Since their introductions in Emma, ​​Jane Austen has distinguished the characters of Frank Churchill and Mr. Knightley, with Mr. Knightley immediately described as "a sensible man » while Frank Churchill is described as "very handsome" and possessing a cheerful constitution, just like that of his father. Although there are similarities between the two, such as their polite and affectionate mannerisms towards those they care for, they differ mainly due to their difference in reserve. Frank is rather indifferent to the mixing of classes and can probably be described as a "dandy" in his speech and actions. Mr. Knightley, on the other hand, carries out his duties in their society without crossing the boundaries of social propriety and almost always expresses "correct" opinions with a simplicity and logic that is not only educational for Emma but also for the readers. Although both are seen as having good and charming qualities, the novel however seems to value Mr. Knightley's qualities above Frank's and, seen through Emma's eyes, views Mr. Knightley as the gold standard of the ideal “English man”. plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayFrank Churchill is considered by many people to be an ideal man because of his good looks and charm. It would seem that part of this charm comes from his ability to determine what will please a person without crossing the line into excessive familiarity. In complimenting Mrs. Weston, he "did not advance a word of praise beyond what she (Emma) knew was entirely deserved", although she had only known her for a day. Even Mrs. Elton finds that "his manners are precisely what I like and approve of", even though Frank's inner thoughts about her are quite the opposite of his opinion of her. This shows readers that Frank is able to charm and befriend even those he dislikes, as he is able to hide his feelings of contempt under a layer of polite ease. Despite these good aspects of his personality, Frank is not always judged by the novel in a particularly positive light, particularly regarding Mr. Knightley's opinion of him. Early in the novel, before Frank even appears, Mr. Knightley rightly judges that "he can have no English delicacy towards the feelings of others," a statement which certainly proves true at the end of the novel when all the world discovers that he has always kept a secret engagement to Jane Fairfax. This demonstrates a somewhat selfish quality since he is sometimes capable of placing his wishes above the rules of social and moral propriety. Knightley, conversely, is a character who might be considered Austen's "ideal", but not necessarily to a modern reader, although most would certainly recognize him as the voice of reason in the novel. Readers of the novel are not the only ones who value Mr. Knightley's opinion, as it is mentioned from time to time that other characters such as Mr. Martin and Mr. Elton turn to him for advice . Austen puts Mr. Knightley in a very good light by also showing readers how capable he is of handling characters with more problematic traits. During his introduction in the novel itself, he eases Mr. Woodhouse's grief at Miss Taylor's wedding and his kindness in giving readers Bates apples from his own orchard also reveals to readers signs of sensitivity towards people of his community. Some critics say that with Knightley, Austen created the image of an almost impeccable "Englishman", endowed with all the poise and..