Emma by Jane Austen Essay

The comic novel â€Å"Emma† by Jane Austen tells about smooth and roughs of a young lady Emma who is intelligent, but has nothing to do. Actually, the author ironically shows how Emma is trying to change her position in life. Nevertheless, the novel differs fro others Austen’s writings as Emma is financially independent and, therefore, she doesn’t want to marry because of money and better position in society. The author departs from her primary theme as in other works she focuses mostly on the quest for marriage. Therefore, â€Å"Emma† is lighter and more humorous than other writings. Emma is twenty one. She lives with her father who takes too much care of her. Emma’s live is comfortable as she has loving family and money, though she considers her life rather dull and empty. She is presented as determined young lady and throughout the novel we see that she mutedly protests against such life of wealthy lady. She is disappointed as she has no one to love and she is still childless. However, instead of marrying unpleasant man she prefers matchmaking. Firstly, she tries to match her friend Harriet Smith. The novel turns interesting when Frank Churchill arrives with Jane Fairfax. Emma starts thinking that she has to find something to do and to change her dull life. She sees that many young ladies have handsome couple and she tries to fall in love with Frank, but her old friend Mr. Knightly loves her. Harriet thinks that he is in love with her and Emma feels jealousy about that fact. Finally, she understands Mr. Knightly is her true love. When she makes her a proposal to marry him, she agrees. Harriet marries young farmer. Actually, the novel is provided with happy ending. As for me, I enjoy reading Austen’s novels as they raise important theme: to marry a person whom you love or who is wealthy. I think that it is still a matter of debates. Austen’s heroines are vividly shown leading us into new word of adventures, secret engagements and mysteries.