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The brief exchange between Jane and Mrs Elton shines a light on Jane's intelligence (her ironic reference to the situation of a governess in the period) and Mrs Elton's total unawareness in picking up on it - what IS she thinking of by suggesting "a fling at the slave trade" would be something Jane might consider?

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🙄 speaks volumes, haha

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Jul 8Liked by John Halbrooks

Oh John reading this made my morning. What a crack up! Thank you!

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author

Happy that you enjoyed it! More forthcoming...

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founding

Loving this John.

In Chapter 13, Emma is at her self-reflective best, thinking that Harriet would make a better wife than herself because of Harriet's generous character. Emma also continues to condemn Jane for being too cold and reserved.

Emma's appraisal of herself is as being able to recognize generosity of spirit but not to have it herself. She's only half right. She's just so observant of everyone, including herself, that she can't help but be judgmental ("judgy"). And we as readers depend on her for it.

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