Funny, although I agree that Miss Taylor was much too lenient, I never got the impression that Emma would have gone running to Mr. Woodhouse to complain. I know you don’t like Emma, and she certainly does have her flaws, but I think she was intelligent enough to realize that those correcting her were right, but too headstrong to follow their instruction - this might be because I know this hypothetical person who hypothetically does the same thing, but only hypothetically . Should I add that I like Emma despite her presumption and arrogance? The point being is that Emma was going to do what she wanted, consequences be damned. Again you’re right when you say she might have been less full of herself had she had a firmer upbringing.
I do wonder if Miss Taylor would have had a firmer hand if Emma had actually been dependant on an education. As it was, Miss Taylor knew that Emma would never have to take care of herself, therefore it wasn’t really of any consequence how well she read, drew, played etc. I get the impression of Miss Taylor that she would have had the sense to be firmer with someone who would have to know how to fend for themselves later in life, and woud be reliant on their accomplishments to get through. I also doubt she would have been so lenient with her own children.
I also wonder what exactly Miss Taylor’s status was. I don’t think she was ever referred to as a governess, but she must have been, yes?
Don’t get me started on Mrs. Elton. JA really does understand how to make you hate people!
I do wonder if Miss Taylor would have had a firmer hand if Emma had actually been dependant on an education. As it was, Miss Taylor knew that Emma would never have to take care of herself, therefore it wasn’t really of any consequence how well she read, drew, played etc. I get the impression of Miss Taylor that she would have had the sense to be firmer with someone who would have to know how to fend for themselves later in life, and woud be reliant on their accomplishments to get through. I also doubt she would have been so lenient with her own children.
I also wonder what exactly Miss Taylor’s status was. I don’t think she was ever referred to as a governess, but she must have been, yes?
Don’t get me started on Mrs. Elton. JA really does understand how to make you hate people!
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