Emma Syllabus Week 2 Linder

Mon 1/26 Emma, Ch. 15-18 (to end of Vol. I; 17 pp.) Vocab: perverse (81), presumption
(89), incongruity (89), ingenuousness (92), mortification (93), expediency (96). Why are Emma and Mr. Elton both angry and insulted after their exchange in the carriage on the way home from Randalls? In what ways does Emma’s character develop as a result of the “overthrow of all her plans”?

Tues 1/27 Emma, Vol. II, Ch. 1-3 (16 pp.) [19-21] Vocab: solace (98), insidious (102), fondling (noun, 104), recantation (108), diffidence (110). What is Emma’s attitude toward Miss Bates in these chapters? Does her behavior toward her reflect her attitude, or is it more (or less) respectful than her thoughts might suggest? What are some of the reasons Emma doesn’t particularly like Jane Fairfax?

Wed 1/28 Emma, Vol. II, Ch. 4-6 (18 pp.) [22-24] Vocab: mortified (117), pique (118), reproach (119). How does Emma react to the news that Mr. Elton is going to be married? What judgments of his wife-to-be does she make, based on what she’s heard about her? Why do you think Emma anticipates Frank Churchill’s visit so much? What are her impressions of him?

Thurs. 1/29 Emma, Vol. II, Ch. 7-8 (16 pp.) [25-26] Vocab: chaise (132), foppery (132), ostentation (137), languid (149). What do you make of Emma’s attitude toward the Coles’ inviting her and her father to their dinner party? How does this reflect on her, and what does it indicate to you about her? Does the narrator seem to accept her attitudes? To subtly mock them? To critique them? Why does Mr. Knightley call Emma “Nonsensical girl!”? Do you agree with his jibe? Does Emma’s certainty about the origin of the gift of a pianoforte to Jane Fairfax seem founded? What are some of the reasons that the idea of Mr. Knightley marrying Jane perturbs Emma so much? Compare and contrast essay assigned.

Fri 1/30 Book talks and independent reading.