‘The underlying theme of this novel is the education of Emma Woodhouse’ (R.E. Hughes). Discuss As the protagonist, it seems imperative that Emma must undergo form of metamorphosis, to warrant her dominant part in the book. Strikingly, much comment on Emma by Austen primarily is undeniably pejorative, ‘the real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too …showed first 75 words of 580 total…

…showed last 75 words of 580 total…mutual love which should stimulate two people to join in matrimony. Moreover it seems to be a permanent silencing of Emma; she has accepted her role in society. She now assumes the passive part expected of women and she rejects the role of teacher which she once carved out for her self content to be subservient to Mr Knightly. It is often admitted that education does not finish but it appears that Emma’s has.