STUDY QUESTIONS

1. The subject matter of Emma is marriage. Give reasons in support or against this statement.

2. Distinguish between humor and irony. How does Jane Austen bring out their distinction in the plot of Emma?

3. What are the three stages of the plot of Emma? How are the three stages unified?

4. What picture of the Highbury society does the novel present?

5. What are the women's problems brought into focus by Jane Austen?

6. Would you consider Jane Austen a feminist novelist? State your reasons and justify with examples from the novel.

7. A comedy treats human follies and stupidities in an intellectual manner. Which human follies and stupidities does the plot of Emma point out?

8. The plot also ends as a comedy. Explain how this is accomplished.

9. Is Emma a heroine in the conventional sense? State your reasons supporting or opposing the statement.

10. Examine the double role of Mr. Knightley as an eminently respectable hero and commentator of Emma's failings.

11. Compare and contrast Emma to Jane Fairfax, Harriet, and Augusta Elton.

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