In Our Time · October 1, 2026 · 50m

Archive: Emma

Misha Glenny continues his series revisiting In Our Time classics with the 2015 episode on Jane Austen's 'Emma.' The discussion features literary scholars Janet Todd, John Mullan, and Emma Clery unpacking why Austen considered Emma 'a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like.' They explore the novel's innovative comedy of manners, its psychological depth, and its critique of Regency society.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

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Austen's 'unlikable' heroine

Austen described Emma Woodhouse as 'a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like,' challenging readers with a protagonist who is privileged, meddlesome, and often wrong.

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Emma as a comedy of manners

The novel is a sparkling comedy of manners, using social interactions and class distinctions for both humor and critique.

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