How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It is fit that the fortune should be on his side, for I think the merit will be all on hers. (48.13)
Frank and Jane’s marriage is universally seen as an unequal alliance – but not because of money. Ironically, by the end of the novel, the standards for judging marriages seem to have changed.
Quote #8
The pain of his continued residence in Highbury, however, must certainly be lessened by his marriage. Many vain solicitudes would be prevented—many awkwardnesses smoothed by it. A Mrs. Elton would be an excuse for any change of intercourse; former intimacy might sink without remark. It would be almost beginning their life of civility again. (22.8)
Marriage almost remakes Mr. Elton completely. What seems awkward to Emma about their social exchanges changes after he comes back with a wife. Maybe Mr. Woodhouse is right about marriage changing things, after all!
Quote #9
Happily he was not farther from approving matrimony than from foreseeing it.— Though always objecting to every marriage that was arranged, he never suffered beforehand from the apprehension of any; it seemed as if he could not think so ill of any two persons' understanding as to suppose they meant to marry till it were proved against them. (23.35)
For Mr. Woodhouse, marriages never seem planned – a mindset completely unlike his daughter’s!