I am an amateur in literature; there are many classics I am still discovering or just beginning to appreciate. But Jane Austen’s Emma captivated me from my first reading it in grad school. This summer my third time through solidified its unique place in my life: just as it formed my approach to courtship years ago it, it has now deepened my understanding of marriage.
I will share three simple things that moved me, trying not to be a spoiler in case you do not know the story. But first a preliminary point: no one in this story is perfect or beyond the need for significant growth. At the same time there are figures with great depth of character and nuance of insight. And what a joy it is to observe them as they struggle and grow.
1. The first thing is that we get a realistic, palpable experience of how a man in love can act with remarkable integrity. Here this especially takes the form of a noble restraint, which is an expression of really seeing and seeking the good of the object of his affection. We know that romantic attraction can be very difficult to navigate with maturity. In this novel we have a stunning but understated portrayal of such a man, with all his struggles and successes.
2. The second is the flipside: a woman who, albeit more obviously in need of growth (she is a bit younger), ultimately shows herself capable of real self-knowledge, repentance, and maturation. Notable turns of phrase, and moments of her coming to insight will at times leave you breathless.
3. The third thing that moves me is the subtle but persistent portrayal of the difference and complementarity of man and woman, and how this difference can be played out with alarming deformation or extraordinary beauty. This is painted with very delicate brush strokes, and so the overall impression sneaks up on you.
I should note that (as my wife has often pointed out to me) reading Jane Austen requires some effort and habituation. Her language and style will be somewhat remote to those who have become accustomed to light fare in reading. But at the same time, it is well within reach of anyone who is willing to perservere in engaging the works of one of the greatest masters of our language. (At Sofia’s Corner, Sofia has written some study questions to aid in the savoring of Jane Austen’s novels.)
Toward the end of the book, when the following words are spoken, there has been much seen and experienced to give nuance, color, and force to this remarkable line:
A man would always wish to give a woman a better home than the one he takes her from; and he who can do it, where there is no doubt of her regard, must, I think, be the happiest of mortals.
Emma is a novel that offers great insight, among other things, into precisely who that man is “who can do it,” and what is involved in his winning and keeping “her regard.” And for this alone, I think it is worth its weight in gold. ~ ~ ~
NEW PODCAST: READING TOGETHER FOR RELATIONSHIP. Reading together might be one of the most underrated and under-practiced activities for spouses, friends, and other close relationships. Sofia and I share our experience and reflect on just how powerful reading together can be in deepening the most important relationships in our life. Find and share all our podcasts HERE.
Our LifeCraft Day in Town (Making Home a Place to Start and End Life) was a great success last Saturday; we look forward to posting the lectures soon!
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
Loved this brief reflection on what is unquestionably (in my mind) Austen’s greatest work.
Personally, I love how this novel, more than Austen’s others, repeatedly emphasizes the importance of community, a topic you have also written quite a bit about. I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but I think a central theme of this novel is that no one (in the novel, primarily Emma) can participate fully in a community life until he or she has learned to show proper respect and care for each person, even when showing such respect feels inconvenient or humiliating. Emma’s journey of maturity, it seems, revolves in large part around her struggle to find her proper place in the community into which she was born. She must learn to use her influence only when and where it is needed, where it will benefit others, not simply for her own gratification, and only then can she begin to find happiness. Even though Austen wrote the novel over 200 years ago, I think the theme of community and its importance in living a fully integrated life remain as applicable as it was in the author’s lifetime.
I couldn’t agree more, Monica. Thank you very much for this comment. Though our communities today do not have the clear lines of distinction and roles, we still (as you so rightly point out) must find our place and play our particular part in serving the common good.
Emma is just terrific. The miniscule follies of the human character are painted with unsparing precision but also great mercy and humour — and hope. And the small town bustle is so endearing! “Although devotion might be interrupted, curiosity could not be satisfied with the sight of a bride in a pew.” Isn’t that just so who we are?
Yes indeed. I found myself underlinging so many remarkable one liners!
Thanks
Very welcome, David.