Emma And Mr Knightley Relationship example essay topic

It has always been a myth that sun signs describe who you are. Most of the times, it seems unbelievable to accept the fact that the position of the sun and the planets determine the person's character, yet we mostly identify firmly with our signs. The characters from Jane Austen's famous novel, Emma, can be identified with their signs because of their unique personality traits. I believe the protagonist of the novel, Emma Woodhouse, is definitely a Leo. It is stated that "In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality, Leos are the monarch's among humans". This definition is clearly true for Emma for she bears the nobility in her manners and position.

She has a great deal of self confidence, but she also has a great fear of being ridiculed and made to feel disgraced. Though we do not see anyone making fun of her in the novel, she is very much affected by Mr. Knightley upbraiding after she behaves impolitely towards Miss Bates. A Leo is warmhearted, generous, creative, enthusiastic, faithful, ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, independent, self-confident and readily noticed whenever she enters a room. Leos think and act bigger than others would normally dare; "the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism sometimes daunt their supporters". Emma definitely thinks "bigger" than she should, and her imagination is much beyond the realities. She tries to match make Harriet with Mr. Elton, then with Frank Churchill, both who do not have any attachments towards her.

"Leos' faults can be as large in scale as their virtues, and an excessively negative Leonian can be one of the most unpleasant human beings imaginable, displaying extreme arrogance, snobbish superiority, autocratic pride, haughtiness, and excessive hastiness of temper". At the scene with the picnic in Donwell's Abbey, Emma puts Miss Bates down harshly when she begins to chatter continually. Emma's sharp remark shows her cruelty, arrogance, selfishness, pomposity with the most unpleasant manner. Mostly Leos use their powers for doing good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane, and beneficent, yet they do not hesitate to use cunning, lies and trickery to discredit their rivals if they " re jealous. This becomes true for Emma about her feelings towards Jane Fairfax. She has been brought up like a princess, getting the most attention and love.

However, when Miss Bates mentions Jane Fairfax's letter or Mr. Knightley talks about Jane Fairfax's beauty and gentleness, Emma suddenly becomes jealous of her. She doesn't want to accept the fact that Jane is as beautiful as her and have much more superior values than Emma has. She sees herself to be the image of perfection, and she can't bear the others praising Jane Fairfax. Emma also has a passion for luxury and social status, which was normal in her hierarchal society, just like every Leonian.

We can see it in her manners towards Miss Bates, Jane Fairfax, Mr. Martin and Mrs. Elton. She knows she is at the top place in her society, and she was born into fortune. Leos have an artistic side too, as it is seen in Emma's ability in painting and playing piano. They are excellent organizers.

Emma perfectly proves this side of hers when she helps Frank Churchill to organize the ball at the Crown Inn. "Outgoing, spontaneously warm hearted and plain spoken, though never lacking in kindliness, Leos are more disappointed than the average if let down by those they trust. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to favoritism and an exaggerated faith in their followers which too often ends in disappointment". In her relationship with Harriet, this is exactly what happens.

Though she receives certain criticisms from the ones around her about Harriet, she believes in her and decides to help her become social. It is true that she gives wrong decisions about matchmaking Harriet with Mr. Elton and Frank Churchill, that she cannot see Harriet's inferior background and she convinces herself that Harriet becomes from a respectable family. However, it is not only Emma who made the mistakes in this relationship. Harriet, falling in love with three men above her status, proves that she deserved to be unhappy. The disappointment Emma feels when she hears that Harriet has long been in love with Mr. Knightley shows that as a Leo, Emma is not a good judge of characters.

The same disappointment is felt by Emma again when she hears Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax have been engaged for a long time. She once more judged a character and his intentions wrongly, thinking that Frank Churchill has been madly in love with her. Enough with Emma and Leos... Now we have to find a good "match" for her who can teach a Leo that superficiality does not bring greater pleasure than elegance and being in harmony. Guess who can help? Surely, the answer is Mr. Knightley, a perfect Libra".

Librans are often good looking. They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony and the pleasures that these bring". Mr. Knightley certainly has the elegance in his manners, and he is too kind and gentle to be Emma's mentor and moral guide, being 'one of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who ever told her of them'. Like all Libras, Mr. Knightley has good critical ability and is able to "stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them". The Libras "do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval". Doesn't it sound similar?

Mr. Knightley says 'Emma knows I never flatter her... ". ; flattering is something he can never do. He stands as the voice of reason in their society. Although he is in love with Emma, he doesn't stop criticizing her inappropriate manners. He bluntly tells Emma that she had drawn Harriet too tall in her painting, a charge she knows to be true but refuses to acknowledge. Throughout the novel, he points out her lapses, like her neglect of Jane Fairfax and Miss Bates and her cruel treatment to Miss Bates at Box Hill. Just after this incident, Mr. Knightley scolds Emma for being so rude to Miss Bates, a women not only old, widow and not-elegant but most importantly from a lower class.

Mr. Knightley' reprimand shows that he has an "impatience of criticism and a greed for approval". Like all Librans, Mr. Knightley is sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost "psychic extent", of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with his own natural optimism. "Librans are the kind of people of whom it is said, 'They always make you feel better for having been with them. '".

It has been stated that he is the only one who can see behind Emma's actions and feelings; moreover, he's able to bring peace to others with his presence. Mr. Woodhouse likes to have him in his house since he is always agreeable and he understands the needs of the old man. Miss Bates is always in favor of him, and he is the only one behind his old friend when ridiculed by Emma. Throughout the novel, there is no negative comment made on his personality.

Like all Librans, he hates cruelty, viciousness, vulgarity, conflict between people, so he does his best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around him. A Libran's "ideal for his circle and for society as a whole is unity". Mr. Knightley, in his relationships, shows understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise. He wants everyone to be happy and peaceful.

As it can be seen, Leos and Libras complete each other in most ways. The most detrimental problem a Leo faces throughout his life is about "egoism", that Leos think no one is quite as good at things as they are. In this case, being a good judge, a Libra can help to show the Leo the right path. In the same way, a Leo can help when the Libra starts thinking that he is beating himself up over not being able to please another.

The Leo & Libra relationship is usually a mutually fulfilling relationship. Leo is individualistic, proud, and somewhat egotistical, while Libra is more concerned with 'us' rather than 'me'. Libra is more aware of others' needs than Leo is and more willing to accommodate them. In Emma' and Mr. Knightley' relationship, the same things happen. Emma is the spoilt girl, thinking mostly about herself, whereas Mr. Knightley is the caring gentleman who looks after this little girl. Mr. Knightley helps her to see the truths and get away from self-centered ness whereas Emma pushes him to be more social in a happier state of mind.

Seeing the imaginary characters of Jane Austen fitting completely into the characteristics of a special zodiac signs is highly interesting, huh?