Opinions of Emma.
Captain F. Austen liked it extremely, observing that though there might be more wit in P. and P. and an higher morality in M. P., yet altogether, on account of its peculiar air of Nature throughout, he preferred it to either.
Mrs. Frank Austen liked and admired it very much indeed, but must still prefer P. and P.
Mrs. J. Bridges preferred it to all the others.
Miss Sharp.—Better than M. P., but not so well as P. and P. Pleased with the heroine for her originality, delighted with Mr. K., and called Mrs. Elton beyond praise—dissatisfied with Jane Fairfax.
Cassandra.—Better than P. and P. but not so well as M. P.
Fanny K.—Not so well as either P. and P. or M. P. Could not bear Emma herself. Mr. Knightley delightful. Should like J. F. if she knew more of her.
Mr. and Mrs. James Austen did not like it so well as either of the three others. Language different from the others; not so easily read.
Edward preferred it to M. P. only. Mr. K. liked by everybody.
Miss Bigg.—Not equal to either P. and P. or M. P. Objected to the sameness of the subject (Matchmaking) all through. Too much of Mrs. Elton and H. Smith. Language superior to the others.