Jane Austen’s Emma: Mr. George Knightley, the husband of Emma Woodhouse (the heroine and protagonist) chooses Hartfield to be his home after their marriage. The significance of this decision is revealed by their relationship. In Jane Austen novels, married women move from their home to live with their husbands and adopt their husband’s lifestyle. Because of Emma’s anxious and ill father, Mr. Knightley has to make the sacrifice to move his large property to Emma. The decision confirms Emma’s importance in his daily life and his deep love for Emma. It is also in line with their close friendship. This event also reflects Emma’s marital desires, which she expressed to Harriet earlier in the novel. The couple’s unusual living arrangement shows great love. It matches Emma’s character and fits her needs.
Emma and Mr. Knightley married in love. They also gave up some of the prestige they had by moving away from Donwell. Their relationship proves that it is more about emotions than wealth and success. To be with Emma and keep her happy, Mr. Knightley made the huge sacrifice of leaving his magnificent property. Emma is grateful to be married to a man willing to sacrifice his home in exchange for hers. Emma understood that Donwell would have to give up a lot of independence in order to live with Emma. Emma tries to convince Mr. Knightley that the plan should be reconsidered, but he insists “he was completely convinced” (477); Chapter 51. Their love is even more evident when Mrs. Weston mentions that only a few men in the same rank as Emma would have given up Hartfield to make a new home. Who but Mr. Knightley could be so kind as to share their knowledge with Mr. Woodhouse? (434; Chapter 53). While most marriages today are focused on men: their desires, fortunes and connections, Emma Knightley and Knightley’s marriage is primarily about Emma. Or at least on their mutual happiness, comfort, and love. Emma wants to marry Mr. Knightley, and the sacrifices he made are in line with her original desires. Emma can marry Mr. Knightley and enjoy her love and wealth while remaining close to her dad. Emma’s marriage is significant because of the way she behaves as a woman who knows her needs and is able to get it. Emma likes power, attention and a father who is anxious. Harriet learns from Emma the importance and significance of Hartfield. Emma says that she believes few women can be as good a mistress of their husbands’ homes as Hartfield. Emma initially didn’t plan to marry. It was partly because she had a lot of money and social status. She states, however, that only love would tempt her to marry. Emma is now able to enjoy the same power and position that she had always enjoyed in her home. She also has the praises of her father and the affections of Mr. Knightley. This is why Emma believes Hartfield will be a good place for them to live together as a marital couple.
She was able to preserve her present status of power, affluence, happiness, and she also had the added bonus of loving Mr. Knightley. However, this is evidence that Mr. Knightley loves her and provides satisfaction for both characters.
Although Emma’s decision to live at Hartfield rather than Donwell Abbey was a good one and gives her a happy ending, there is more to it than a happy ending. The main meaning of this decision lies in how far it is from Jane Austen’s traditional conventions and propriety for marriage. Emma, as Austen’s heroines, has a happy ending. The story ends with a wonderful marriage. Emma’s story is different because her circumstances and her status remain the same. Her husband, however, has now joined her life. Emma’s story is the same except that she has a changed of last name, and her vows have been changed to make her married. The lives of the supporting characters and Austen heroines do not change. For example, Elizabeth Bennett, Marianne and Elinor move out of their homes in Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. These women become a missus and leave their parents. Emma’s story is one of Donwell’s most powerful. He makes the decision to move in with Emma. Hartfield was Hartfield all her life. She has been the mistress and homekeeper since the deaths her sister and her governess. Emma assumed the role as a male husband, which meant she was responsible for the home, the servants, the household, and her father. In essence, Mr. Knightley takes over her territory and changes their relationship from the Austen novels.
Emma and Mister Knightley could be facing a reverse gender role in terms of class, propriety or wealth, if not for their past relationship. Although Mr. Knightley may seem to be a weak person by giving up his home in order to live with Emma, the women’s and the wives’ homes are more important than the power he holds. The long-lasting friendship he has had with Emma balances the odd exchange. Emma is 16 years older than Mr. Knightley. In the novel, they often reference their well-intentioned criticisms and harsh words about Emma when she behaves in an inappropriate or arrogant manner. Example: Mr. Knightley criticizes Emma for being rude to Miss Bates and tells her to stop. He always looks out for Emma’s best interests and corrects her in all manners. Emma is initially resistant to his words. However, she eventually comes around to accepting them. Emma can adjust her behaviour and maturity by having him control her. This balances any superiority Emma might have in moving into Donwell’s home.
In Jane Austen’s Emma, Mr. George Knightley marries Emma Woodhouse in an unusual and untraditional way. Mr. Knightley makes the decision to leave Donwell Abbey and move to Hartfield to be with Emma, her nervous father, and his lavish estate. This is a unique act of love and sacrifice from Mr. Knightley. Emma and her Dad were touched by the sacrifice made by Mr. Knightley. Emma Woodhouse also appreciates Mr. Knightley for his sacrifice.
Her character is a continuation of Jane Austen’s power, wealth and authority. The only difference is that she now has a best friend, who helps her grow and departs from the traditional husband and wife roles.
