By: Joni Boyd
“Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing; but I have never been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.” ~Jane Austen
Emma Woodhouse has made her first love-match.
The marriage of Mr Weston and Emma’s governess and dearest friend, Miss Taylor is a source of great happiness for the community, and a dreadful moment for the forever worried Mr Woodhouse.
Now believing she has a knack for joining people together, Emma sets her sight on finding a match for her new friend, Harriet Smith.
However, it soon leads to consequences that makes Emma examine her arrogance and selfishness.
A witty, comical novel, Jane Austen writes about a character of whom she thought “no one but myself will much like.”
But ‘Emma’ remains one of her most popular works (after Pride and Prejudice of course) because of its complex and unique characters and sparkling story.
Finding the Christian message in ‘Emma’ is easy.
It showcases the importance of self-reflection and leading a better life.
Throughout the novel, we watch on as Emma transforms to become a better person.
Her initial arrogance and belief she can control and tamper with the lives of those around her leads to Emma striving to become a much better person.
This novel emphasising seeking forgiveness from others and one’s own personal growth.
As I was reading ‘Emma’, I was also reminded of the Bible verse from Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
I feel like this verse captures the message of ‘Emma’ perfectly – reminding us to put others first above ourselves, something Emma learns as the novel progresses.
‘Emma’ truly is a lovely book, and I enjoyed every moment of this novel. If you haven’t read a Jane Austen book, let this be your first.
If you have, let this be another one you read by one of the most famous authors in history.
I give ‘Emma’ 4 stars out of 5.
Happy reading everyone!
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Book Cover Used with Permission
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.
