Week 9(?) – 3/24 (Finishing Emma)

This quote was taken from section 1.1 of Dugin, however, summarizes the first part of section II where he opens the discussion with German as an example of the complex philosophy of language and the intentions within the translations and expressed meaning of Heidegger’s work. 

The nuanced and detailed approach supported by this linguistic suggestion is mirrored by the treatment of letters in Jane Austen’s Emma. Nuanced and careful reading of Heidegger’s writing informs understanding and reaction, particularly in community with others. The characters in chapter XV of volume III Emma receive a dense letter and go through it in the same way that one might read philosophical writings. It can be argued that both actions are the act of reading philosophy, as they both inform understanding of the world around the characters. 

The letter arrives from the Randalls while Emma has just finished breakfast and is joined by George Knightly. The letter details Frank Churchill’s explanation to Mrs. Weston over his engagement to her charge, the desirable, gentle, poor, and enigmatic Jane Fairfax. The letter exonerates Frank of his actions and generally leaves both Emma and George content with, or atleast with greater understanding of, their acquaintance. George reads the letter after Emma and reads it aloud to her with his own commentary, saying: “It will be natural for me,” he added shortly afterwards, “to speak my opinion aloud as I read. By doing it, I shall feel that I am near you. It will not be so great a loss of time: but if you dislike it—” “Not at all. I should wish it.” (Online text: eight paragraph of chapter XV). Some of Mr. Knightly’s comments come in the form of quiet rebukes or disagreements. Later in their reading George and Emma both conceded to each other being right about a certain aspect of Frank’s character. This is not only kind and open communication, but flattery that shows Emma’s growing maturity within her social understandings, and also Mr. Knightleys growth as a major character. 

“”And I have not forgotten,” said Emma, “how sure you were that he might have come sooner if he would. You pass it over very handsomely—but you were perfectly right.” 

“I was not quite impartial in my judgment, Emma:—but yet, I think—had  you not been in the case—I should still have distrusted him.”” (Paragraph 12 chapter XV). What is notable about this communication is that it shows the philosophies of the main characters aligning to fit the same narrative as the story comes to a close. The developed areas of communication with the standards of the Emma society come together in this scene where the characters’ philosophies compromise and mesh.


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