Emma Volume 4 Manga Review, Parent Guide, and Christian Perspective

In our Christian review of Emma Volume 4, we will explore the fourth installment of Kaoru Mori’s Victorian romance manga from a faith-based lens. Includes a content and parent guide for Emma Volume 4.

This review is about Volume 4 of the series. For our review of Volume 1, click here. For our review of Volume 2, click here, and for our review of Volume 3, click here.

For our overview of the entire Emma manga series, click here.

Emma Volume 4: Synopsis

Emma and William continue to live apart as they quietly long for one another. In London, Eleanor Campbell—the woman favored by William’s family—scores a spontaneous outing with him and becomes desperate to express her true feelings. Meanwhile, Emma, pouring herself into her work far from the city she once dreamed of, unexpectedly finds herself back in London. There, she’s pulled into high society as the companion of Mrs. Trollop at a gathering of prestigious elites.

What does all of this mean for Emma and William? With both now in London once again, will fate finally bring them face-to-face? Or will duty and missed chances keep them apart for good?

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Emma Volume 4 Manga Review: A Mature Turn for the Wholesome Romance

In Emma Volume 4, we see William throwing himself into his work, a habit first established in Volume 3 as a coping mechanism to deal with the emotional loss of Emma. While this work ethic shows maturity—a trait that might seem admirable—it also begins to strain his relationship with his siblings.

For example, we learn that William used to make a point of looking at his siblings’ drawings and guessing what they had drawn, regardless of talent or skill, because he knew it would upset them if he didn’t. But now? He repeatedly puts off looking at his little brother Collin’s drawing in favor of focusing on his work. This shift not only reflects how his priorities have changed, but also subtly mirrors his emotional detachment from Emma, the woman he truly loves, and his shift toward Eleanor, the woman he doesn’t love—but feels obligated to be with.

William’s Baffling Choice *Spoiler*

As William continues to grieve the emotional loss of Emma, he comes to the painful realization that he shouldn’t have let her go so easily. But instead of fighting for their relationship or trying to find her, he takes a baffling turn and proposes to Eleanor Campbell. Eleanor, of course, has been interested in him from the start—but William feels nothing romantic toward her. And yet, he proposes. Why? Out of duty? Desperation? That part is unclear, but it only adds to the emotional frustration.

Hakim, one of the few allies to William and Emma’s relationship, witnesses the proposal and deems it “banal” (87). He decides to leave, saying he has “exhausted the points of interest here” (88). Honestly, I don’t blame him. After watching Emma and William’s relationship unravel from lack of effort, William impulsively proposes to a woman he doesn’t love—one who fits his father’s expectations and would elevate his status. I’d be frustrated too.

And here’s the kicker: we learn that William would’ve still inherited his father’s estate even if he hadn’t married Eleanor. That’s just salt in the wound for readers who were rooting for William and Emma to overcome their challenges.

Emma’s Story: A Quiet Strength Amid Change

Later, we get a glimpse into Emma’s quieter world at the Meredith estate, where she’s now working. She forms her first real friendship with her roommate Tasha, who insists on calling her “Miss Emma.” It feels a little unconventional, but Tasha claims it suits her—and honestly, it does. Emma carries herself with a quiet refinement, likely shaped by her time in London and her relationship with William. The other maids think the nickname is strange, though.

*Spoiler* Emma is then “borrowed” by Mrs. Trollop for an evening out. To her surprise, she discovers that Mrs. Trollop is actually William’s mother, and she is attending William and Eleanor’s engagement party! Emma faints, and finally gets to see William again. Their reunion is emotional and deeply human, and they are both still desperately in love with each other.

Emma Volume 4: Working Hard

Even though Emma doesn’t want to go out with Mrs. Trollop, she goes out of obedience and respect for her employer (who orders Emma to attend with Mrs. Trollop)—echoing Ephesians 6:5–7. Her humility and quiet work ethic continue to shine.

William, on the other hand, is also working hard—but his effort is more of a coping mechanism than anything rooted in purpose or principle.

William’s Unhealthy Coping Mechanism *Spoiler*

William’s decision to propose to Eleanor, despite still loving Emma, causes a ripple effect of heartache—for himself, Emma, and has the potential to hurt Eleanor, too.

The Bible says, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:37, ESV). That applies here. William says “yes” to a proposal he doesn’t mean, one that he can’t back out of without hurting others. It’s a sobering moment that reminds us that saying “yes” to something for the wrong reasons can still carry real consequences.

Emma Volume 4: A Romantic Moment *Spoiler*

Then we have a scene where William enters Emma’s bedroom while she’s in her nightgown and they embrace. While nothing inappropriate happens beyond the hug, the situation itself is morally compromising. William is an engaged man, and this act—however emotional—is disrespectful to Eleanor and not honoring to Emma either. No matter how much we want Emma and William to reunite, this moment encourages emotional temptation, which Scripture clearly warns against:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5, ESV).

Mrs. Trollop’s Unexpected Secret *Spoiler*

We also meet Mrs. Trollop, who turns out to be William’s mother. I loved her response when she catches Emma and William together—she doesn’t react with rage or judgment. Instead, she gently asks them to explain, showing patience and discernment. She exemplifies Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Emma Volume 4: A Mature Twist on an Otherwise Clean & Wholesome Romance

In Emma Volume 4, the series takes a noticeable shift from the clean, wholesome romance of Volumes 1-3 to a more mature tone. While earlier volumes address mature issues like human trafficking, the overall story remains pure, wholesome, and suitable for tweens (with discernment) and older audiences. However, Emma Volume 4 introduces content that makes the story more mature and less appropriate for younger readers.

One of the key changes in Emma Volume 4 is the inclusion of unnecessary nudity. In a scene where Emma helps her mistress, Dorothea Meredith, get dressed (pages 111-115*), the manga depicts detailed nudity, showing areas of the body typically covered by undergarments.

While the action makes sense in the context of Emma’s role as a maid, the level of detail in this depiction feels unnecessary and adds nothing substantial to the plot. It seems to exist purely for shock value, as it doesn’t advance the story in any meaningful way—Emma and Dorothea briefly discuss The Tempest, and the conversation quickly shifts to the itinerary. Nothing significant happens in this scene, making the inclusion of nudity feel out of place and inconvenient for readers.

Additionally, on pages 116-117*, a moment of intimacy between Mr. and Mrs. Meredith is shown, and Emma walks out of the room, blushing. Though the scene is suggestive, it is not explicit. The nudity earlier, however, remains the most detailed and graphic of the volume, which may be off-putting for readers hoping to enjoy a more wholesome narrative.

It’s important to note that this isn’t an isolated incident. Nudity appears in other parts of the series, though, like this scene, it’s often skippable. I’ll do my best to guide you through these moments so you can still enjoy the story without being confronted by unnecessary indecency.

This shift in tone may be surprising to those who appreciated the more modest aspects of the earlier volumes. If you’re concerned about this content, I encourage you to proceed with caution and definitely skip over the instances of nudity, as it may not align with everyone’s comfort levels. This volume is still, overall, a romantic tale with plenty of heart, but it’s also important to be aware of these changes as they affect the overall tone of the story.

*Please note that there are multiple version of the manga, so it’s possible your page numbers may differ with mine.

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Emma Volume 4 Christian Review: Conclusion

While Emma has been a clean, wholesome romance up until now—with respectful themes and Jane Austen undertones—Volume 4 marks a noticeable shift. This installment introduces explicit nudity, making it significantly less appropriate for younger readers. Though the nudity is skippable, it is anatomically detailed and unexpected in a story that has, up to this point, felt safe for preteens and up. Going forward, Emma requires parental guidance and careful discernment. What was once a clean and charming historical romance now contains mature content that may be uncomfortable or unnecessary for many Christian readers.

For our review of Emma Volume 5, click here.

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FAQS for Emma Volume 4 by Kaoru Mori

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Emma Volume 4: Christian Content & Parent Guide

Language in Emma Volume 4

• Mild language includes: “hell’s bells,” “idiot,” “dolt,” “bloke,” and “brat.”
• Gossip-mongering is present in conversations.

• William drinks at a social event, and his watery eyes are attributed to “too much to drink.”
• William smokes while reflecting on his choices.
• Bottles appear at a meal, possibly indicating alcohol consumption.
• Eleanor gets tipsy.

• William, lost in thought, accidentally burns himself with a cigarette, then cries and kicks a footstool in frustration.
• Someone faints.
• An opera performance includes themes of subterfuge, manipulation, and a guardian attempting to marry his ward for her fortune. However, no one dies in the opera.

Sexual Content and Nudity in Emma Volume 4

• The opera singer’s attire features noticeable cleavage.
• Hugging occurs, including between a man and a woman behind closed doors while the woman is in a nightgown.
• A character makes a joke about “showgirl posters.”
• A conversation includes a comment about how marriage makes the bed more cramped.
• Someone suggests Emma may have had an affair with her former master.
• Pages 111-115*: There is a scene where Emma helps Dorothea Meredith change clothes. This scene depicts nudity, including a bare backside and exposed breasts with visible nipples. While no sexual acts occur, the scene is graphic and suggestive. This is skippable content as it doesn’t impact the plot, which mainly discusses The Tempest, a comment (not elaborated on) about if Emma’s true identity is as a maid, the itinerary and exhaustion of social events, and her husband enters. It’s advisable to skip these pages.
• Pages 116-117*: A man and a woman hold each other in a moment that seems romantic. The woman wears a corset, and Emma eventually walks out blushing. The scene is suggestive but not explicit. Mr. Meredith also helps Mrs. Meredith with her corset.
• Another scene depicts a woman wearing a corset.
• Hakim’s dancing girls wear their usual revealing attire, exposing cleavage and their midriffs.
• Page 73*: Hakim humorously asks Monica if she took a bath with her clothes on after she barges in on him soaking wet, desperate to find William and confront him.
• Several instances of cleavage appear throughout, especially in ballroom scenes.
• In the afterward, a club setting features women in bunny-tail outfits (akin to a maid café but with fishnets and bunny tails).
• Also in the afterward, illustrations show Dorothea in a robe revealing her chest and Emma getting her corset put on.

Spiritual Elements in Emma Volume 4

• A church and a cross appear in the background during a grave visit.
• Grace believes her sickness was “preordained” to bring William and Eleanor together at the opera.

*Please note that there are multiple version of the manga, so it’s possible your page numbers may differ with mine.

Cover Photo Credit: Screenshot of cover from Emma Volume 4 by Kaoru Mori. From Amazon under fair use for review/commentary/education/criticism. All rights retained by respective owners.