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Description
This Jane Austen novel begins with twenty-one-year-old Emma Woodhouse comfortably dominating the social order in the village of Highbury, convinced that she has both the understanding and the right to manage other people’s lives—for their own good, of course. Her well-meant interfering centers... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Summary
The story, set in the countryside of England, revolves around the life of Emma Woodhouse, her father, Mr. Knightley and other residents of Highbury. Emma who takes care of her hypochondriac father, and has decided not to get married herself, likes to meddle in peoples' love lives. One such... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Cast of Characters/Important People
- Emma Woodhouse: Beautiful, high-spirited, intellectual and privileged woman of 21. She lives with her father and enjoys 'matchmaking'.
- Mr. Knightley: Close friend of the Woodhouses and Emma's brother-in-law. He is in his late thirties and lives in Donwell Abbey.
- Mr. Frank Churchill: Mr. Weston's son from his previous marriage, who has lived with his aunt and uncle away from Highbury. Fickle and lives life to the fullest.
- Mrs. Anne Weston: Formerly Anne Taylor, Emma's governess. She is married to Mr. Weston, but still dotes on Emma.
- Mr. Weston: A man who recently fell into wealth, and who married Anne Taylor. His son by his first marriage is Frank Churchill.
- Harriet Smith: A 17 year old of unknown parentage who Emma takes under her wing. She has a tendency to be easily persuaded by others.
- Jane Fairfax: An orphan who's only family -- Mrs and Miss Bates -- lives in Highbury. She is a companion to a wealthy young woman, but returns home to settle into her new life as a prospective governess.
- Miss Bates: A loquacious spinster who is a friend of the Woodhouses. She is Jane Fairfax's aunt.
- Mr. Henry Woodhouse: Emma's father, who is a hypochondriac. Since the passing of his wife, he laments anyone's departing, even for the prospect of marriage.
- Mr. Philip Elton: The young new clergyman in Highbury. He is handsome and ambitious.
- Augusta Elton: Mr. Elton's obnoxious wife. Upon entering Highbury, she seeks to displace Emma as the centre of Highbury society, and patronises Jane Fairfax.
Memorable Quotes
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“Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another!”
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“One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.”
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“Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.”
Setting & Important Places
- Highbury: A small town in the county Surrey in England. It is home to Emma Woodhouse's estate, Hartfield.
First Sentence
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.
Table of Contents
VOLUME I
Chapters 1-18
VOLUME II
Chapters 1-18
VOLUME III
Chapters 1-19
First Edition
Original Language: English
Publisher: John Murray
Country: England
Publication Date: December 1815
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: Add the page count.
Publisher: John Murray
Country: England
Publication Date: December 1815
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: Add the page count.
Classification
- Copyright Status: Public Domain
- Library of Congress: PR4034.E53 E4
- Dewey: 823.7
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