Final Thoughts

[Kelli]

Loved the youtube live! It was so fun to hear everyone's thoughts about Emma (loved the Character Sorting!).
I was wondering if anyone had any final thoughts that weren't shared in the feed?

One thing that surprised me was how many people disliked that character of Emma! I found her definitely self-absorbed, but I felt her heart was in the right place (or, was trying to be in the right place). I think it's because I love Clueless so much, so I just kept picturing Cher in Emma's place, and Alicia Silverstone played her with so much heart, that even though she was this completely oblivious, meddling, shallow person, you still liked her and knew she genuinely cared for those in her life. I'm curious as to how my opinions might change with the newer movies...

Thanks for organizing this, everyone! It's been a great motivator to read some classic lit that I've been meaning to forever!

[Kristin]

Hello, Kelli! :)

I'm so happy you joined us, and thank you for your insightful comments about mental health in the story! That was so interesting to discuss!

On further reflection, I would say I don't really dislike Emma. When I was closer to her age (and younger, especially) I definitely had some similar tendencies! But I would have to say my love and appreciation of Knightley only grows as days pass from reading this story.

I actually just recently watched the Emma 2020 movie, and I found the movie over-all a little lackluster (I thought it was making fun of the story in a way that I could not respect), but I think Emma is certainly made out to be more lovable in the movie!

SO glad you've joined us, Kelli! :)

[Sara]

Hey, Kelli!
That's so interesting! I definitely enjoyed Emma's character but I think it might have been influenced due to my Clueless shades -- I could only see Cher! Austen writes herself that she wrote Emma as a character she expected no one else to enjoy, which is interesting!

I think that there are many flaws in her character, however, I think that her character actually mirrors qualities that, if we all reflect on, we've all had at some point at another. Like Kristin, I think that my personality was similar to Emma's especially when I think of my younger self. And I think it's a good exercise to self reflect, especially when we see attributes we dislike in others to see if we have those same qualities too. And if so, how can we work on those?

Great discussion topic, Kelli!
<3