- Emma experiences several major revelations in the novel that fundamentally change her understanding of herself and those around her. Which two discoveries do you think is most important to Emma’s development as a character in the novel, and why?
- In what ways, if at all, might Emma be considered a feminist novel?
- Frank Churchill and Mr. Knightley represent two different sets of values and two different understandings of manhood. Describe the values that each character represents, and explain how the novel judges these values.
-
- To what extent does the narrator express approval of Emma, and to what extent does the narrator criticize her? Choose a passage from the novel and analyze the sympathy and/or ironic judgment the narrator expresses in relation to Emma her ‘heroine’..
-
- Emma is filled with dialogue in which characters misunderstand each other. Choose a scene from the novel and examine in detail how their miscommunication reveals their character.
-
- Choose two humorous incidents in the novel, and discuss what each reveals about the characters involved.
-
- Emma both questions and upholds traditional class distinctions. What message do you think the novel ultimately conveys about class in England in Austen’s Regency Period?
-
- Emma is clever, but is often wrong about people. She can be kindhearted but capable of inconsiderate behavior. Do you find Emma interesting as a heroine? Why or why not?
-
- How does love transform two of the characters in the novel?
-
- Discuss the importance of setting in the novel.
-
- What is your opinion of Frank Churchill? Cite the test to support your answer.
-
- What do you think of Mr. Elton’s actions after he is refused by Emma?
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 12:18 am and is filed under Jane Austen.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.