Emma: Plot Summary

Chapters 1-6: Emma Woodhouse, rich, clever, and social, spends her time matchmaking, starting with her friend Harriet Smith and the local vicar, Mr. Elton.
Chapters 7-12: Emma’s matchmaking plans flounder when Mr. Elton proposes to her instead of Harriet, revealing her misunderstanding of others’ feelings and the limits of her matchmaking.
Chapters 13-18: Frank Churchill, son of Emma’s friend and woman she respects, Mrs. Weston, arrives in town, sparking Emma’s curiosity and interest.
Chapters 19-24: Emma further deludes herself by misinterpreting Frank Churchill’s actions as romantic interest towards her, even as Mr. Knightley grows increasingly suspicious of his intentions.
Chapters 25-30: Jane Fairfax, another young woman in Highbury, becomes the object of Emma’s jealousy and scrutiny after Frank Churchill’s praises.
Chapters 31-36: Emma hosts a picnic where she rudely insults Miss Bates, leaving her remorseful and chastised by Mr. Knightley, hinting his deeper feelings for Emma.
Chapters 37-41: A mysterious piano gift for Jane Fairfax leads to rumours and speculation, causing distrust among the characters and deepening the divide between them.
Chapters 42-47: Emma reluctantly realises her feelings for Mr. Knightley, encouraged by a misunderstanding that he may be interested in Jane Fairfax.
Chapters 48-51: Emma’s matchmaking mistakes are revealed, her illusions shattered, culminating in her realisation and acceptance of her true feelings for Mr. Knightley.
Chapters 52-55: In the final chapters, Emma and Mr. Knightley confess their love for each other, leading to a happy conclusion in their engagement, together overcoming Emma’s past misunderstandings and mistakes.