Emma has been one of the most superior works. While the writing and execution of plot is exquisite, people have reservations about the main character Emma Woodhouse. So many readers have found the character obnoxious. Indeed living the story in the head of Emma Woodhouse was rather tiring for me. But even Jane Austen had claimed “no one would like her much except myself”.

She is rich, spoiled and has never had much restraint while growing up as she lost her mother at a very young age and her father had always been of a weak nature. She had a governess Miss Taylor but soon

they become close friends growing up and there goes the last hope of ever disciplining Emma.

Jane Austen portrays her at the top of social hierarchy and Emma continues to abuse her social power to influence people. She treats socialisation as a business and scorns all people below her in the social ladder just for their lack of material things while pretending to be friendly. She treats innocent Harriet

just as a plaything, misguiding her. She makes Harriet reject Mr. Martin’s proposal just because she did not want Harriet associating with a farmer.

Even with her reception of Jane Fairfax, she can’t stand another young woman in the spotlight. She proceeds to create rumours against her. But I feel what particularly incenses us readers are that even at the end Emma does not really faces any consequences and gets everything she desires for as she always had. Emma doesn’t have to face or overcome any serious circumstances, it is just a series of follies she caused due to her own selfishness. So the ending doesn’t feel as sweet as it was supposed to be.