Journal 1

For my senior study I have decided I will be doing an author study on Jane Austen. The first book I am reading is Emma. So far in the novel, I have been introduced to the main character, Emma Woodhouse. Emma is a very high class young lady who has been blessed her whole life, but has a tendency to think too highly of herself, making her egotistical. Her mother died when she was very young and her governess, Miss Taylor, replaced her in Emma’s life. Miss Taylor has just gotten married to Mr. Weston and has left Hartfield, the Woodhouse estate. Emma and her father were both very sad to see her go. Emma tried to enjoy the company of her father, but he is anti-change and she hasn’t been able to cheer him up. A man named Mr. Knightly shows up for a visit. Emma’s sister, Isabella, is married to Mr. Knightly’s brother. During their conversation, Emma tells him she thinks herself a match maker since she was the one who pushed along the now Mr. and Mrs. Weston’s relationship. Her next goal is to find Mr. Elton a wife. He lives their village.

I am not very far in the novel, only half way through chapter three, but I like it a lot. The plot is moving swiftly. I have already been introduced to many characters. One thing I like best is that all the characters are introduced with more than a name. For almost every character, I was giving a little bit of background on their lives. I wasn’t left guessing at who all the random people were and how they fit into the Woodhouses’ lives. Marriage and love seem to be important themes in the novel so far, which makes sense since it is set in a time period where being married and well of was an important thing in a woman’s life. I’m interested to see if someone will catch Emma’s eye. She seems like the girl who has enough confidence to chase down someone she is interested in. I hope she doesn’t screw things up with her little match making ideas :] I really like the novel so far and I can’t wait to keep reading :D