Emma Part 4
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How does Emma react to Mr. Martin’s unexpected marriage proposal to Harriet?
Welcome
to Jane Austen Stories. I'm Julie Andrews, and from the Noiser Podcast Network, this is Emma, Part 4. Last time, despite Mr. Knightley's disapproval of her relationship with Harriet, Emma was determined to elevate her new friend's standing in society with a match to Mr. Elton. Having carefully arranged for Harriet to sit... and have her likeness painted in the company of the young vicar, Emma was convinced that a love match between the pair was all but certain. But a shock now threatens to upset the whole endeavor in the form of a proposal of marriage from Mr. Martin, whom Emma considers wholly beneath her impressionable young friend. As we rejoin the two young women reading Mr. Martin's letter, how will Harriet respond?
With Mr. Elton already succumbing to Emma's matchmaking, how will our heroine advise the would-be bride? And what does Mr. Knightley, never afraid to let Emma know what he really thinks, make of her influence in this latest development? Now, if you're sitting comfortably, then I'll begin. From the Noiser Podcast Network, this is Emma Part 4. Emma Part 4 Who could have thought it? She was so surprised. She did not know what to do. Yes, quite a proposal of marriage and a very good letter. At least she thought so. And he wrote as if he really loved her very much. But she did not know. And so she was come as fast as she could to ask Miss Woodhouse what she should do. Emma was half ashamed of her friend for seeming so pleased and so doubtful.
Upon my word, she cried, the young man is determined not to lose anything for want of asking. He will connect himself well if he can. Will you read the letter, cried Harriet? Pray do, I'd rather you would. Emma was not sorry to be pressed. She read and was surprised. The style of letter was much above her expectation. There were not merely no grammatical errors, but as a composition, it would not have disgraced a gentleman. The language, though plain, was strong and unaffected, and the sentiments it conveyed very much to the credit of the writer. It was short, but expressed good sense, warm attachment, liberality, propriety, even delicacy of feeling. She paused over it while Harriet stood anxiously watching for her opinion with a, well, well, and was at last forced to add, is it a good letter or is it too short?
Yes, indeed, a very good letter, replied Emma rather slowly. So good a letter, Harriet, that everything considered, I think one of his sisters must have helped him. I can hardly imagine the young man whom I saw talking with you the other day could express himself so well, if left quite to his own powers. And yet it is not the style of a woman. No, certainly it is too strong and concise, not diffuse enough for a woman. No doubt he is a sensible man, and I suppose may have a natural talent for... thinks strongly and clearly. And when he takes a pen in hand, his thoughts naturally find proper words. It is so with some men. Yes, I understand the sort of mind. Vigorous, decided, with sentiments to a certain point, not coarse.
A better written letter, Harriet, said Emma, returning it, than I had expected. Well, said the still waiting Harriet, well, and what shall I do? What shall you do? In what respect? Do you mean with regard to this letter? Yes, replied Harriet. What are you in doubt of? You must answer it, of course, and speedily. Yes, but what shall I say? Oh, dear Miss Woodhouse, do advise me. Oh, no, the letter had much better be all your own. You will express yourself very properly, I'm sure. There is no danger of your not being intelligible, which is the first thing. Your meaning must be unequivocal, no doubts or demurs, and such expressions of gratitude and concern for the pain you are inflicting, as propriety requires, will present themselves unbidden to your mind, I am persuaded.
You need not be prompted to write with the appearance of sorrow, for his disappointment. You think I ought to refuse him, then, said Harriet, looking down. ought to refuse him? My dear Harriet, what do you mean? Are you in any doubt as to that?
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
How does Emma react to Mr. Martin’s unexpected marriage proposal to Harriet?
0:00–7:25
2
What advice does Emma give Harriet about responding to Mr. Martin’s letter?
7:25–20:03
3
How does Mr. Knightley critique Emma’s matchmaking scheme for Harriet?
20:03–33:08
4
Why does Emma argue that Harriet should refuse Mr. Martin despite his respectable status?
33:08–59:06