An Exquisite Novel
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"Emma" by Jane Austen is easily one of the greatest novels ever written. Simple yet subtley multi-layered, it tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, the daughter of a rich landowner who finds herself living alone with him when her Governess marries and moves out of the family home of Hartfield. As a result, most of the day she is confined to staying in the house and looking after her Father and as there is precious little to do in the evening, finds herself desperate for amusement.
It is revealed very early on in the novel that Emma likes to match people up together and see how things turn out. She is a self proclaimed imaginist, although her playful games sometimes get out of hand, causing problems and hurting those involved. Soon after Miss Taylor - her former Governess - leaves, Emma meets Harriet Smith, a girl of unknown parentage and decides to take the girl under her wing, with hopes of improving her class and chances of finding a good husband. It is in these moments with Harriet that Emma's character is at her most unappealing, often seeming snobbish and rude and shocked that Harriet would be interested in marrying a farmer of all people. However, due to Austen's all seeing narrative, the reader discovers that Emma does not know as much as she thinks she does and that many events are taking place which she is completely unaware of.
Perhaps the first novel which requires a re-read in order to fully appreciate Austen's intricate plot, "Emma" is a wonderful novel. It is filled with Austen's formidable wit and humour but is also a brilliant romance which will enchant its reader. Austen herself felt that no-one but her could like the character of Emma, which may or may not be true, however it is easy to empathise with her, especially on a second reading.
One of my favourite novels, "Emma" is filled with memorable characters, wonderful descriptions of setting, excellent dialogue and a brilliant central heroine. A truly timeless novel with a story which will engross and enchant the reader, "Emma" is a book never to be forgotten.
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Em is a Gem !!??
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This novel - after a little adjustment to the style of writing if not accustomed to Austen - makes a marvellous read ! Emma is feisty, warm, witty and mischievous - but not without fault. One finds oneself caught up in the characterisation of Emma and quickly realise that the themes of pride, perception and prejudice ( Austen's speciality ) run throughout.
The reader really is only meant to see events from Emma's point of view - she is the heroine afterall. Her personality carries this novel - she is amusing, clever and inspiring - she has a good nature, is not too egotistical and is willing to learn from her mistakes.
My fave Jane Austen novel - with bouncy, flowing dialogue, an interesting main character and clever subversive story that does not reveal too much all at once, but allows the reader to indulge in the interraction of characters.
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what a wit
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I am not a huge fan of Austen, and i particularly dont like Pride and Prejudice, purely because of the way all loose ends are completely tied up, but i have to admit I enjoyed Emma a million times more than i expected to.
I found the novel amusing and the more i read, the funnnier it seemed to become, and not just because of Emma's wit, but as much because of Austens determination for Emma to be seen as a flawed, spoilt child. It is the way Austen writes Emma, to make sure that we see how rediculous some of her plans are, and get exhasperated at her for not seeing what is happening around her, that makes the book so enjoyable.
The ending is predictable, but as Emma takes her time realising where she is meant to be and who she is meant to be with (all with silly consequences of course) i still found myself turning the pages and smiling along.
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Dear Porridge, Stir yourself!
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Emma is Austen's masterpiece. Though it is not her most subtle novel, it certainly is her most complete in the sense of it being almost perfect. Not only is it a triumph of the minimal use of time and place, but it succeeds in its main aim of forcing the reader to identify, and sympathise, with a substantially unsympathetic heroine. This is a funny, sexxy and, ultimately thrilling read. P.S. If it is anything else, it is most certainly not a "social commentary" - JA was not in that business.
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tedious
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Although Austen is an accomplished author, 'Emma' is not a particuarly exciting book. Austen writes a decent social commentry but it is dull and is compiled mostly of dreary conversation between characters that adds nothing to the plot of the novel. The plot itself is fairly thin, but somehow she manages to spin it out over 400 pages of tedium.
I am studying this for A level English, but there is not really enough to say about it to write a decent essay. The only thing I can enjoy about it is Austen's subtle use of irony, which provides the only hint of amusement in the book.
Austen is good at what she does - writing comments on her society. However, I don't find this a reasonable basis for praising her: 'Emma' is not entertaining and I am struggling to get through it a second time before my exam.
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