Though the language used in Emma appears to be highly flowery and outdated in contemporary times, the contents that capture the subtle nuances of human behaviour, like emotions, expectations and reactions have an universal value.

The ingrained superiority complex which is the folly of Emma, the fair-minded common sense of Mr Knightley, the pomposity of Mr Elton, the possessiveness of Mr Woodhouse, the gallantry of Frank Churchill and the naivete of Harriet capture varying shades of human behaviour in a wide spectrum of colours.

An Indian reader can immediately identify himself with the characters in the story for we are a race that believe in "arranging" marriages taking into consideration the caste, economic and social status and the family connections of the bride or groom to be. a truly commendable book of her age and date.