Mr. Elton: From Aspiring Vicar to Complacent Husband

Mr. Elton's trajectory from a seemingly amiable vicar to a proud and resentful man.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Amiable Vicar

The Amiable Vicar A Pleasant Young Man Mr. Elton is handsome, cheerful, and well-liked in Highbury. He has a comfortable living and is considered a good match. Emma's Project Emma decides that Mr. Elton would be perfect for Harriet, unaware that he has ambitions of his own.

Rejection by Emma

Rejection by Emma A Bold Proposal Mr. Elton declares his love for Emma, believing she has encouraged him. She refuses him bluntly. Humiliation and Anger Mr. Elton is mortified and angry. He leaves Highbury shortly after, feeling insulted.

Rapid Engagement

Rapid Engagement A Fortune Bride Mr. Elton quickly becomes engaged to Miss Augusta Hawkins, who has a fortune of ten thousand pounds. He returns triumphant. Vindication He feels vindicated in his choice, as his new wife is wealthy and seems accomplished.

Married Life with Mrs. Elton

Married Life with Mrs. Elton A Domineering Wife Mrs. Elton is vain and pretentious, and Mr. Elton becomes subservient to her. They are a couple who are generally disliked. Pettiness and Resentment Mr. Elton harbors resentment toward Emma and takes petty revenge by snubbing Harriet at the ball.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition A Contented Mediocrity Mr. Elton remains in Highbury, satisfied with his wife and position. He is not a bad man, but his pride and pettiness have diminished him. Emma's Opinion Emma regards him with contempt, but he is no longer a threat to anyone's happiness.

early in the story, when he is a regular at Hartfield

the night of the Randalls dinner

a few weeks later, when he becomes engaged to Augusta Hawkins

after the wedding, throughout the later part of the story

by the end of the story