Emma Love Quotes

“I certainly must,” said she. “This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to sit down and employ myself, this feeling of every thing’s being dull and insipid about the house! – I must be in love; I should be the oddest creature in the world if I were not – for a few weeks at least.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 30. The charming Frank Churchill has stirred up quite the emotional turmoil in Emma’s heart. It must be love, she believes. But Emma is deceiving herself about having deep feelings for Frank, who is having a secret relationship with Jane Fairfax.

Poor Harriet was in a flutter of spirits which required all the reasonings and soothings and attentions of every kind that Emma could give. Emma felt that she could not do too much for her, that Harriet had a right to all her ingenuity and all her patience; but it was heavy work to be for ever convincing without producing any effect, for ever agreed to, without being able to make their opinions the same. Harriet listened submissively, and said “it was very true – it was just as Miss Woodhouse described – it was not worth while to think about them – and she would not think about them any longer” but no change of subject could avail, and the next half-hour saw her as anxious and restless about the Eltons as before.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 31. Revealed here is Harriet’s emotional pain over Mr. Elton, who will soon arrive in Highbury with his new bride. She is in a state of anxiety and distress. Harriet believed that Mr. Elton was in love with her, a belief encouraged by Emma and her matchmaking efforts. But he broke Harriet’s heart when he rejected her. Feeling guilty over her role in Harriet’s heartbreak, Emma tries desperately to comfort her.

“You, who have been the best friend I ever had in my life – Want gratitude to you! – Nobody is equal to you! – I care for nobody as I do for you! – Oh! Miss Woodhouse, how ungrateful I have been!”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 31. Harriet has deep affection for Emma and believes that she is a superior person, as reflected in this quote when Emma comforts her. She is grateful for Emma’s friendship and thinks of her as flawless and having no equal. This is dramatic irony, since the reader is well aware of Emma’s flaws, including her tendency to misread people.

“Dear Harriet! I would not change you for the clearest-headed, longest-sighted, best judging female breathing. Oh, the coldness of a Jane Fairfax! Harriet is worth a hundred such: and for a wife – a sensible man’s wife – it is invaluable. I mention no names; but happy the man who changes Emma for Harriet!”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 31. Speaking to herself, Emma expresses her love and admiration for Harriet. In her outpouring of affection in these final line of the chapter, she refers to Harriet as worth a hundred Jane Fairfaxes. She would be an excellent wife for a sensible man, Emma believes. Emma’s dislike of Jane prompts her to label her as cold and distant. This is an unfair misreading of Jane’s behavior. Jane’s reserve may arise from her embarrassment of having to seek a governess’s position, she being an orphan with limited means and not rich like Emma. We also later learn that Jane has been secretly engaged to Frank Churchill, another reason she might appear reserved.

“Why really, dear Emma, I say that he is so very much occupied by the idea of not being in love with her, that I should not wonder if it were to end in his being so at last.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 33. Mrs. Weston thinks that Mr. Knightley’s preoccupation with the idea of not being in love with Jane Fairfax is a sign they will end up in love. This is another example of the misperceptions characters in the story have in the face of reality. Mrs. Weston’s statement is also ironic, because Mr. Knightley is hiding his true feelings – but for Emma, not Jane.

Her own attachment had really subsided into a mere nothing; it was not worth thinking of; – but if he, who had undoubtedly been always so much the most in love of the two, were to be returning with the same warmth of sentiment which he had taken away, it would be very distressing.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 37. Emma realizes that her affections for Frank Churchill have faded to the point of insignificance. But she is concerned that when he returns to Hartfield he may still harbor strong romantic feelings for her. It seems to gratify Emma’s vanity to believe that Frank is not only in love with her, but has always been the one more in love. A deluded Emma continues to deceive herself that the charming Frank’s flirtations add up to something deep and meaningful. Ultimately Frank’s true love is Jane Fairfax, as we will learn.

She wished she might be able to keep him from an absolute declaration. That would be so very painful a conclusion of their present acquaintance! – and yet, she could not help rather anticipating something decisive. She felt as if the spring would not pass without bringing a crisis, an event, a something to alter her present composed and tranquil state.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 37. Emma anticipates “something decisive” from Frank Churchill in the way of a declaration of his feelings for her, an event she dreads. With this on her mind, she talks of the “crisis” to come that will change her “composed and tranquil state.” Emma is of course half right. She is under the misperception that Frank, who is secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax, is in love with her. But what will alter her tranquil state is the announcement of that engagement and also Emma and Mr. Knightley admitting their true feelings for each other and getting engaged themselves. These two events are foreshadowed here.

She was more disturbed by Mr. Knightley’s not dancing than by any thing else. – There he was, among the standers-by, where he ought not to be; he ought to be dancing…so young as he looked! – He could not have appeared to greater advantage perhaps anywhere, than where he had placed himself. His tall, firm, upright figure, among the bulky forms and stooping shoulders of the elderly men, was such as Emma felt must draw every body’s eyes; and, excepting her own partner, there was not one among the whole row of young men who could be compared with him. – He moved a few steps nearer, and those few steps were enough to prove in how gentlemanlike a manner, with what natural grace, he must have danced, would he but take the trouble. – Whenever she caught his eye, she forced him to smile; but in general he was looking grave. She wished he could love a ballroom better, and could like Frank Churchill better. – He seemed often observing her. She must not flatter herself that he thought of her dancing, but if he were criticising her behaviour, she did not feel afraid.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 38. As Emma and Mr. Knightley appear to check out one another at the Crown Inn ball, one suspects a lot more going on under the surface. She is dancing with Frank Churchill, but cannot keep her eyes off Mr. Knightley who is among the “standers-by.” She regrets that Knightley is not dancing and becomes aware of him regularly observing her. Her descriptions of him compliment his gracefulness, his handsome figure and his youthful appearance. And whenever their gazes meet, he smiles at her. The non-verbal, body language indicate a deepening bond between them. Revealed here is Emma’s evolving self-awareness of her true feelings for Mr. Knightley, foreshadowing when they will eventually declare their love for each other.

In another moment a happier sight caught her; – Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set! – Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant. She was all pleasure and gratitude, both for Harriet and herself, and longed to be thanking him; and though too distant for speech, her countenance said much, as soon as she could catch his eye again.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 38. Harriet is left without a partner at the Westons’ ball and the one man not dancing Mr. Elton snubs her by refusing to invite her onto the floor. Mr. Knightley graciously comes to the rescue to save her blushes by asking her to dance. One can see Emma’s growing affection for him in her admiring comments, wanting to “catch his eye” and longing “to be thanking him.” Foreshadowed here is the love between Emma and Knightley that they will later in the story acknowledge. We also see the gender limitations on women, who were expected to wait for a man to ask them to dance at a ball.

Such an adventure as this, – a fine young man and a lovely young woman thrown together in such a way, could hardly fail of suggesting certain ideas to the coldest heart and the steadiest brain…It was not possible that the occurrence should not be strongly recommending each to the other.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 39. When Frank Churchill appears with Harriet on his arm, fainting, and Emma learns that he rescued her from thieving gypsies, her imagination goes into overdrive. She sees the potential of a match, believing the drama may ignite a romantic spark between the two.

“But it is a pleasure to me to admire him at a distance – and to think of his infinite superiority to all the rest of the world, with the gratitude, wonder, and veneration, which are so proper, in me especially.”
“I am not at all surprised at you, Harriet. The service he rendered you was enough to warm your heart.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 40. When Harriet speaks of the new man who has won her heart, Emma mistakenly believes she is referring to Frank Churchill. For Emma has been encouraging a match between the two. But, in another example of Emma’s mistaken perceptions, Harriet is thinking of Mr. Knightley. He rescued her from humiliation at the Crown Inn ball by asking her to dance. But Emma on the other hand is thinking of Frank saving Harriet from the Gypsies. The theme is social class is found here, with Harriet describing the man she admires as having “infinite superiority.”

This gallant young man, who seemed to love without feeling, and to recommend himself without complaisance, directly handed over the word to Miss Fairfax, and with a particular degree of sedate civility entreated her to study it. Mr. Knightley’s excessive curiosity to know what this word might be, made him seize every possible moment for darting his eye towards it, and it was not long before he saw it to be Dixon. Jane Fairfax…was evidently displeased; looked up, and seeing herself watched, blushed more deeply than he had ever perceived her, and saying only, “I did not know that proper names were allowed,” pushed away the letters with even an angry spirit.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 41. During a lighthearted word game at Hartfield, Frank Churchill plays a mean trick on his secret fiancée Jane and humiliates her with Emma’s help. After sending Emma the word “Dixon” and her reacting with laughter, Frank places it in before Jane in full view of all. Jane is upset and angry. Dixon refers to the affair Jane was rumored to have had with Mr. Dixon, but for which there is no evidence. This was certainly not Frank’s finest hour, and the irony of describing him as a “gallant young man,” which he certainly wasn’t, says it all.

“I have escaped; and that I should escape, may be a matter of grateful wonder to you and myself. But this does not acquit him, Mrs. Weston; and I must say, that I think him greatly to blame. What right had he to come among us with affection and faith engaged, and with manners so very disengaged? What right had he to endeavour to please, as he certainly did – to distinguish any one young woman with persevering attention, as he certainly did – while he really belonged to another? – How could he tell what mischief he might be doing? – How could he tell that he might not be making me in love with him? – very wrong, very wrong indeed.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 46. When Mrs. Weston delivers the news of Frank Churchill’s secret engagement to Jane Fairfax, Emma is outraged. Not because she herself was carrying a torch for Frank, as Mrs. Weston thought. Rather she is angry at Frank’s deceitful, manipulative and irresponsible behavior. She emphatically condemns it as “very wrong, very wrong indeed.” The flirtatious Frank pretended to be romantically interested in her, while he belonged to another, she complains. Pointing out the harm he could have done, she admits that Frank could have made her fall in love with him. But she appears relieved to have “escaped” that situation. Emma’s anger is further fueled by her embarrassment over having encouraged her friend Harriet’s affections for Frank. This is revealed in the next chapter. The quote also shows Emma’s misjudging and misreading of people, because she believed Frank harbored feelings for her and not Jane.

“It was not Mr. Frank Churchill that I meant…I was thinking of a much more precious circumstance – of Mr. Knightley’s coming and asking me to dance, when Mr. Elton would not stand up with me; and when there was no other partner in the room. That was the kind action; that was the noble benevolence and generosity; that was the service which made me begin to feel how superior he was to every other being upon earth.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 47. It all began with a dance. Harriet reveals to Emma that she loves Mr. Knightley and not Frank Churchill as Emma thought. Harriet fell for him when he danced with her at the Crown Inn ball. Left without a partner after Mr. Elton refused to dance with her, Mr. Knightley gallantly came to Harriet’s rescue.

Emma’s eyes were instantly withdrawn; and she sat silently meditating, in a fixed attitude, for a few minutes. A few minutes were sufficient for making her acquainted with her own heart. A mind like hers, once opening to suspicion, made rapid progress; she touched, she admitted, she acknowledged the whole truth. Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet’s having some hope of a return? It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself!

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 47. Here we have Emma’s awakening when she makes the surprising discovery that she is in love with Mr. Knightley. While she spends most of the story focused on matchmaking for other people, she is remarkably blind to her own desires and romantic feelings. It takes her friend Harriet’s declaration that she has feelings for Mr. Knightley and had hopes to him returning the affection to awaken Emma’s jealousy. It makes Emma realize that Mr. Knightley should marry no one but her. The sheer force and speed of the realization of her feelings for him is emphasized by the hyperbolic metaphor, “It darted through her with the speed of an arrow.” This major turning point in the story is an important moment in Emma’s journey of self-knowledge and growth as a person.

She was most sorrowfully indignant; ashamed of every sensation but the one revealed to her – her affection for Mr. Knightley. – Every other part of her mind was disgusting.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 47. Captured here is Emma’s emotional turmoil when she becomes aware of the depth of her feelings for Mr. Knightley. Her sudden epiphany comes only after Harriet’s confession of love for Mr. Knightley. It has the effect of rousing Emma to a peak of self-analysis and realization that he is the one for her.

“As a friend!” – repeated Mr. Knightley. – “Emma, that I fear is a word – No, I have no wish – Stay, yes, why should I hesitate? – I have gone too far already for concealment. – Emma, I accept your offer – Extraordinary as it may seem, I accept it, and refer myself to you as a friend. – Tell me, then, have I no chance of ever succeeding?” He stopped in his earnestness to look the question, and the expression of his eyes overpowered her.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. When Emma invites Mr. Knightley to speak to her openly as a friend, wrongly thinking he has affections for Harriet, it brings this emotional response from him. It is the beginning of Mr. Knightley’s declaration of love and proposal to Emma. He pleads with her on whether he has no chance of succeeding with her. Overwhelmed by the intensity of his words and gaze, she is rendered speechless, having completely misread him. Mr. Knightley struggling with words, the dashes, the unfinished sentences indicate a nervousness on his part. But they also convey the depth of his passion and sincerity of his affections for Emma.

“My dearest Emma,” said he, “for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour’s conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma – tell me at once. Say ‘No,’ if it is to be said.” – She could really say nothing. – “You are silent,” he cried, with great animation; “absolutely silent! at present I ask no more.” Emma was almost ready to sink under the agitation of this moment. The dread of being awakened from the happiest dream, was perhaps the most prominent feeling.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. Mr. Knightley overcomes his hesitation about sharing his feelings with Emma to declare his love for her. While hoping that she returns his feelings, he is met with a shocked Emma, who is stunned into silence by a mixture of joy and fear. As her “happiest dream” is realized, she is fearful that she might wake up and find that dream destroyed by reality. Mr. Knightley, not realizing Emma is in love with him, is expecting a negative response from her.

“I cannot make speeches, Emma…If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. – You hear nothing but truth from me. – I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it. – Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover. – But you understand me. – Yes, you see, you understand my feelings – and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. The story reaches its romantic climax with Mr. Knightley’s declaration of love and proposal to Emma. His speech features some of the most romantic lines in the novel. A man of action rather than an eloquent master of words, Mr. Knightley is not given to dramatic gestures, verbose speech or ornate language. He has a reputation for being reserved and not openly expressing his feelings. But he overcomes these obstacles to convey his profound and unwavering love for Emma in language that is direct, sincere and honest. Mr. Knightley’s growth as a character is shown as he bares his heart to Emma. He admits his flaws, being an “indifferent lover” and not making his feelings known, while lecturing and blaming Emma on her faults.

While he spoke, Emma’s mind was most busy, and, with all the wonderful velocity of thought, had been able – and yet without losing a word – to catch and comprehend the exact truth of the whole; to see that Harriet’s hopes had been entirely groundless, a mistake, a delusion, as complete a delusion as any of her own – that Harriet was nothing; that she was every thing herself.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. Emma’s misperceptions about a love attachment between Mr. Knightley and Harriet are brought to a joyful conclusion, when she learns it is she and not Harriet he loves. Using hyperbolic language, she declares that Harriet is “nothing” and she is “every thing,” emphasizing that she is the one who has Knightley’s heart. The phrase “the wonderful velocity of thought,” has more hyperbole and personification, as Emma’s mind and thoughts acquire the quality of moving with great speed.

She spoke then, on being so entreated. – What did she say? – Just what she ought, of course. A lady always does. – She said enough to shew there need not be despair – and to invite him to say more himself.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. We are not told directly what Emma says in response to Mr. Knightley’s declaration of love and proposal. Yet we don’t need to hear her words, since the narrator lets us know indirectly that she returns his feelings of affection. Mr. Knightley in his proposal pointed out that the absence of speech can convey the truest feelings. Similarly in Emma’s case, her love is expressed here in simple words and using no ornate language.

Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken; but where, as in this case, though the conduct is mistaken, the feelings are not, it may not be very material. – Mr. Knightley could not impute to Emma a more relenting heart than she possessed, or a heart more disposed to accept of his.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 49. Austen’s remarkable statement, made through the narrator, suggests that misreading and deception are a perfectly normal and natural part of human behavior. What really matters is what’s in the heart, it suggests. The quote follows the novel’s romantic climax when Mr. Knightley declares his love for Emma and she returns his love. It reflects how amid all the imperfect human communication, misperception, misinterpretation and disguises, it is the heart that discloses the complete truth. The chapter ends with Emma and Mr. Knightley betrothed after listened to the language of their hearts.

What totally different feelings did Emma take back into the house from what she had brought out! – she had then been only daring to hope for a little respite of suffering; – she was now in an exquisite flutter of happiness, and such happiness moreover as she believed must still be greater when the flutter should have passed away.

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 50. The opening lines of the chapter give Emma’s reflections after her betrothal to Mr. Knightley. Her emotions have dramatically shifted from tentative hope to overwhelming joy, as Austen draws a picture of Emma in love.
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