This is one of the most supremely uncomfortable scenes in any Austen novel (for me, at least). Emma allows her flirting and bad mood to get out of hand to the extent that she insults Miss Bates who, though ridiculous, she should respect.
When I last watched the 2020 adaptation I so clearly heard the lines from Betty, that longing to be forgiven, that hopefulness mixed with despair that you may never be able to make things right.
I’m standing on your doorstep and it’s finally sinking in”
-Taylor Swift, Betty
It is probably the worst thing Emma does in the course of the novel, as Mr Knightley says;
You, …whom she had seen grow up from a period when her notice was an honour, to have you now, in thoughtless spirits, and the pride of the moment, laugh at her, humble her – and before her niece, too – and before others, many of whom (certainly some,) would be entirely guided by your treatment of her.”
-Jane Austen, Emma C43
(You could argue her convincing Harriet to not marry Mr Martin was worse, but Harriet can make her own decisions and here Emma is not only influencing a large group but directly insulting someone.)
It is a painful but necessary scene. Emma begins to consider her behaviour to others, their feelings, and grows because of it. Had this not happened she wouldn’t mature to be an appropriate partner for Mr Knightley.
Audio from Betty by Taylor Swift
Video and Audio from Emma 2020
If you’d like to discuss Austen with me book a read with me session