In literature, some characters that make us laugh, some that make us weep, some that make us squirm with indignation, and some rare figures who are beacons of light for how we ought to live.
One such character is Mr. Knightley from Jane Austen’s delightful 1815 novel “Emma.” Set in provincial England, the novel describes the doings of a charming, intelligent, and somewhat immature young woman named Emma Woodhouse, who busies herself playing matchmaker for her friends and acquaintances—whether they desire her involvement or not. Emma lives alone with her aging father, and their most frequent visitor and friend is Knightley, who owns the neighboring estate.
