"Emma" by Jane Austen: Book Discussion from Mr. Knightley's Point of View

Hello All!
Join us for a discussion of Austen's most complex masterpiece, Emma. We will start with some general discussion and observations for those who have not discussed Emma with us before, and then we will dive into some specific topics related to Mr. Knightley's point of view. will consider his general perspectives, ability to read people's true character, and the evolution of his relationship with Emma.

Veteran Janeites and newcomers all welcome!

For a fun fan-fiction read on Mr. Knightley's POV, consider Mr Knightley's Diary by Amanda Grange.

Food for thought questions to guide our discussion:

1. Most of Austen’s heroes have character flaws, or blind spots, that are recognized and overcome throughout the course of the novel. Does Knightley’s story fit this pattern?
   a. What are Knightley’s character flaws?
   b. What personal growth does he show?
2. Mr. Knightley claims he loved Emma from when she was 13. At what point do you think this love became a romantic, actionable feeling for Knightly as opposed to a general familial love?
3. What drives Knightley to criticize Emma and point out her flaws?
4. How is Mr. Knightley similar to his brother John? How is he different?
5. Jane Austen writes many studiers of character, including Knightley: Is Knightly ever wrong in his assessment of the following characters?
   a. Frank Churchill
   b. Jane Fairfax
   c. Mr. Elton
   d. Mrs. Elton
   e. Emma
6. In the argument between Knightley and Emma over Emma’s convincing Harriet to refuse Robert Martin, there is a lot said on both sides about class, proper behavior, marriage, and morals of the time. Emma states, with regard to the mystery of Harriet’s parentage, “She is not to pay for the offense of others by being held below theh level of those with whom she is brought up” and assumes that her father must be a gentleman. Knightley states that “Men of family would not be very fond of connecting themselves with a girl of such obscurity” and then further stating “…Let [Harriet] marry Robert Martin and she is safe, respectable, and happy forever; but if you encourage her to to be satisfied with nothingl ess than a man of consequence and large fortune, she may be a parlor boarder the rest of her life”.

- Overall, is there truth to what each says, or is Mr. Knightley the sole voice of reason in this argument? At what other points in the novel does Mr. Knightley present a voice of reason and criticism to Emma's assertions about other characters?

- What is Jane Austen attempting to say about society at the time?