August 3, 2011Page 83
" My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings,
Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease,
Another view of man my second brings;
Behold him there, the monarch of the seas!
that is ship- plain as can be. now for the cream.
But Ah! united [courtship, you know]. what reverse we have!
Man's boasted power and freedom all are flown;
Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave,
And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone. "
This is a riddle that Mr. Elton makes and send to the Woodhouse address. Ironically the riddle was meant for Emma, but she mistakes it for Harriet. Emma is actually the one to figure out the clues, while Harriet is oblivious. This shows the difference in rank and education between Emma and Harriet. Emma finds the clues very easy while Harriet doesn't even figure out one. Mr. Elton wrote the riddle to show Emma his love and the want of Emma as his wife. The riddle is a symbol of how love can be misunderstood and manipulated based on your own judgement and mindset.
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