Jane Austen famously said: “I’m going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” Do you find the Emma of Murder in Highbury to be likable? What characteristics do you find appealing in her? Is there anything you don’t like about Emma?
Austen’s Emma is, in many ways, a coming-of-age story. In Murder in Highbury, Emma has certainly matured, but does she still possess some of her original flaws or blind spots? What are they and how do they affect the plot?
When Emma and Harriet discover the body of Mrs. Elton, they each react very differently. While it’s to be hoped that none of us ever have the misfortune to stumble upon a corpse, how do you think you would react in similar or unexpected circumstances? Do you think you would be more Emma than Harriet? What qualities does Emma possess that enable her to keep a cool head?
Who is your favorite character in Murder in Highbury, and why? Is there one particular character you especially identify with?
Emma and Mr. Knightley were family friends for years before their marriage, with Mr. Knightley often playing the role of mentor. Have you ever had a friendship that transformed into more? How did it turn out?
In what ways do Emma and Mr. Knightley suit each other? Despite their age difference and experience, do you think they’ve managed to create a marriage of true equals?
Emma has always been very close to her father, caring for him and managing his many eccentricities. How has her relationship with Mr. Woodhouse changed as a result of Mrs. Elton’s murder?
During the Regency period, it would be unheard of for a woman to investigate a murder—especially a woman of Emma’s standing. In fact, she is warned several times that such behavior is inappropriate. What are the consequences of her decision to carry on anyway, good and bad?
Have you ever gone against prevailing opinions or expectations to defend someone or something you believed in? How did it turn out? Do you think you would do it again?
Why do you think Emma is so determined to seek justice when others are advising her to stand down?
While Highbury is a close-knit and friendly community, class distinctions still exist. How do these distinctions play out in Murder in Highbury, especially for characters without much money?
Highbury is a peaceful village with strong social bonds. Mrs. Elton’s murder is a great shock to the villagers. How does this act of violence disrupt the social fabric of Highbury? What are some of the ways this disruption is manifested?
One of the themes of the book is friendship, especially female friendship. How have Emma’s friendships changed from Austen’s book to those in Murder in Highbury? Which friendships in particular have really evolved, and how?
There have been several film and TV adaptations of Emma. If you were casting Murder in Highbury, who would you choose for the principal roles?