Study Guide

Emma Chapter Fifty-Five

By Jane Austen

Chapter Fifty-Five

Harriet returns from London.
She and Emma have a rather strained first meeting – but Harriet is too happy to stay angry long.
She marries Robert.
Once her father (a merchant) hears that she’s getting married, he provides a yearly sum for her.
Emma spends a few minutes thinking about what sort of match she once imagined for Mr. Knightley: the illegitimate daughter of a merchant? Really?
Emma and Mr. Knightley had agreed not to get married until Mr. John Knightley and Isabella can come to the wedding (and be with Mr. Woodhouse for the honeymoon).
Unfortunately, Mr. Woodhouse believes that the marriage won’t occur for at least another year or two (or three).
Why rush things?
After all, marriage is marriage. It’s best to put it off as long as possible.
Luckily, a minor disaster occurs.
Someone robs Mrs. Weston’s henhouse.
Mr. Woodhouse, petrified that his home will soon be vandalized, urges Emma to marry at once.
And so she does.
They have a lovely, simple wedding.
Mrs. Elton thinks it’s rather shabby.