Volumes I,   II,   III

Published in 1815, Emma was written at the height of Jane Austen’s popularity. The novel focuses on a heroine who takes an interest in matchmaking. The Prince Regent, George, did Austen the "favor" of allowing her to dedicate Emma to him. Austen probably wasn’t so excited about the prospect of dedicating her novel to a man who was, by all accounts, dissipated, drunk, and superficial. George set the standards of "gentlemanlike" behavior during his time. According to him, fashionable men were dandies – the sort who would ride sixteen miles to London just to get a haircut.

More: Molland, Wikipedia

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Volume I

Chapter I (1) - Poor Miss Taylor! And Emma fixes her attention on the vicar
Chapter II (2) - Of Mr. Weston, his son, and the effects of wedding-cake on the constitution
Chapter III (3) - An evening-party at Hartfield, to which Emma invites Harriet Smith
Chapter IV (4) - Harriet has a beau, but Emma has a better idea
Chapter V (5) - Mr. Knightley and Mrs. Weston talk about Emma and Harriet
Chapter VI (6) - Emma works on her scheme, and sends Mr. Elton to London on important business
Chapter VII (7) - Mr. Robert Martin declares himself
Chapter VIII (8) - Mr. Knightley gives his opinion of Harriet's dilemma
Chapter IX (9) - Mr. Elton writes a charade for Miss ------.
Chapter X (10) - Emma and Harriet discuss marriage, and walk with Mr. Elton
Chapter XI (11) - Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley and family come to Hartfield for a visit
Chapter XII (12) - Mr. Knightley dines at Hartfield, and Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. John Knightley discuss the seashore
Chapter XIII (13) - A Christmas Eve party at Randalls, but Harriet is ill
Chapter XIV (14) - Will Frank Churchill come to visit?
Chapter XV (15) - Mr. Elton declares himself
Chapter XVI (16) - Emma wonders where her scheme went awry
Chapter XVII (17) - Harriet's disappointment; Mr. Elton goes to Bath
Chapter XVIII (18) - Emma and Mr. Knightley discuss Frank Churchill

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Volume II

Chapter I (19) - Emma and Harriet call on Mrs. and Miss Bates, who have a letter from Jane Fairfax, though it is not her day for writing
Chapter II (20) - The history of Jane Fairfax, who is acquainted with Frank Churchill
Chapter III (21) - Mr. Elton is engaged; Harriet runs into Mr. Martin at Ford's
Chapter IV (22) - Mr. Elton returns to Highbury with news of his intended bride
Chapter V (23) - Harriet calls on the Martins; Frank Churchill finally shows up
Chapter VI (24) - Emma and Frank get on very well together, and discuss Jane Fairfax
Chapter VII (25) - Frank goes to London to get his hair cut; there is to be an evening-party at the Coles'
Chapter VIII (26) - The party at the Coles'; Miss Fairfax receives a pianoforte
Chapter IX (27) - Emma and Harriet hash over the party and run into Miss Bates and Mrs. Weston
Chapter X (28) - Everybody goes to Bates'
Chapter XI (29) - Mrs. Weston wishes to give a ball
Chapter XII (30) - Frank's aunt falls ill, and the ball is postponed
Chapter XIII (31) - Emma's got a crush!
Chapter XIV (32) - Mr. Elton brings his bride home; Emma finds her elegantly dressed
Chapter XV (33) - Mrs. Elton makes Jane her project; Emma and Mrs. Weston discuss Mr. Knightley's matrimonial prospects
Chapter XVI (34) - Emma gives a dinner for the newlyweds at Hartfield
Chapter XVII (35) - Mrs. Elton wants to find a proper situation for Jane
Chapter XVIII (36) - Frank Churchill's spring plans

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Volume III

Chapter I (37) - The plans for the ball at the Crown are revived
Chapter II (38) - Mr. Knightley teaches Mr. Elton a lesson
Chapter III (39) - Harriet and a friend meet some gipsies
Chapter IV (40) - Harriet disposes of some relics
Chapter V (41) - Mr. Knightley is suspicious of Frank and Jane
Chapter VI (42) - A strawberry-picking party at Donwell Abbey
Chapter VII (43) - A picnic at Box Hill
Chapter VIII (44) - A very ashamed Emma calls on the Bateses; Jane Fairfax finds a situation
Chapter IX (45) - Mr. Knightley is going away
Chapter X (46) - Interesting news from Frank Churchill
Chapter XI (47) - Harriet has a rude surprise for Emma
Chapter XII (48) - Emma's in lurrrrrve
Chapter XIII (49) - Mr. Knightley declares himself
Chapter XIV (50) - A letter from Frank Churchill
Chapter XV (51) - Mr. Knightley makes plans
Chapter XVI (52) - Emma and Jane become friends at last
Chapter XVII (53) - Mrs. Weston has a daughter, and Mr. Woodhouse a rude shock
Chapter XVIII (54) - Mr. Robert Martin declares himself, redux
Chapter XIX (55) - Perfect happiness, though a shocking lack of white satin and veils
 

Literature Guide by Shmoop

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