Volume 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Emma Woodhouse, as we can see from this first chapter, is a girl who has lived in the lap of luxury most of her life. Her mother died when she was five years old, leaving Emma, her sister Isabella and their father to fend for themselves. After the death of her mother, Miss Taylor is hired on as a governess for the sisters. As the years go by, Miss Taylor and Emma become close friends. After Emma's sister is married, they become even closer. On Miss Taylor's wedding day, Emma realizes that she is being left bereft of this companionship and an intellectual sparring partner.

As the chapter progresses we learn more about Emma's father, a man who seems to be unconcerned with complex thought or bodily movement, content with his state in life. He bitterly regrets Miss Taylor's marriage and...