How does the setting of Emma impact the character development of Emma and Harriet?

The setting inis
important to the novel as it represents a microcosm of society at the time. Each social class
from the landed gentry (Mr Knightley) to the poor have their place.

The
relationship between Emma and Harriet begins due to the distance between Emma's home, Hartfield,
and that of her former governess and confidante Mrs Weston, Randalls. As a married woman, Mrs
Weston can no longer visit Emma so frequently, and so Harriet, who is poor and values Emma's
friendship because of this, takes her place.

The setting also links to a
cause of conflict in their relationship and its eventual solution. Mr Robert Martin of Abbey
Mill Farm proposes to Harriet and is rejected, under Emma's influence, as she tells
Harriet:

"The yeomanry are precisely the order of
people with whom I feel I can have nothing to do."

This is Emma's snobbery at work. The link between Mr Martin and Mr Knightley (owner of
Donwell Abbey and the farm) indicates that, when Emma matures and marries Mr Knightley, the
relationship between Harriet and herself can continue.