In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 46 to 50 of Emma. We talk about Emma’s emotional roller coaster, reactions to the Frank-Jane revelation, the proposal scene and Emma’s commitment to her father. The character we discuss is Frank Churchill, and then Michael talks about the changing lifestyle of Regency gentleman. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about three books that are modernised versions of Emma. Things we mention: Character discussion:  Serene, The Piano Scene: through Jane’s eyes (11 December 2023) – and some other posts abo ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 42 to 45 of Emma. We talk about the dropping of clues about Jane and Frank, Donwell Abbey and Mr Knightley’s arrangements for the strawberry picking, how nobody is enjoying themselves at Box Hill, and the pressures on Jane. The character we discuss is Emma, and in the historical section Ellen talks about watering places. In the popular culture section, Harriet reflects back on the screen adaptations of Emma, considering her favourite moments from each version, and then how they dealt with some of the major characters. Things we mention: General and character d ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 37 to 41 of Emma. We talk about the parallel narratives, the ball at the Crown, Emma’s awareness of Mr Knightley, the section from Mr Knightley’s point of view and the tension between Jane and Frank. The character we discuss is Mr Knightley, and in the historical section Ellen talks about poverty and the labouring classes. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2017 YouTube series The Emma Agenda. Things we mention: General and character discussion: Pod and Prejudice podcast Tea with Cassiane YouTube videos about Regency dancing Somerset Maug ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 32 to 36 of Emma. We talk about the civil society of Highbury, why Jane puts up with Mrs Elton, and Emma’s dinner party. The character we discuss is Mrs Elton, and Ellen talks about governesses. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2013 YouTube series Emma Approved . Things we mention: Character discussion: Diana Birchall, In Defense of Mrs Elton (1999)  John Mullan [Editor], The Oxford World’s Classics Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Emma (2022)  Mary Deforest, ‘Mrs. Elton and the Slave Trade‘ Persuasions 9, 1987 Lona Mannin ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 27 to 31 of Emma. We talk about the entwined group of people who visit one another, how so many scenes read differently the second time through, Miss Bates’s monologues, Jane and the piano, reactions to the plan of having a ball, and Emma encouraging Harriet to stop thinking about Mr Elton.  The character we discuss is Harriet Smith, and Ellen talks about illegitimacy. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1995 modernisation Clueless. Also, we are now on Instagram, at reading_jane_austen. Things we mention: General discussion: John M ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 22 to 26 of Emma. We talk about Frank’s arrival, the dinner at the Coles, and the way so much looks different in a second reading,  The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Weston, including a consideration of what we know of Mrs Weston’s pregnancy. Ellen talks about social customs, including calling and dinner parties. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2020 Working Title Films adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: General discussion: Richard Cronin and Dorothy McMillan [Editor], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: E ..read more

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 16 to 21 of Emma. We talk about the mystery plots, Emma’s fantasies, Emma and Mr Knightley’s interactions, and Harriet’s encounter with Mr Martin (which had us revisiting the map of Highbury). The character we discuss is Miss Bates, and then Michael talks about army widows and orphans. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2009 BBC adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: General discussion: John Mullan, What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved (2012) Map of Highbury, created by ..read more

In this episode, we read chapters 11 to 15 of Emma. We talk about the introduction of John and Isabella Knightley, how Emma really doesn’t understand the social world, the clash between Isabella and Mr Woodhouse about health – and how Emma and Mr Knightley are running interference – and the way in which the Frank/Jane plot is beginning to be introduced before the Harriet/Mr Elton plot is resolved. The character we discuss is Mr Elton, and then Ellen talks about apothecaries. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1996 ITV telemovie adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: Genera ..read more

In this episode, we read the first five chapters of Emma. We give a brief publishing history, and talk about how much we learn about the occupants of Highbury, the introduction of the relationship between Emma and Mr Knightley, Emma’s manipulation of Harriet, and Emma’s personality (and how our views of her are changing on this readthrough). The character we discuss is Mr Woodhouse, and in the historical section Ellen talks about boarding schools. Harriet gives an overview of all of the popular culture versions of Emma, and explains that due to the number of adaptations there have been, she wi ..read more

In this episode, we finish up reading Mansfield Park, with Chapters 46 to 48. We talk about contrasts within the book, the attitude to Maria and Henry, Edmund and Fanny’s views of Mary, Sir Thomas’s reflections in the final chapter, the wrapping up of the other characters and how we are told about Edmund falling in love with Fanny. We discuss Fanny Price, then Ellen talks about principle and education, and Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters.  Things we mention:  General and character discussion: Margaret Drabble,  “Introduction”,  ..read more