Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination. Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 1. Jane Austen famously referred to Emma as a “heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” Did you find Emma to be a sympathetic character? Did your feelings about her change over the course of the novel? 2. Compare the central love story between Emma and <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/emma/major-character-analysis/#195085">Mr. Knightley</a> to the love stories depicted in other Austen novels such as <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/pride-and-prejudice/summary/?searchId=47ab09d0-d26a-4321-a745-82c1520eab46&amp;searchPosition=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice</a> or <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/persuasion/summary/?searchId=989b8699-5d08-4576-bff3-bddb20400683&amp;searchPosition=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/persuasion-literary-device/">Persuasion</a>.</a> What did you find compelling about Emma and Knightley’s relationship? Did you believe that they would enjoy a happy, long-term relationship?

General Impressions

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 1. Emma has significant privilege and autonomy. Does she make good use of these? In your experience, do individuals with social privilege and wealth typically use this for good or bad? 2. Emma enjoys engaging in matchmaking even though she often causes havoc by doing so. Do you think that matchmaking can be beneficial? When and why might a third party be able to gauge if a couple will be compatible?

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Before You Read

Explore Emma reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Emma

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Overview

Get ready to explore Emma and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Emma Summary and Study Guide

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Volume 1, Chapters 1-18

Emma Volume 1, Chapters 1-18 Summary & Analysis

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Emma Volume 2, Chapters 1-18 Summary & Analysis

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Emma Volume 3, Chapters 1-19 Summary & Analysis

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Emma Character Analysis

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