Originally Posted by
The Unnamable
Emma is much subtler than Pride and Prejudice. I was about 21 before I could see why it’s better. Obviously this is subjective but the characterisation is more assured and the sexual tension between Emma and Mr. Knightley is every bit as good as that between Darcy and Elizabeth. For me, Knightley is a more interesting character than Darcy. Emma is certainly far more developed a character than Elizabeth. I also find her far sexier.
The wit and sarcasm are in plentiful supply in Emma. Perhaps because Emma herself is a less immediately likeable character than Lizzie, there is more of the endearing spitefulness in this book. Emma’s pretty, empty-headed little friend, Harriet Smith, is nice enough, God bless her, but she’s none too bright. Emma tries to get her married off to Mr. Elton. The confusions are amusing and when Emma assumes Mr. Elton is referring to Harriet in a line from a riddle he has supplied, she responds to the line “Thy ready wit the world will soon apply”, she reacts by saying:
“Humph – Harriet’s ready wit! All the better. A man must be very much in love indeed, to describe her so.”