“I promise you to make none for myself, papa; but I must, indeed, for other people. It is the greatest amusement in the world!”
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 1. This is Emma’s response to her father when he prays that she stops her matchmaking after promoting the marriage of her former governess Miss Taylor to Mr. Weston. It illustrates why Austen’s novel is regarded as such a witty and insightful gem of social satire, critiquing early 19th century English class consciousness and snobbery. Wealthy upper class heroine Emma’s lighthearted view of matchmaking reflects her delightful lack of understanding about the nature of love and human relationships.