If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more

Most lovers of Austen see themselves in Elizabeth Bennet, the main heroine of Pride and Prejudice and purveyor of witty retorts since 1813. I am no exception. Lizzie is smart, witty, pretty and beloved by one of the most well known characters in modern literature, Mr Darcy. Emma isn’t as instantly likeable as Lizzie but she is completely charming and witty and beloved by all around her. She has been gifted with a wealthy home, good looks and a bright mind, so I can’t really blame her for being overly confident, proud and a little bit insensitive to those around her. That’s where Mr Knightley comes in. He quarrels with her when she is stubborn and thinks she is right, he chastises her when she needs it and because of this, not only does Emma grow as a person, but the pair discover how well suited they are to each other.

Underneath the central romance of the novel, Austen does what she does best, discusses the nature of humanity, society and manners in a way that is engaging and makes the reader question the society around them.

Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken.

To me, this quote is the heart of the novel. The fact that we never truly say exactly what we mean or how our words are taken the wrong way, is at the heart of discourse. Words, like the people speaking them, are never truly infallible.

My favourite version of Emma is definitely the 2009 version with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller. It’s fun, true to the novel and the chemisty between the pair is palpable and if this gif doesn’t convince you of that, I don’t know what will. I searched high and low for it, having seen it once at least five years ago, so you’re welcome.