?

6. What signs are there in Ch 6 that Emma herself is the object of Mr Elton's attentions? Why is Emma blind to this?

7. What contrast between Harriet and Emma is suggested by the episode of the letter in Ch 7?

8. What is pointed out by the disagreement between Emma and Mr Knightley in Ch 8? What social and moral values are emphasised in this chapter?

9. Comment on the irony and humour of the situation in Ch 9.

10. How does Emma deceive herself in Ch 10? Who else is she deceiving? What estimate does the form of her behaviour; how does this differ from her own- what "sins" is Emma guilty of besides deception?

11. What principal impression of Emma is conveyed in Ch 11? In what way does this chapter counterbalance the previous one?

12. Why is Emma less than happy with Mr Elton's attitude in Ch 13?

13. Why is it difficult for Frank Churchill to come to Hartfield?

14. "It was a wretched business indeed" (Ch 16). Explain how Emma had deviated from proper standards of social and moral behaviour in her attempts to make a match for Harriet? Where does the humour and justice of Mr Elton's proposing to her lie? How does Emma's view of Mr Elton & of the situation change as a result of this?

15. How does Ch 17 reinforce the contrast between Emma & Harriet? What has been the main cause of Emma's downfall?

16. What is your reaction to Mr Knightley in Ch 18? Is his judgement of Frank fair? If not, why not? Is there any parallel between his attitude here and Emma's behaviour in the preceding chapters?

17. Why does Emma dislike Jane Fairfax? What fault of character is suggested in her attitude to Miss Bates?

18. What news is received at Hartfield in Ch 21?

19. What Hopes does Emma suspect the Westons of having in Ch 23?

20. What is Emma's impression of Frank in Ch 24. Why is Frank "cold" on the subject of Jane Fairfax?

21. What is Frank's real purpose in going to London?

22. Why does Emma at first resent the invitation from the Coles? Why do you think she decides to go?

23. What are Emma's suspicions about Jane Fairfax and Mr Dixon? What prompts them? What is wrong with her behaviour and with Frank's?

24. What is the reason for Frank's "attentions" to Emma?

25. What techniques does Jane Austen employ to "show up" Mrs Elton? How do the Eltons emphasize the point that "bad manners, carried beyond a certain point, are bad morals."

26. "'Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming... in the barouche-landau in some of our exploring parties.'" Comment on Mrs Elton's character as revealed in this extract (Ch 33).

27. Why is Jane so insistent about collecting the mail? (Ch 34).

28. What comment do you think Jane Austen is making about the role & status of women in Ch 35? Why is Mrs Elton's behaviour to Jane so offensive?

29. What piece of news does Mr Weston reveal at the conclusion to the party?

30. What is despicable about Mr Elton's behaviour at the ball (Ch 38)? How does Mr Knightley save the day, and what is the significance of Emma's reaction to this?

31. What happens in Ch 39, and what does the event suggest to Emma's imagination?

32. How do Emma's speculations once again cause her to injure Harriet? (Ch 40)

33. What does Mr Knightley suspect about Jane and Frank; what evidence does he have for this? (Ch 41) Comment on Emma's behaviour in this chapter. What is ironical about her confidence at the end

34. "After being long fed... intellectual stores at present." Comment on the tone of this sentence. (Ch 42)

35. What is Frank Churchill's mood at Donwell Abbey? Why is he like this? What is the real explanation for Jane's action and how does this strike Emma?

36. Why is Emma annoyed with the company at Box Hill? What might explain, even if it does not excuse her remark to Miss Bates? Why is the remark so offensive? What do you think of Emma at this point?

37. What redeeming characteristics does Emma display at the end of the episode?

38. How does she make amends in Ch 44? What news does she learn here of Jane Fairfax?

39. What event of significance occurs in Ch 45?

40. What news do the Westons have for Emma in Ch 46? Why is this news especially disturbing for her?

41. What theme is emphasised, throughout the novel. by Emma's continual discovery of her own mistakes?

42. What additional shock is in store for her from Harriet? What realisation does this force on Emma?

43. In the light of her conduct throughout the novel, do you think Emma deserves her good fortune?

44. Is the conclusion of the novel satisfactory?

45. "Jane Austen never needs to lecture the reader. Her wit and irony allow for full analysis of character and motive, and for a thorough dissection of the enduring values underlying social behaviour." Comment.

46. "Mr Knightley is the novel's 'touchstone' of good conduct." Is this true? what is your assessment of his character and of the role he plays in the novel?