Chivalrous Knight or Bossy Older Man: Mr.Knightley Part One

Part One

Is Mr.Knightley, the hero of Emma, a bossy older man who tames a free-spirited and independent young girl, or a chivalrous knight who will make an ideal husband? Opinions are divided. However, most women would probably think the latter. I know that I would be pleased to find someone like Mr.Knightley!

When the novel begins Emma is feeling somewhat lost and alone. Her governess and good friend, Mrs. Weston, has just got married. Although Emma is pleased she is stuck with an ageing and irritable father and doesn't know what to do with herself. Emma, who is 'rich, handsome and clever', has no need to work and occupies herself in ladylike pursuits of playing music, painting, archery and socializing. She praises herself on promoting such a good match between Mr. and Mrs. Weston and this gives her ideas.

Mr.Knightley, sixteen years older than Emma, is like a brother to her, always giving her advice and making her see reason. Apart from Mrs. Weston he is the only one who sees through the rather selfish and spoiled young girl. Independent Emma often has conflicts with him for this very reason.

Their main source of conflict in the book is a young orphan, Harriet. Emma makes friends with Harriet who she treats like a little sister, advising her and taking her into society. Harriet looks up to the supremely confident Emma making no decision without her approval. Harriet attracts the attention of a nice, young farmer, Mr. Martin, whose intentions are good. However, Emma sneers at him thinking that he is just a common farmer and Harriet can do better. She looks down on him because of his lowly status in society.

Mr.Knightley points out that Harriet's parents are unknown and this, together with her genteel poverty, will affect her chances of making a good match. He likes Mr. Martin and tells Emma that Harriet is not good enough for the farmer, rather than the other way round! She has no chance at all with Mr. Elton, the minister Emma wants to match Harriet up with, he tells her. Mr. Elton will choose his wife for cold-blooded, sensible reasons and would never marry someone like Harriet, he says.

Emma realizes her mistake when she discovers that Mr. Elton wants to marry her, not Harriet! She admits her guilt and to her credit tries to fix up her error of persuading Harriet not to accept Mr. Martin's proposal. Mr.Knightley's anger at this created a rift between them until Emma saw the error of her ways.

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