Emma
by Jane Austen
First published 1815 · English · 427 pages
- Novels
- Historical fiction
- Love and romance
- Family saga
Emma follows Emma Woodhouse, a clever, wealthy and self-assured young woman who lives with her father in the village of Highbury. Having successfully arranged a marriage for her former governess, she decides she has a talent for matchmaking and takes a less fortunate friend, Harriet Smith, under her wing.
Her schemes go awry as she misreads the feelings of those around her, and she must learn to see herself and others more clearly. A gentle comedy of village life, the novel is admired for its subtle narration and for a heroine who is flawed yet endearing.
Quotes
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.
Where shall we see a better daughter, or a kinder sister, or a truer friend?
Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do.
It is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage. A man always imagines a woman to be ready for anybody who asks her.