Emma is a novel about youth through self-knowledge. Discuss. Essay

Emma is a novel about youth through self-knowledge. Discuss.The learning processes that argon experienced through youth often leadto greater self-knowledge. This image is readily demonstrated in JaneAustens Emma where the protagonist is set up as an esteemedindividual, living in the comfort and indulgence consequent of thelimitations of her rural society. It is only when Emma opens herselfto forward-looking experiences that she matures from one who lacks self-knowledgeto a fulfilment of self-knowledge. The various events that occurultimately dispute her viewpoint of the world she lives in. Emmasdealings with befriending and matchmaking Harriet and hermisinterpretation of clues given by Mr Elton and Frank Churchill argonevents which lead her to first lose confidence in her idea andwhich later propels her to greater self-knowledge. Mr Knightley is akey figure in her process of change, leading her to a greateracceptance of others viewpoints.At the beginning of Austens novel, Emma Woodhouse is established asthe central character of the novel who suffers from a lack of good belief and awareness of the world she lives in. Austen establishesthis idea through her opening sentence, conveying the idea that Emmais handsome, clever, and rich. The responder is given the impressionthat she thinks rather too well of herself as she has been mistressof his house from a very early period. We are told that she has beenspoiled and indulged by a most affectionate, indulgent father andgoverness whose shadow of authority being now long passed away. Thepraise that Emma receives from Mr Woodhouse, Mrs Weston and MrKnightley is warm quotation of her education and accomplishmentsbut is... ...tain self-knowledge.The various events that occur during the course of the novel developEmma into a rounded individual who possesses a wealth ofself-knowledge. This was not achieved without the aid of newexperiences that penetrated the stability in her life, largely throughthe limitations pr esented by Highbury society. Emmas overconfidencein her own judgement and her misinterpretation of clues given by MrElton and Frank Churchill, are important learning processes in Emmaseducation. With the good judgement of Mr Knightley and her own selfscrutiny, Emma is provided with the impetus to improve on her faults.Her growth to maturity and correct judgement ultimately leads to anattainment of greater self-knowledge. In balance, it can be seenthrough the character of Emma Woodhouse that Emma is blatantly anovel about youth through self-knowledge.