Emma ~ Couple Ages

The ages of the characters who are a couple in Jane Austen’s book “Emma” are in the graph above. “Emma” was written by Jane Austen and published in 1815. In the novel the concept of age plays a significant role in the dynamics of various couples. Set in the early 19th century, the story revolves around the titular character, Emma Woodhouse, and her attempts at matchmaking within her social circle. Age is a crucial factor that affects the relationships and potential matches in the novel. Shedding light on societal expectations and norms of the time.

Emma Woodhouse, the young and vivacious heroine, is portrayed as an intelligent and confident woman of 21 years old. She possesses social standing and influence due to her father’s wealth and status. Emma’s age becomes a significant factor in how she is perceived by others and in her attempts to find suitable partners for her acquaintances.

Mr. George Knightley is Emma’s love interest in the novel. He is 37 years old. Knightley is portrayed as a mature and sensible gentleman. There is a 17 year age gap between them.

Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill are another couple in the novel. Jane, a reserved and talented young woman, is close in age to Emma but a few years younger than Churchill. She is 21 and Churchill is 23 years old. The rest of the ages of the characters who are a couple in Jane Austen’s book “Emma” can be seen in the graph above.

In “Emma,” age serves as a lens through which societal norms and expectations are examined. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals in pursuing relationships that deviate from conventional standards, emphasizing the importance of emotional compatibility and personal growth over mere age considerations. Austen’s portrayal of couples of varying ages offers a nuanced exploration of love, societal pressures, and the complexities of human relationships in the Regency era.