Emma by Jane Austen
Out of Jane Austen's classic novels, it is Emma Woodhouse who is the most diverse heroine. Many critics have commented on her snobbish, almost disreputable and annoying qualities as a matchmaking busy-body. As the text moves forward, one finds they either stand firmly in her corner, fighting for her survival as the typical romantic Austen heroine, or they dismiss her character as an opinionated, egotistical woman who does not deserve the happy-ever-after ending she is bound to receive.
One infuriating aspect of Emma's character is that she is so obsessed with matching her acquaintances that she is blind to her own feelings and the fact that the person she loves has been right in front of her eyes throughout the entire novel.
Unlike Austen's other heroines, Emma is the most wealthy and while that allows her more freedom within her Hatfield society, it serves to influence her development into a rude and arrogant woman.
I initially viewed Austen's Emma as not being as great as some of her other novels (not featuring very high on my favourites list) but after writing on it for my undergraduate dissertation, it is now regarded as being one of my top favourite Austen books, alongside Pride and Prejudice (of course!)
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