Character Analysis in Emma

Miss Churchill is of legal age, meaning she is old enough to make her own decisions in life.

In his edition of Austen's works (Oxford University Press), R. W. Chapman noted that, at this point in the 19th century, shaking hands was a "mark of intimacy or affability." Clearly, Emma is a bit surprised and flattered by Miss Woodhouse's gesture.

The word "quicksighted" means quick to see. In this case, Miss Bates always looks for the positive in other people.

The word "atonement" means amends or reparations. In this case, Miss Bates is not brilliant enough to compensate for all of her other deficiencies.

This is a phrase meaning that Emma could not find enough friends for Mr. Knightley to play cards with; for example, she could not find three other friends to make a foursome for partnered card games.

In other words, the phrase "Were not you struck?" asks, "Did you not notice Mr. Martin's strange behavior?" Harriet does not believe Mr. Martin is a real gentleman.

By "aloat" Emma means that Mr. Martin's share in the family property is inaccessible. In this case, he is invested in the lands and animals of the family farm.

The word "unaffected" means natural, honest, and genuine. In this case, Mr. Martin writes freely and does not sound like someone he is not.