Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict discussion

As much as I dote on every word Miss Austen ever wrote, I must admit I skip a large percentage of anything Miss Bates says in Emma. You could go mad reading her go on and on and on. Certainly that is the effect she has on Emma and if you read every utterance of this well meaning but boring person, you might have been tempted to say something unkind on Box Hill.

I totally agree. It's been quite a few years since I've read Emma, but what you say about Miss Bates is completely true.

I've had the same problem, every time I start Emma I tell myself that this time, I will read all of her speeches. I find the scene on Box Hill so painful for Miss Bates that I have skipped it when watching the movies/tv series. I can now read it but it's not a favorite scene of mine.

Emma was my very first Jane Austen read and still my favorite. Poor Miss Bates. She means so well and is such a kind and appreciative individual but we have all known a "Miss Bates" in our own lives haven't we?