Emma: A Timeless Heroine
© Susan Jensen
Speaking of Emma Woodhouse, Jane Austen stated, "I'm going to make a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." It is evident that Austen created a character whom many could relate to and understand. The question then becomes what it is in Emma that readers find so engaging? One web site features a message board on which fans can post their answers to this question. Of course, each reader has their own opinion. But, the answer that seems to pop up the most is this: Emma, along with the characters she interacts with, are multi-dimensional. They all possess qualities which are admirable, amusing, and annoying.
Take Emma, for instance. While she is a beautiful and charming young woman, she is also vain. While she is loving and generous, she manages to offend several people, and convince herself that Frank Churchill is madly in love with her. Her misguided attempts at matchmaking are humorous, but they also show her vanity in that she believes her way is the only way. She is dismayed to find out that she cannot pull everyone's strings as if they were simply puppets at her fingertips.
Mr. Woodhouse is another example. While he is a concerned old man, he is also a hypochondriac. His whining is grating, but his concern for those he loves is evident through his continual worrying. Thus, he is at once a loving old gentleman and a nagging old man.
These multi-dimensional characters are what make Emma such an enduring story. A timeless heroine, Emma continues to find her way into readers' imaginations, hearts, and web sites.
Of interest to Jane Austen fans is a site here.
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