Emma Wealth Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

I hope, with all my heart, the young man may be a Weston in merit, and a Churchill in fortune. (5.15)

Again, standards only mean something when a ready example is nearby. Merit and fortune become represented by Weston and Churchill, respectively.

Quote #8

"I know how highly you think of Jane Fairfax," said Emma. Little Henry was in her thoughts, and a mixture of alarm and delicacy made her irresolute what else to say. (33.23)

Emma can’t allow herself to think of Jane as a rival, so she thinks of Mr. Knightley’s marriage as a dis-service to her nephew. Inheriting Donwell Abbey, not marrying Mr. Knightley, becomes the prime concern.

Quote #9

It is remarkable, that Emma, in the many, very many, points of view in which she was now beginning to consider Donwell Abbey, was never struck with any sense of injury to her nephew Henry, whose rights as heir-expectant had formerly been so tenaciously regarded. (51.34)

Austen’s narrator points out the inconsistencies between this and Emma’s earlier positions. Perhaps she isn’t as materialistic as we might have thought!