An excerpt from “Masters and Masculinity: The Men of Industry in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Manchester Novels.”

“Chapter Two introduces the historical context of masculinity as it will be examined in the works. Using critical theory of Victorian masculinity, this chapter will lay out the complications of defining masculinity because of the impact of social changes in Britain during the period.”

Mr. George Knightley, the epitome of English gentlemanliness, and Frank Churchill, the dandified intruder, are positioned to do battle for Emma’s hand, and it is Austen’s treatment of Mr. Knightley’s Englishness which acts as her peacetime promotion of England over France.