GeraldineMcClintock wrote:I love all the classic authors and stories but, 'Emma' is one of the best. The character of 'Emma' is flawed like all human beings are. She tries to do her best to help a dear friend but, her attempts are flawed because she's always thinking from her view of the world she lives in and her ideas of what she thinks would be best for her friend, without think of what her friend's desires.
Austen cleverly writer's about the human flaws we all share because, most of us at one time or another tries to help a family member or friend based on what we believe is best for the individual, instead of what the individual thinks what would be best for them. Perhaps that's why 'Emma's' flaws irk us so much.
I think you make a great point on the character of Emma, she is very real and many people have tried to play matchmaker or intervene with the best of intentions not seeing what truly makes their friend happy.
I enjoyed Emma a lot and actually read through it really fast because I enjoyed it so much, it's not my favorite by Austen but I thought it was a great story.
I must say at one point I was confused because reading it I realized I'd experienced this story before and I knew some things that were going to happen. It was about halfway through the book that I realized it was because I've watched the movie Clueless so many times and it's a modern telling of the book Emma. There are obvious differences but the story is still the same. It's possible because I had that basis that it was more enjoyable? I won't ever be sure but I know I have loved everything Austen has written.