Why does Mr. Woodhouse worry so much?

He is nervous about his health and everyone else’s. He fears drafts, rich food and any kind of change, and he likes to recommend thin gruel.

Does Mr. Woodhouse approve of Emma marrying Mr. Knightley?

At first he does not like the idea, because he hates change. He agrees once he learns that Mr. Knightley will move to Hartfield so Emma can stay with him.

Who is Mr. Woodhouse’s other daughter?

Isabella, who is married to Mr. Knightley’s brother, John Knightley. They live in London, so Emma looks after her father at Hartfield.

From Emma

Mr. Woodhouse

Emma’s gentle father • Always chilly

Emma’s gentle, nervous father, who hates cold drafts, late hours and weddings.

Who is Mr. Woodhouse?

Mr. Woodhouse is Emma’s gentle, loving father, who worries about nearly everything, from cold drafts and damp shoes to any kind of change. He thinks thin gruel is the safest food of all, and he is sad whenever someone he loves moves away from Hartfield. Emma takes tender care of him, and everyone works to keep him happy and calm.

Mr. Woodhouse is a character in Emma, the 1815 novel by Jane Austen, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Mr. Woodhouse like?

gentle
worried
loving

Mr. Woodhouse’s story

Mr. Woodhouse is a gentle, anxious man who has been a widower for many years. He is kind to everyone but afraid of cold air, night air, rich food and travel. He is glad of visitors but quickly worries about their health, and he is sad when anyone leaves, even for a happy reason like a wedding.

He dislikes the idea of marriage, and he was upset by Miss Taylor’s wedding. His elder daughter, Isabella, lives in London with her husband, John Knightley, so Emma is his chief companion at Hartfield. She will not leave him, and she keeps his spirits up with backgammon and company.

When Emma and Mr. Knightley decide to marry, Mr. Woodhouse is troubled at first. Emma’s plan to stay at Hartfield, with Mr. Knightley moving in, comforts him. When poultry thieves frighten the neighborhood, he feels safer with a strong man in the house, and he finally agrees.

“My dear Emma, suppose we all have a little gruel.”

Mr. Woodhouse, when Mr. Knightley’s brother and Isabella arrive. From the original 1815 novel by Jane Austen.

A moment to remember

When snow starts falling during a dinner party, Mr. Woodhouse frets that they will never get home, until Mr. Knightley promises to see him safely back.

Emma Woodhouse: his devoted daughter
Mr. Knightley: his son-in-law to be
Miss Bates: a neighbor and friend
Mr. Elton: a dinner guest

Talk about it

Mr. Woodhouse felt nervous about changes. What helps you feel better when something new or different happens?

Questions about Mr. Woodhouse

Why does Mr. Woodhouse worry so much?: He is nervous about his health and everyone else’s. He fears drafts, rich food and any kind of change, and he likes to recommend thin gruel.
Does Mr. Woodhouse approve of Emma marrying Mr. Knightley?: At first he does not like the idea, because he hates change. He agrees once he learns that Mr. Knightley will move to Hartfield so Emma can stay with him.
Who is Mr. Woodhouse’s other daughter?: Isabella, who is married to Mr. Knightley’s brother, John Knightley. They live in London, so Emma looks after her father at Hartfield.