Mr. Elton's Courtship and Marriage

Mr. Elton's pursuit of Emma, his rejection, and his rapid marriage to Augusta Hawkins.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mr. Elton's Ambitions

Mr. Elton's Ambitions A Handsome Vicar Mr. Elton is a young, good-looking vicar with a comfortable living. He is well-liked in Highbury and has improved his house. Emma's Interpretation Emma believes Mr. Elton is interested in Harriet, but in reality he has set his sights on Emma herself, attracted by her fortune and status.

The Charade for Harriet

The Charade for Harriet A Misunderstood Poem Mr. Elton brings a charade that he claims is from a friend. Emma interprets it as a declaration of love for Harriet, but it is actually addressed to herself. Encouragement Emma encourages Harriet to believe Mr. Elton is in love with her, leading Harriet to develop feelings for him.

The Proposal in the Carriage

The Proposal in the Carriage A Drunken Declaration Mr. Elton, emboldened by wine, declares his love for Emma during the carriage ride. She is shocked and refuses him. Anger and Humiliation Mr. Elton is deeply offended by Emma's rejection and leaves Highbury soon after, ostensibly for Bath.

Engagement to Augusta Hawkins

Engagement to Augusta Hawkins Quick Consolation Mr. Elton quickly becomes engaged to Miss Augusta Hawkins, a woman with a fortune of ten thousand pounds. He returns to Highbury triumphant. Emma's Relief Emma is relieved that he has moved on, but she also feels a sense of vindication that he was not worthy of Harriet.

Married Life

Married Life Mrs. Elton's Domination Mrs. Elton is vain and pretentious, constantly comparing Highbury to Maple Grove. She tries to patronize Jane Fairfax and clashes with Emma. Mr. Elton's Subservience Mr. Elton becomes a henpecked husband, deferring to his wife's opinions. The couple is generally disliked by Emma and Mr. Knightley.

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

during the autumn, when Mr. Elton leaves a charade at Hartfield

the evening of the dinner at Randalls, on the way home

a few weeks later, when Mr. Elton returns engaged

after the wedding, throughout the later part of the story