Riddles in Emma, Jane Austen

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How and Why Does Austen Use Riddles and Wordplay in Emma? Throughout Emma, both literal and metaphorical riddles/wordplay is used, but even before the actual novel starts Austen writes a very sarcastic dedication to the Prince of Wales: TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT, THIS WORK IS, BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS'S PERMISSION, MOST REPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS'S DUTIFUL AND OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHOR In this dedication, ‘his Royal Highness’ is repeated three times, which gives a scornful and degrading tone to the sentence. It is known that Austen was not at all a fan of the Prince of Wales and that by exaggerating his title it shows she believes him to be undeserving of it. Also, by signing it off ‘obedient and humble servant’ it completely mocks him whilst giving off the air she respects him. This gives the reader an introduction to the double meanings that lay before them in the novel… One of the first metaphorical ‘riddles’ appears in Chapter Six of Emma. It happens after Emma has formed the idea that Harriet and Mr Elton are suited. Emma decides to paint a portrait of young Harriet and Mr Elton drops by to see. Many other visitors have seen and complimented the painting but Mr Elton seems particularly drawn to the likeness of the painted Harriet to the real one. Emma immediately believes this to be a compliment on Harriet’s behalf, rather than one on her own skill, which firmly implants the thoughts of them being suited to each other in her mind. At first this seems like only a small misunderstand but it escalates throughout the novel. Related to this mishap is the riddle situation in Chapter Nine. Both Emma and Harriet have become attached to the idea of riddles and have decided to create a riddle book. Mr Elton
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