Distortion of Emma's views in Jane Austen's novel
... relationship, both with Mrs. Weston and with Emma herself. Neither are convinced of Emma’s manipulation of the girl. Mr. Knightly draws out particular truths which Emma has not realized because of her personal bias. Because Emma is ‘in the circle’ of the events, so to say, her perceptions are distorted and biased. Mr. Knightly, however, can provide a more objective view on the situation. Harriet herself does not provide an unbiased opinion on her relationship with Emma. This is for two reasons. Firstly, because she is also ‘in the circle’ with Emma, and also because although her temperament is kind and sweet, she is not particularly intelligent – rather more of a ‘follower’ type that would probably not notice any signs of manipulation thrust upon her by Emma. Harriet brings attention to Emma’s misjudgments only by her over-eager acceptance of Emma’s often-ridiculous proposals: “If you prefer Mr. Martin to every other person; if you think him the most agreeable man you have ever been in company with, why should you hesitate?” Another factor that draws the reader into the reality of the distorting mirror is Emma’s innate ability to consider particular facts whilst blocking other things out of her thoughts. This is particularly true in the Harriet/Mr. Elton affair where she considers only actions of Mr. Elton which suit her fantasy of his being in love with Harriet. She interprets all events related to him as being proof of his affections for her friend, instead of realizing the growing obviousness of the truth that the reader can see – Mr. Elton is in fact in love with Emma herself. A particular oversight of Emma’s occurs when Harriet is unable to come to the Weston’s Christmas dinner because of a terrible...