.
Chapter 15 contains the conclusion of the dinner party and Mr Elton's declaration of love to Emma on their journey home. Emma's fury that he had the "arrogance to raise his eyes to her" (p122) displays her snobbery, however she is forced to endure the irony of her own argument as Mr Elton is also offended that Emma should imagine Harriet to be his object. Emma's astonishment at Mr Elton's declaration of love, indicates her lack of perception and need for maturity in listening to the advice and warnings of the two Knightly brothers. .
Emma's humiliation after Mr Elton's proposal is inevitable, however her desire for the effects of her blunders to be confined to herself and extreme concern for "Poor Harriet"'s feelings show slight character development. This development is also shown by her acceptance that "the first error and the worst lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together." Nevertheless, Emma clearly has a great deal of maturity to gain, as can be seen from her continual matchmaking and thoughts of Harriet and "William Cox - a pert young lawyer". She is also still far from the acceptance that Harriet is well suited to Robert Martin, and comments that "there she was quite right", again showing her lack of maturity. (p124).
Emma's desire for the development of her own character is evident in Chapter 17, in her resolution to become 'humble and discreet', (p128), just as Harriet is, and despite being far from completely mature, the recognition of her blunder is to Emma's favour.
The second important social occasion in Emma is the dinner party at the Coles. In particular, this event is an insight into the rigid hierarchy in Highbury. The introduction of The Coles is used to display Emma's refined snobbery, in comparison to the Westons and Mr Knightly, who are unperturbed by the fact that the Coles had earned their fortune through trade.