Emma
discussion
Let's talk about Mr. Knightley
date
newest »
newest »
I can't put my finger on exactly why, but I think I warmed to him right away at the start of the book. The scene is cozy but a little melancholy between Emma and her father after the wedding of her governess. Then Mr. Knightley walks in and he brings a sense of both attentiveness and vigor to the group. After he and Emma have been arguing, he melts a little at the sight of her holding their shared niece. I get the impression that despite his firm and proper beliefs that he has a real soft spot for her.
Later, the scene where they're walking in the garden, and he can't contain his feelings any longer, is so cathartic. Maybe it's because they're both in such agony at the start. I agree with the 'If I loved you less ...' line because it just feels like such an honest and complete declaration from someone who has accused himself of being an 'indifferent' lover.
From the first moment he was introduced, one of the first few chapters, I sensed something between he and Emma. The way he scolded/criticized was a little like teasing, and there was a dynamic between them that definitely seemed flirtatious. But anyway, he's an amazing character. The way he treats everyone with genuine kindness, and nothing he does is purely for show like many other characters in the book. Also he is probably the only character in the book who really knows Emma (aside from Mrs. Weston) and sees all her flaws, but loves her anyways.
Mr Knightley's authenticity shines through out the book. He is the voice of reason, but not a dry, unemotional voice. His reasoning is driven by kindness, something so rare.
I agree with what everyone else has said! :)
His sincerity and candor, which was never malicious in intent-- his fairness-- his quiet consideration for others (such as Miss Bates, or Jane Fairfax, etc)-- his lack of ostentation-- his willingness to speak difficult truths but again without malice-- his decency-- his steadfastness-- his ability to accept Emma as she was, and with affection, even though he could see her flaws, and even tell her so-- his willingness to accept with real dignity the painful possibility of Emma marrying Frank Churchill-- his honesty and forthrightness-- the fact that he adored Emma even though she exasperated him at times ...It really is hard to put a finger on exactly what is so attractive about Mr. Knightly; I'm just trying to find different words for it. But I have to confess: he's my favorite JA 'leading man', the one that I find most attractive for who he really is.
Mr. Darcy is fine; Captain Wentworth is too in his way; Henry Tilney is entertaining and clever; and even Edmund Bertram has a good-natured kindness and decency beneath his formal stuffiness. But for me, Mr. Knightly is the most admirable and attractive personality of JA's leading men.
He is my favorite Austen's hero
I don't know why exactly , maybe because he knew Emma's faults and still love her so much, he said: "This sweetest and best of all creatures, faultless in spite of all her faults".
and also I love him because of this "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more "