Yet this frivolous action is not condemned in the
subjective eyes of Miss
Emma. Indeed, she remarks, “I do not
know whether it ought to be
so, but certainly silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.” (194).
In the last few
pages, the reader learns of the future relationship between Harriet and Emma:
“The intimacy between her and Emma must sink; their friendship must change into a calmer sort
of goodwill; and
fortunately, what ought to be, and must be, seemed already beginning, and in the most gradual, natural
manner.” (411). It seems as if Emma has reached a conformity
to her established rules of society. However, it is more likely that Emma would rather keep Harriet away from her
once confessed love Mr. Knightley, who was now Emma’s
husband. Although
the book is not written entirely from Emma’s point of view, still, Miss Austen allots enough
perspective from Emma’s inner
thoughts for the reader to draw a definite conclusion on whether or not Emma Woodhouse actually
has discovered
anything about herself.
