Emma Forum

I need help analyzing this quote in chapter 22 of Emma:
"human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person , who either marries or dies, is sure to be kindly spoken of"
Thanks =)

This is a bit of Austen's usual irony shining through. She is critiquing the constant gossipping that occurs throughout the novel, and is snidely remarking that young people can only improve the conversations about them by either marrying or dying - because otherwise any gossip about them is sure to be scandalous. It is a lot harder to create a scandal when you are married, and hence having a legitimate relationship, or dead.