MovieChat Forums > Emma (1996) Discussion > Would you be friends with Emma?

Would you be friends with Emma?

posted 17 years ago by wide_eyed15
7 replies | jump to latest

Although I love her, I know many people find her to be a very difficult person. Do you think you would have been friends with her?

[–] weaselfrance 17 years ago

Once she became Mrs Knightley, certainly. But not at the beginning of the novel. Her high handed 'I know best' interfering wouldn't have gone down well with me. Although, to be fair, I don't think Emma would have wanted to be a friend of mine at that stage. I have a mind of my own and would be willing to point out any errors I felt Emma was making. I'm a bit of a John Knightley in that respect (although with a better temper, I hope) and Emma wasn't too keen on her BIL as we know.

The people have appointed me. I am their leader. I must follow them.

[–] wide_eyed15 17 years ago

That's a good point. I think it's interesting to note that Emma's closest friend in the book is Harriet, a woman who is easily led and persuaded to do Emma's bidding. So I guess I would agree with you on that point: I would be friends with Emma Knightley, not with Emma Woodhouse.

[–] Electric_Light_Manatee 17 years ago

This is true, but she is also "best" friends with Mr. Knightley which I suppose shows the better side of her character. I agree though, it would be difficult to get along with such a domineering (albeit gently) personality. That;s one of the things I love about the book (and film) she recognizes and attempts to curtail that part of her character after Mr. K's prodding.

ELM

[–] EricaGrant007 17 years ago

Emma's intentions were usually good but, at the beginning, she was just too meddlesome and judgemental. Once she finally found her own happiness, she would have been a lovely friend.

I wouldn't necessarily believe everything Briony tells you. She's rather fanciful.

[–] original_sinner1978 17 years ago

yes i would have been her friend but would have been very mad at her for saying what she did to poor miss bates... that part makes me feel very very bad for miss bates...

[–] littlekaren 16 years ago

Yes, I would've been pals with her! When I was single, one of my ex-roomies had that wonderful sense of adventure! And like Harriet Smith, I blithely followed. Most exciting times of my life so I heartily endorse those like Emma, who seems to know everyone's business (the original yenta?) and is indirectly looking for true love.

[–] always_keep_fighting 16 years ago

21 is still very young, and Emma had probably led a very sheltered life, so I can see why she'd be spoiled (baby of the family and a very doting father) and used to getting her own way. But she felt great regret after hurting Miss Bates the way she did, so I think this book "caught her" in the middle of a mental growth spurt.
I'd have been her friend, but we'd have had to set things straight at the outset. Oh, and I'd have dragged her to the nearest McDonalds and shoved a few Big Macs down her throat. That girl needed some meat on her bones!! LOL

You are so BAD!!! Come sit next to me.