“It was badly done, indeed! You, whom she had known from an infant, whom she had seen grow up from a period when her notice was an honour, to have you now, in thoughtless spirits, and the pride of the moment, laugh at her, humble her-and before her niece, too-and before others, many of whom (certainly some,) would be entirely guided by your treatment of her.-This is not pleasant to you, Emma-and it is very far from pleasant to me; but I must, I will,-I will tell you truths while I can.”
Dear Mr. Knightley chastising Emma for her ill treatment of Miss Bates
Emma, volume 3, chapter 7
The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman (May, 2012)
This quote is my favorite in probably all of Austen’s writings. It brings Emma to repentance and is one of the reasons my daughter is named Emma. I took a pad to the movie and took the words down. They are so full of love
to correct her and that is what Love does.
Love your book !
Bonnie