Volume 1 Chapter 16 Summary

Snowed in at Hartfield, Emma takes this time to reflect on Mr. Elton's true motives behind his professed love for her. She comes to the conclusion that he must only be interested in her status and will soon find someone else to fixate on.

Emma wonders how she will tell Harriet that Mr. Elton is not in love with her and decides to do her best to completely avoid Mr. Elton.

Volume 1 Chapter 16 Analysis

Emma's character is continuing to grow as she analyzes Mr. Elton and his supposed love for her. Far from being romantic or impressed with this devotion, she is appalled.

Emma is a deviation from the norm of the women in this time period and is clearly a free thinker who is unafraid to state her mind and not marry the first eligible man that proposes.