Even though he truly is above her station in their society.  Later on in the story, it is this same Emma, who upon falling in love with the same man that her arbitrarily dear friend Harriet has affections for coldly says, “Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith!  Such an elevation on her side!  Such a debasement on his!/How Harriet could ever have had the presumption to raise her thoughts to Mr. Knightley!”  (355/356). Her vial comment is of the same girl that she once equated to Mr. Elton’s rank The juxtaposition of Robert Martin and Frank Churchill is a prime example of Emma’s corrupted philosophical outlook on society.  Since Robert is of low status in society, then he is ignorant.  Emma cannot comprehend that he can read or write, yet he can do both, and both rather well.  Still, Emma does not give his character any worth.  However, take Frank, who is of high rank and he can do no wrong.  Upon his first short visit to Highbury, he spends an entire day in London solely to get his haircut (at least that was what everyone thought).