Emma Chapter 6 Summary

Summary

Emma is pleased that her encouragement has made Harriet more conscious of Mr. Elton’s attraction; she believes she has steered Harriet’s fancy successfully and is confident Mr. Elton is on the way to falling in love. Mr. Elton repeatedly praises Harriet’s improvement and applauds Emma’s influence, speaking with an animated tenderness that Emma interprets as the signs of a lover. When Emma suggests making a picture of Harriet, both Mr. Elton and Harriet are quickly enthusiastic, and Emma produces her portfolio of unfinished attempts to choose size and style.

They decide on a whole-length watercolour. During the sittings Mr. Elton hovers and reads aloud to amuse Harriet while Emma draws; his attentions (frequent glances, raptures, eager praise) mark him as an ardent admirer. Emma modestly admits her uneven skill but is pleased with the rapid progress and with how the picture will memorialize Harriet’s beauty and Emma’s talent. Mr. Knightley, Mrs. Weston and Mr. Woodhouse offer various remarks—Mr. Knightley objects to the height, Mrs. Weston praises the expression, and Mr. Woodhouse frets about the sitter being outdoors. Practicalities follow: the picture must be framed in London, and Mr. Elton eagerly volunteers to take it and choose the frame. Emma reflects on his gallantry and suitability, pleased that the commission will bind him to Harriet and reinforce his attachment.

Key events

1. Emma persuades Harriet to allow a portrait to be made
2. Emma shows her portfolio to decide format; they choose a whole-length watercolour
3. Mr. Elton hovers, reads while Harriet sits, and repeatedly praises the likeness
4. The drawing progresses quickly and pleases those who see it
5. Debate over details (height, outdoor setting) among Mr. Knightley, Mrs. Weston, and Mr. Woodhouse
6. Mr. Elton volunteers to take the picture to London and choose the frame

Analysis

This chapter develops social maneuvering and the theme of matchmaking through Emma’s confident intervention. It shows Emma’s desire for influence—she delights in guiding appearances and feelings—and frames her aesthetic activity (drawing) as both a benevolent service to Harriet and a vehicle for social bonding. Mr. Elton’s behavior reads clearly as courtship: his abundant praise, sighing animation, and eagerness to be useful (taking the picture to London) reveal affective investment and public performance of gallantry. The portrait itself functions as a focal object: it crystallizes Emma’s authorship, Harriet’s identity as fashioned by others, and the social consequences of representation (who frames the image, who controls access). Mr. Knightley’s corrective remark about the figure’s height provides the novel’s continuing counterpoint—he tempers Emma’s flattering impulses and introduces a quieter moral realism. Narratively, the chapter slows to show process (sittings, choices, small talk), letting Austen examine manners and the micro-politics of attention. The repeated emphasis on unfinished sketches and Emma’s impulsive, uneven accomplishments underscores her youth and self-deception: she values the effect of being accomplished perhaps more than the labor of it. The volunteer commission to Mr. Elton foreshadows how benign favors can create obligations and shape relationships without explicit declarations.

Important quotes

“I am glad you think I have been useful to her; but Harriet only wanted drawing out, and receiving a few, very few hints.”

Emma WoodhouseEmma modestly describes her role in improving Harriet’s manners while accepting praise from Mr. Elton.

“It was not lost on me. But still I cannot imagine she would not be persuaded.”

Mr. EltonMr. Elton insists Harriet can be persuaded to sit for a portrait, showing his interest and readiness to assist.

Characters in Chapter 6

• Emma Woodhouse
• Harriet Smith
• Mr. Elton
• Mrs. Weston
• Mr. Knightley
• Mr. Woodhouse
• Isabella Knightley
• Mr. John Knightley