Lastly,
at the end of the book, a point which should exhibit the new self-discovered, metamorphisized Emma,
the reader
witnesses an exchange between Frank and Emma that buffs a shine in this argumentative steel. Frank is apologizing to her for all of his misgivings and deceit. Emma retorts
that it is quite all
right, for in her own damning words, “I think it might have been some amusement to myself in the same
situation.” (408). Emma
has not really changed at all. Indeed,
because of the new
events, primarily her engagement to George, her malicious mischievousness is merely in
hibernation. Throughout
this story, Emma uses her societal system to her advantage.
Her argument against Harriet’s involvement with Robert are grounded in the idea that his status
in the world is beneath
Harriets’; however, paradoxically, Emma wholeheartedly
denies to herself as well as Harriet that Mr. Elton is above her friend’s status.