In the opening of "Emma," Jane Austen introduces Emma Woodhouse, a young, wealthy woman who has lived a sheltered and content life, primarily guided by her affectionate governess, Miss Taylor. The narrative begins to explore Emma's feelings of loss and solitude after Miss Taylor marries, leaving Emma to grapple with the absence of her close companion and the potential for intellectual isolation.
Excerpt from Emma
by Jane Austen
1
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home
and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence;
and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or
vex her.
2
She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent
father; and had, in consequence of her sister's marriage, been mistress of his
house from a very early period. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have
more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses; and her place had been
supplied by an excellent woman as governess, who had fallen little short of a
mother in affection.
3
Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family, less as a
governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma.
Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had
ceased to hold the nominal1 office of governess, the mildness of her temper had
hardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being now
long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually
attached, and Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming2 Miss Taylor's
judgment, but directed chiefly by her own.
4
The real evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power of having rather
too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these
were the disadvantages which threatened alloy3 to her many enjoyments. The
danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means
rank as misfortunes with her.
5
Sorrow came - a gentle sorrow - but not at all in the shape of any
disagreeable consciousness. - Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor's loss
which first brought grief. It was on the wedding-day of this beloved friend that
Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance. The wedding over, and
the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together, with no
prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep
after dinner, as usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost.
6
The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was
a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant
manners; and there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying,
generous friendship she had always wished and promoted the match; but it was a
black morning's work for her. The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of
every day. She recalled her past kindness - the kindness, the affection of sixteen
years - how she had taught and how she had played with her from five years
old - how she had devoted all her powers to attach and amuse her in health -
and how nursed her through the various illnesses of childhood. A large debt of
gratitude was owing here; but . . . the last seven years, the equal footing and
perfect unreserve which had soon followed Isabella's4 marriage, on their being
left to each other, was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. She had been a friend
and companion such as few possessed: intelligent, well-informed, useful, gentle,
knowing all the ways of the family, interested in all its concerns, and peculiarly
interested in herself, in every pleasure, every scheme of hers - one to whom she
could speak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affection for her as
could never find fault
7
How was she to bear the change? - It was true that her friend was going
only half a mile from them; but Emma was aware that great must be the difference
between a Mrs. Weston, only half a mile from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house;
and with all her advantages, natural and domestic, she was now in great danger
of suffering from intellectual solitude. She dearly loved her father, but he was no
companion for her. He could not meet her in conversation, rational or playful.
8
The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not
married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been
a valetudinarian5 all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older
man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of
his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at
any time.
Write 1-2 sentences to summarize this story.
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