Chapter 1
Right from Mr. Knightley’s visit to the Woodhouse family at the beginning of the novel, the author clearly creates the image of Mr. Knightley as a honest individual who never shies away from the truth. In fact, the assertion that he was one of the few people who could see faults in Emma, is proven true repeatedly during the course of the novel. Further, Mr. Knightley is introduced to the audience as quite forthright, as seen when the author claims that he was the only one who ever told Emma of her shortcomings. Mr. Knightley right from the beginning is willing to tell Emma the truth without any regard for who could be listening, especially evident when he says "Emma knows I never flatter her".
Chapter 3
The friends from whom she had just parted, though very good sort of people, must be doing her harm. They were a family of the name of Martin, whom Emma well knew by character, as renting a large farm of Mr. Knightley, and residing in the parish of Donwell—very creditably she believed—she knew Mr. Knightley thought highly of them—but they must be coarse and unpolished, and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect.
The passage demonstrates that even though Mr. Knightley was an individual with great wealth, he still demonstrated great humility. Despite the fact that Emma thought of the Martin’s as coarse and unpolished, Mr. Kightley held them in very high regard. The discovery of Mr. Knightley’s senior position in society, makes his engagements and pronouncements appear quite humble, as before such revelations, he does not really come across as very special. His ability to relate to people from different classes is also remarkable and testament to his humility and social skills.
Chapter 4
"Mr. Knightley's air is so remarkably good, that it is not fair to compare Mr. Martin with him. You might not see one in a hundred, with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley. But he is not the only gentleman you have been lately used to. What say you to Mr. Weston and Mr. Elton? Compare Mr. Martin with either of them. Compare their manner of carrying themselves; of walking; of speaking; of being silent. You must see the difference."
In this conversation between Harriet and Emma, Mr. Knightley comes across as the yardstick by which society measures an individual’s demeanor and decorum. Both women agree that indeed Mr. Knightley is an admirable character. Further, Harriet’s assessment of Mr. Knightley as a mighty fine gentleman is testament to his humility and ability to get along quite easily with just about anyone.
Chapter 18
"The Churchills are very likely in fault," said Mr. Knightley, coolly; "but I dare say he might come if he would."
"I do not know why you should say so. He wishes exceedingly to come; but his uncle and aunt will not spare him."
"I cannot believe that he has not the power of coming, if he made a point of it. It is too unlikely, for me to believe it without proof."
"I am not supposing him at all an unnatural creature, in suspecting that he may have learnt to be above his connections, and to care very little for anything but his own pleasure, from living with those who have always set him the example of it.
Chapter 18
"Your amiable young man is a very weak young man, if this be the first occasion of his carrying through a resolution to do right against the will of others. It ought to have been a habit with him by this time, of following his duty, instead of consulting expediency. I can allow for the fears of the child, but not of the man. As he became rational, he ought to have roused himself and shaken off all that was unworthy in their authority. He ought to have opposed the first attempt on their side to make him slight his father. Had he begun as he ought, there would have been no difficulty now."
The passage not only depicts Mr. Knightley as jealous, but it also serves as a highlight him as rigid. He seemingly values his own opinion above those of other, implying a skewed sense of self importance, more so when it comes to Emma. The passage actually depicts Mr. Knightley’s inability to perceive his own weaknesses, as he unfairly judges another individual, mainly due to his judgment being clouded by jealousy. Further, Mr. Knightley’s egocentrism is also quite evident from the passage, more so when he hypocritically claims that “I do not want to think ill of him. I should be as ready to acknowledge his merits as any other man.” This smacks of hypocrisy and a lack of amiability on the part of Mr. Knightley, more so because he knows that he is quite incapable of judging Frank’s character objectively. This is even more appalling, due to the fact that he had earlier scolded Emma for the exact same thing.
Chapter 30
Emma, being now certain of her ball, began to adopt as the next vexation Mr. Knightley's provoking indifference about it. Either because he did not dance himself, or because the plan had been formed without his being consulted, he seemed resolved that it should not interest him, determined against its exciting any present curiosity, or affording him any future amusement.
This passage falls amongst the few passages in which Mr. Knightley fails to come across as the perfect gentleman. Still confused about his feelings towards Emma, he actually displays jealousy. This is evident from his refusal to participate in Emma’s organization of the ball, as well as display any emotion whatsoever, a decision that comes across as rude. His evident delight at the fact that Frank Churchill is forced to go back home on account of Mrs. Churchill’s illness.
Chapter 43
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; satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel, and trusting that you will some time or other dome greater justice than you can do now.
Chapter 49
"You speak as if you envied him."
"And I do envy him, Emma. In one respect he is the object of my envy."
Emma could say no more. They seemed to be within half a sentence of Harriet, and her immediate feeling was to avert the subject, if possible. She made her plan; she would speak of something totally different—the children in Brunswick Square; and she only waited for breath to begin, when Mr. Knightley startled her, by saying,
"You will not ask me what is the point of envy.—You are determined, I see, to have no curiosity.—You are wise—but I cannot be wise. Emma, I must tell you what you will not ask, though I may wish it unsaid the next moment."
"Oh! then, don't speak it, don't speak it," she eagerly cried. "Take a little time, consider, do not commit yourself."
"Thank you," said he, in an accent of deep mortification, and not another syllable followed.
Following his return from London, this conversation reveals the metamorphosis of Mr. Knightley. Although he seemed to previously only reveal his affection towards Emma through lectures and reprimands, this conversation is out of character and is the first instance in which he expresses his true feelings. Unlike his previous prudent self, Mr. Knightley comes across as impulsive in the manner with which he expresses his heart’s desires. This passage is quite essential, as it displays Mr. Knightley’s humanity, depicting a departure from the perfection and model of good sense.
Work Cited
Austen, Jane. Emma. 1815. Web.
