The picture of George Knightley here is that of a realist. He is a man of understanding or reason, and he is quite right about Emma but too amiable really to interpose. His statement about Emma's not reading books is ironical when we recall Emma's recent criticism of Robert Martin for the very same neglect. In stating his view of what a wife should be, George refers to Mrs. Weston's talent for submission of her will; and yet by the end of the chapter it is George himself who has submitted to her. (Note: in the novel he is always called Mr. Knightley; his first name is presently used to distinguish him from his brother John.)
The delineation of Mrs. Weston in this chapter helps to explain why Emma is as she is, for, as always, Mrs. Weston has absolute innocent faith in her former ward. Her hinted wishes that they at Randalls have for Emma constitute the author's preparation for further plot complications.
