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George Knightley is a principal character depicted by Jane Austen in her novel Emma, published in 1815. He is a landowner and gentleman farmer, though "having little spare money". [1]
- Overview
- Character traits
- Notes and references
- Notable portrayals
Mr. George Knightley is a major character in Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma.
A wealthy landowner and owner of Donwell Abbey, Mr. Knightley is a close friend and neighbor of Emma Woodhouse and her father Henry Woodhouse; as well as being the brother-in-law of Emma's older sister Isabella. He cares for though quarrels often with the novel's protagonist, being particularly critical of her somewhat flighty ways and her proclivity for matchmaking.
A kind and compassionate person, Mr. Knightley portrays good judgment, high moral character, and maturity in contrast to Emma's adolescent personality. He's the most hard-working of Austen's heroes, but also the most modest in regard to his position as he doesn't like to use his carriage horses. As the owner of the largest estate in the area (Donwell Abbey), this makes his down-to-earth manners all the more remarkable.
One incident which displays his kindness and high morals is his disappointment when he sees Emma insult Miss Bates, a spinster of modest means. Mr. Knightley's later reprimand of Emma also demonstrates his affection and esteem for her as a friend. Another incident which shows his quality is his anger with Emma for persuading Harriet Smith to refuse Robert Martin's proposal of marriage, Martin being in Knightley's eyes an eminently suitable choice of husband for Harriet.
In the course of the story, Emma becomes infatuated with a young, handsome man named Frank Churchill. Mr. Knightley's jealousy is implied, and he makes several negative remarks about Churchill. It is later revealed that Mr. Knightley is in love with Emma himself and was afraid that Frank has had a negative influence on her.
Although he is mostly rational, he can also act more impulsively at the cause of Emma. When Frank Churchill's guardian—his aunt—dies, and he is free to publicize his engagement to Jane Fairfax (which had been kept secret to avoid his aunt's disapproval), Knightley—thinking Emma must be hurt by the news—instinctively runs on horse under the rain from London to Hartfield to console her.
However, Emma is shocked by the news but realizes she had never really had romantic sentiments towards Frank Churchill. Upon hearing that, Knightley confesses his own feelings for her only hoping she'd allow him to court her, and without really expecting her to love him back. When he discovers that she actually is in love with him, the two happily decide to marry.
While in some respects serving as a mentor for Emma, Knightley has critical thinking about his own behavior as it makes him feel doubtful she has any reason to love him back since he feels he had always been an "indifferent lover," who mostly lectured her. He learns from his own desire for Emma and his jealousy-fuelled blunders, which brings the characters into a more realistic, egalitarian relationship.
•John Carson in the 1972 TV serial.
•Paul Rudd in the adaptation, •Jeremy Northam in the 1996 American movie.
•Mark Strong in the 1996 British TV film
•Jonny Lee Miller in the 2009 TV series.
•Abhay Deol in the 2010 Hindi adaptation, Aisha
•Brent Bailey in the 2013 YouTube web series, Emma Approved
The long-time friend and trusted confidante of the Woodhouses, Emma ’s brother-in-law. Mr. Knightley is a true gentleman in lineage, estate, and virtue. He lives at Donwell Abbey, the spacious estate that he manages.
Mr. Knightley serves as the novel’s model of good sense. From his very first conversation with Emma and her father in Chapter 1, his purpose—to correct the excesses and missteps of those around him—is clear. He is unfailingly honest but tempers his honesty with tact and kindheartedness.
Weighing Emma’s trust in his opinion against her distaste for hearing criticism, Mr. Knightley always manages to warn her of potential social improprieties. Like Mrs. Weston, then, Mr. Knightley serves as one the moderating influences to Emma’s impetuous character.
Mr. Knightley embodies everything that he believes man – or gentleman – should be. He is not only caring and compassionate but also serious, responsible, and authoritative.
Mr Knightley is the owner of the estate of Donwell Abbey, which includes extensive grounds and farms. He is the elder brother of Mr John Knightley, the husband of Emma's elder sister Isabella. He is very considerate, aware of the feelings of the other characters, and his behaviour and judgment are extremely good.
