Emma

During vacation I reread Emma by Jane Austen. Emma, printed in 1815, is the story of a privileged young woman who is the mistress of her father’s house. Her mother died when she was young and her companion and governess, Miss Taylor, has recently married and Emma and her father must adjust to her absence. Emma is quick witted and prone to meddle in the lives of others. As the story unfolds, Emma is involved in misinterpreting some romantic situations and is guilty of harmfully manipulating the lives of some her friends. In spite of all this, Emma is an endearing character and learns from her mistakes and matures as the story progresses.

The restrictions placed on women in the 1800s and class structure are very evident throughout the story. Jane Austen is a master of using satire to gently poke fun of the lives and mores of the British upper class during her lifetime.