ABSTRACT

Emma is a unique novel because everyone practices neighborly love to varying degrees. However, Highbury can be a complicated place due to the Churchills’ kin altruism, Mr Weston’s love of reciprocity, Frank’s people-pleasing ways, Jane Fairfax’s masochistic selflessness, Mrs Elton’s competitive helping, Mr Woodhouse’s egoistic concern for others, and Emma’s codependent tendencies. Given that pathological altruism always generates dysfunctional relationships, Austen highlights how flawed helping efforts are not sustainable in the long run—unless a particular relationship can bring substantial benefits to the individual.