Does anyone ever deserve anyone? It's all grace, I think. I would hope that their marriage would grow to be one of equals rather than mentor and mentee. It could be unsatisfying, otherwise!
I think that their marriage will grow in mutual respect, as she can trust him to gently and thoughtfully nudge her in the direction of positive personal growth, which will in turn make her more aware of herself and her role in her relationships. I don’t think their entire marriage would consist of him constantly pointing out her faults and her fixing them.
Of course Emma could fall into the same pitfall in the future- how many times do we succumb to the same faults and failings over and over? But I think the pivotal moment in the book was enough of an eye- opener for both him and Emma to each see the merits of entering into a successful relationship that will lead them to be better partners and better people. Being able to take constructive criticism is very difficult-the book shows what can happen if executed and taken the right way. Nowadays it would be easy for people to say that Mr. Knightley was “mansplaining” to Emma and write off his intentions as something they were not meant to be. It’s hard to hear that we are wrong and so valuable to find someone that will be honest with us and have our best interests at heart! Mr. Knightley is human and of course will enter marriage with his own set of faults, but the book is called “Emma” not “Mr. Knightley.” We were meant to learn her lesson in this book.
Love this! I always think of the big humble apology to Miss Bates as the evidence that Emma has changed - but this is much better proof that she'll actually be different going forward.
Does anyone ever deserve anyone? It's all grace, I think. I would hope that their marriage would grow to be one of equals rather than mentor and mentee. It could be unsatisfying, otherwise!
well put!!
I think that their marriage will grow in mutual respect, as she can trust him to gently and thoughtfully nudge her in the direction of positive personal growth, which will in turn make her more aware of herself and her role in her relationships. I don’t think their entire marriage would consist of him constantly pointing out her faults and her fixing them.
Of course Emma could fall into the same pitfall in the future- how many times do we succumb to the same faults and failings over and over? But I think the pivotal moment in the book was enough of an eye- opener for both him and Emma to each see the merits of entering into a successful relationship that will lead them to be better partners and better people. Being able to take constructive criticism is very difficult-the book shows what can happen if executed and taken the right way. Nowadays it would be easy for people to say that Mr. Knightley was “mansplaining” to Emma and write off his intentions as something they were not meant to be. It’s hard to hear that we are wrong and so valuable to find someone that will be honest with us and have our best interests at heart! Mr. Knightley is human and of course will enter marriage with his own set of faults, but the book is called “Emma” not “Mr. Knightley.” We were meant to learn her lesson in this book.
Great points! I think his virtues will rub off on her and she will continue to mature and grow!
Love this! I always think of the big humble apology to Miss Bates as the evidence that Emma has changed - but this is much better proof that she'll actually be different going forward.
I'm hoping to join the next discussion. Do you know which book you'll discuss next?
Next up: Mansfield Park!