A Theme Emerges

It seems to me that one of the themes of the first few chapters is how Emma perceives herself. Austen appears to hone in on the fact that Emma thinks her intellect is superior than all those around her, with the exception (perhaps) of Mr. Knightley. Even the people she associates with think she is somehow superior to them. Harriet is enamored with her and takes Emma's advice at the expense of her own happiness. Mr. Woodhouse and Mrs. Weston are convinced she can do no wrong. It is Mr. Knightley alone who is able to see Emma's faults and where her thought processes have hailed her.