George is further characterized as a strong and sensible man of reason. He grants that Emma too has reason but he cautions her plainly about it: "Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do." His recommendation of Robert for Harriet comes from his recognition and acceptance of social classification, despite the fact that, in direct opposition to Emma's guesses and hopes, he suggests that Harriet's parentage may well be very inferior to Robert's. On the other hand, Emma is saved from a one-sided, willful characterization by the indication that, in reference to George, she has "habitual respect for his judgment in general"; she nonetheless will not agree with him on this particular subject of Harriet.
