(1) Emma is the only of Jane Austen's complete novels to be named after its heroine. The real evils(6) indeed of Emma's situation were the powerof having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments.(7 )The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by her own.(5)

Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Woodhouse's family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent father, and had, in consequence of her sister's marriage, been mistress of his house from a very early period.(3) Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses, and her place had been supplied by an excellent woman as governess, who had fallen little short of a mother in affection.(4) Emma Woodhouse(1), handsome(2), clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world withvery little to distress or vex her.

The annotated emma