In terms of plot movement, this chapter does two primary things. It advances the strand involving Mr. Elton, showing more and more to the reader, if not to Emma, what the vicar is up to. In addition it focuses attention more fully than ever upon Frank Churchill, who will enter the story in person in Volume Two and be a main character in the rest of the novel. For the reader, as for the people of Highbury, his character is in doubt; and doubt is calculated to arouse anticipation and expectant interest.
A curious honesty in Emma's self-deception also is given in this chapter. Beginning to wonder about John's statements and Mr. Elton's actions, she can conceive only that Mr. Elton may be starting to transfer his affections from Harriet to herself—not that she has been the object all along. This is, of course, the honesty of obduracy. Interestingly and tantalizingly enough, Emma, ever connected with the theme of marriage, can conceive of Frank as possibly a suitable partner for her even as, in the same mental breath, she reaffirms her resolution of never marrying. These thoughts of hers are also part of the plot movement calculated to foster the reader's expectant interest.
