A Comparison of Mr. Knightley and Frank Churchill

Jane Austen’s, Emma is one of her most highly acclaimed novels. It explores not only one, but many peoples lives from it’s different angles. Two of the main characters of the book are Mr. Knightley, and Frank Churchill. These two are very different from each other, but in a way, much the same. However, it is obvious that Jane Austen only see’s one man that she feels holds moral and valuable characteristics. By comparing the two characters, we can see which one Austen would prefer herself.

            Churchill and Knightley are both viewed respectively because they both make a credible income. In Austen’s time period, social status was a crucial need for acceptance. Both being noblemen of sorts, they are both easily accepted to the characters of the rest of the book.

            However, there are more differences than similarities between these two characters. While both may seem perceptive and warm-hearted, it is obvious that Churchill uses his intelligence to hide himself, and bring out special compliments in people around him. Knightley uses his intelligence in a far different way. He constantly uses his knowledge to decode the just moral conduct of a situation. He doesn’t use cleverness like Churchill.

            Knightley’s judgment and behavior does become flawed in Emma. This is mainly because of Churchill’s interest in Emma. When Knightley feels that Frank and Emma have become to close his behavior begins to go sour. Knightley begins to act unlike himself and randomly goes  to London. When Knightley returns he uncontrollably spills to Emma that he has feelings for her.

            The audience may consider these slip-ups to be a judgment of Knightley as a man, but what Austen wants us to see is that Knightley is just a human like any other man. It is clear from Austen’s other writings and Emma that Austen is always wanting a man like Mr. Knightley.

 She seems to uphold men that have a strong social status. Not only that, but Austen also seems to look up to the men that have a strong hidden weakness inside them when it comes to a women they have feelings for. In Pride and Prejudice we see Mr. Darcy writing Jane letters of admiration oddly.  We also see him wandering the countryside where Jane walks. These kind of men always seem to catch Austen at the heart, and at the mind.

Austen’s two most famous novels show us a lot about her feelings to men and their personalities. It is also clear that in Emma, Mr. Knightley is that man. Austen’s model of a good man isn’t a bad one. The men she chooses to like seem suitable and well-mannered. While social status may come into play at times, one can see that overall Austen will choose the man she feels right for her; taking a new leap in the expression and admiration of a woman in that time period.