“Mr. Woodhouse agreed to it all, but added, "Our little friend Harriet Smith, however, is just such another pretty kind of young person. You will like Harriet. Emma could not have a better companion than Harriet." "I am most happy to hear it—but only Jane Fairfax one knows to be so very accomplished and superior!—and exactly Emma's age." (Austen, 1815)
Chapter 12 discusses the comforts and benefits of life by the sea as oppose to the city life in London proper. It also introduces another potential acquaintance for Emma. How does the quote above put into perspective the idea of social class, and the dismissiveness of a self-assured female, in a patriarchal society? Think critically, and use key words and phrases from the quote to illustrate your answer.