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

As Emma points out to Harriet there are few men as genteel as Mr. Knightley who treats his tenants with kindness, behaves with absolute propriety in all situations and shows respect to people who are looked down on by others in society, such as Miss Bates. His example challenges Emma, making her want to improve her character by being less impulsive and judging situations with more sense.

The main example of this is at the picnic at Box Hill. Here Emma makes her worst mistake and doesn't live up to Mr.Knightley's expectations of her. Frank Churchill, a lively young man, Mr. Weston's son, suggests that everybody says three things to entertain Emma. Miss Bates admits that that she will probably make very dull remarks and Emma becomes very sarcastic and rude to her to the disgust of the rest of the party. Miss Bates is very upset.

Mr. Knightley is horrified by Emma's treatment of Miss Bates, reminding her that she is disrespected generally because she is poor and an 'old maid'. Emma should set an example by treating Miss Bates with compassion, he points out. Emma, suitably chastened, finds it difficult to forgive herself for her error.

This kind of lecture has given Mr.Knightley his reputation for being a bossy older man who tries to restrict Emma's free spirit. However, this reputation is ill-deserved because Mr. Knightley is only attempting to show Emma how she should behave and point out her errors. Although he is critical and judgmental Emma certainly deserves his lecture and should change her ways. He only gives her the advice that a wise, old friend is entitled to give.

Mr.Knightley's true chivalry is shown by his rescue of Harriet at the dance. Poor Harriet, left alone with no-one to dance with, waits for someone to ask her to dance. Mrs. Weston, Emma's wise former governess, points out to Mr. Elton that Harriet lacks a partner. Mr. Elton, presumptuous and vulgar, rudely refuses to ask Harriet in spiteful revenge of Emma's attempt to match make him with her. Emma and Mrs. Weston are both shocked by his nasty treatment of Harriet, but pleased and proud when Mr. Knightley comes to the rescue, asking Harriet to dance. (This was a lovely scene in the Gwyneth Paltrow movie.)

Mr. Knightley shows by his conduct that he, unlike Mr. Elton, is a true gentleman and Emma admits that there is littleness in Mr. Elton that she had not noticed.

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