Themes: Gossip and Language

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Gossip is a breach of etiquette and misuse of language that only seems to become apparent when it is disclosed to those being gossiped about. Characters who indulge in gossip are viewed unfavorably by the author, readers, and characters of noble spirit. Frank Church, for instance, gossips about the Eltons marrying after a brief acquaintance as soon as they are out of hearing range. This sets the stage for a conversation about the differences between impulsive and stable marriages. Jane Fairfax responds by suggesting that individuals of strong character distance themselves from any "unfortunate acquaintance," foreshadowing her own decision to break off her engagement and highlighting the differing evaluations of her and Churchill on Austen's character scale. However, there remains a possibility for Churchill's moral improvement as Jane Fairfax's husband.

In contrast, Knightley is a man of few words. His brief critique of Frank Churchill is one of the rare instances he speaks negatively about another person. The playful exchanges at Box Hill, along with the flirtation between Churchill and Emma, disturb Knightley so much that he decides to leave. This incident heightens his awareness of how the language of love can be misused, making it nearly impossible for him to propose to Emma. Ironically, it is learning about Churchill's engagement to Jane, along with a visit to his brother's family, that reminds him of his own feelings for Emma. Ultimately, "perfect happiness" is achieved through a simple wedding between Emma and Knightley. It seems that ceremonies, much like language, must be appropriately restrained to truly express their meaning.

Expert Q&A

Why does Miss Bates in Emma talk excessively?

Miss Bates talks all the time because she is a single older woman with no money of her own, who has fallen from a high social position and has to be nice to everyone to survive. If Emma stops being mean to Miss Bates, others will follow her lead, making Miss Bates' life even more precarious than it already is.

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