Emma Woodhouse's elder sister, Isabella Woodhouse, married John Knightley.
Isabella, known as Isabella Knightley after her marriage, is the elder sister of the protagonist, Emma Woodhouse, by seven years. She is also the daughter of Henry Woodhouse. Her marriage to John Knightley establishes a significant connection between the Woodhouse family and the esteemed Knightley family in the narrative of Jane Austen's novel Emma.
Isabella Knightley: Emma's Elder Sister
Isabella is an integral character, representing a contented and domestic life, often contrasting with Emma's independent and matchmaking pursuits. She is devoted to her husband and children, embodying the traditional role of a wife and mother in 19th-century society.
The Marriage to John Knightley
Isabella's marriage to John Knightley is a central familial tie in the novel. John Knightley is the younger brother of George Knightley, who is a close friend and later, the eventual husband of Emma. This double connection through the Knightley brothers forms a strong familial bond between the two households, despite Isabella and John residing in London.
The Knightley Family in London
Isabella and John Knightley live in London, a setting that provides a contrast to the more rural Highbury where Emma resides. Their home life is depicted as busy and full, centered around their five children.
The children of Isabella and John Knightley are:
- Henry
- 'Little' John
- Bella
- 'Little' Emma
- George
This large family further emphasizes the domestic focus of Isabella's life.
Key Details About Isabella Knightley's Marriage
To summarize the core information about Emma's sister's marriage:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Emma's Sister | Isabella Woodhouse (later Knightley) |
| Relationship to Emma | Elder sister, by seven years |
| Husband | John Knightley |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Residence | London, with her husband and children |
| Children | Five: Henry, 'little' John, Bella, 'little' Emma, and George |
This marriage is a foundational element in understanding the family dynamics and social network depicted in the novel Emma. For more detailed information on the novel and its characters, you can refer to the Emma (novel) Wikipedia page.
