Emma Volume 5 by Kaoru Mori: Christian Review & Content Guide

In our Christian review of Emma Volume 5, we will explore Kaoru Mori’s manga from a faith-based lens. Includes a parent guide.

This review is about Emma Volume 5. For our review of Emma Volume 4, click here, and for our Emma overview post with a list of all our Emma reviews, click here.

Synopsis of Emma Volume 5 (Manga) by Kaoru Mori

After their emotional reunion at William’s engagement party, Emma and William find themselves at a crossroads. Mrs. Trollop (also known as Auriela Jones, William’s mother) encourages them to make a decision about their future together.

They satisfy their longing by exchanging letters until William makes a surprising visit to Emma at the Merediths’ estate.

Will Emma and William find new allies in the Merediths? What makes Auriela so much calmer about their relationship compared to other nobles?

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Emma Volume 5 Review: A Historical Romance with Mature Themes

This volume sees Emma and William finally taking steps to be together, breaking away from their previous hesitation. Emma and William reveal their relationship to Auriela Jones, William’s mother, who, instead of being harsh, is patient and kind, treating Emma well. The Merediths also show kindness and thoughtfulness when William shares about his relationship with Emma.

The story is notably devoid of Hakim, and although we know he left due to Eleanor and William’s engagement, his humorous antics—which lighten the tone—are sadly absent in this volume.

Emma bonds more with Tasha, becoming noticeably more upbeat and talkative, which surprises the other maids. This shift demonstrates how much happier Emma feels after seeing William again.

As always, religious content is woven into the characters’ actions and morals—rather than being explicitly mentioned—though a church event seeking donations does appear.

Emma and William are at a crossroads, and while it’s clear they’re not ready to abandon their relationship, their actions raise some moral concerns. They exchange letters, and William even calls Emma his love, which, while sweet, is troubling given that William is still engaged to Eleanor Campbell. Emma chooses to write to him even though she knows he is engaged, and he continues to write to her despite his engagement.

A Biblical Look at the Jones’ Marriage *Spoiler*

We witness the decline of the Jones’ marriage, and although they remain married, they have lived apart for quite some time. Auriela struggles with her health and is sent away by Richard, effectively isolating her from both her children and her family.

Because of their long separation, Auriela doesn’t have the close relationship with her children that she could have, which is very sad.

Auriela’s Kindness in Emma Volume 5 *Spoiler*

Auriela’s reaction toward Emma and William is striking. Rather than casting Emma aside, she eats breakfast with her, showing respect for their relationship and encouraging them to make a decision together. She doesn’t sugarcoat the situation but acknowledges that it’s their decision to make.

This mirrors Proverbs 15:1 (NIV), “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” and the virtues of love, patience, and kindness from 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NIV).

Auriela’s kindness and gentle approach ensure that her relationship with Emma remains positive, regardless of her personal feelings about their relationship.

Dorothea and Wilhelm: Faithful Listeners in Emma Volume 5 *Spoilers*

Dorothea and Wilhelm Meredith play important roles. They listen to William’s dilemma and love for Emma without shutting it down. Though realistic, they do not treat his situation as hopeless but instead acknowledge it with kindness and support.

Their reaction mirrors Auriela’s, showing that not all nobles oppose relationships between different social classes, and echos Proverbs 18:13 (ESV):

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

Viscount Campbell and Immorality *Spoilers*

We also learn of Viscount Campbell’s immoral activities. A female singer, who many men are interested in, appears involved in an extramarital affair with him.

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FAQs for Emma Volume 5

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Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Emma Volume 5 (Manga)

After the explicit nudity in Volume 4, it’s a welcome change of pace to have a volume that avoids it, and that’s what we get in volume 5. While adult themes and implied content are still present, this volume handles them with more restraint, and align more closely with the tone of the first three volumes of Emma.

Overall, Emma Volume 5 offers an enjoyable read for older teens and adults as there are still suggestive situations. When choosing media to consume, always follow the wisdom of Philippians 4:8 (ESV):

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.“

To read our review of Emma Volume 6, click here.

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Content and Parent Guide for Emma Volume 5

Language in Emma Volume 5

• “Damn”
• “Drat”
• “Fool”
• “Nincompoop”
• “Batty”
• “Humbug”
• “Speak of the devil”
• “Odd duck”
• “Sod”
• “For God’s sake”
• “Goodness gracious”
• “Thank God”
• Auriela Jones is nicknamed Mrs. Trollop due to her antisocial nature.
• Characters are called “wretch” or “fool of.”
• “Damned shameless presumptuous upstarts.”

Substance Use in Emma Volume 5

• Characters drink bubbly beverages at social events.
• Hans brings alcohol back from London.
• Other male characters are seen drinking.
• One character calls his father a drunk.
• Smoking is also depicted.

Nudity & Sexual Content in Emma Volume 5

• Several instances of cleavage are depicted, including Emma’s underclothes being shown.
• A character is seen in a revealing dress and engages in suggestive behavior with a man, using her foot to touch his leg seductively.
• A woman (a singer) appears in multiple suggestive scenes:
  • Embraces a man with her cleavage near his face.
  • Discusses charging him, implying transactional intimacy.
  • A scene shows a fully clothed man zipping up his pants after an encounter, implying previous activity.
  • At a play, a man wants the actress to be his companion at least once, but she is very expensive.
  • She has cleavage showing and leans to the edge of the box, prompting the man to comment that she is inviting others to look down her bodice.
  • She takes off her shoe and fondles his leg suggestively, leading him to leave.
  • The same singer seduces another man:
    • Hugs him with her cleavage close to his face.
    • Talks about charging him and his inability to afford her.
    • The interaction has definite sexual undertones.
  • The singer falsely suggests she was forced into relations, though it’s clear she has been involved with multiple men by choice.
  • A character keeps her beau’s lock of hair in a handkerchief and places it in her corset.
  • A character remembers the night when she and another character embraced in Volume 4.
  • Two characters write letters back and forth while one of them is still engaged to another.
  • A character makes a surprise visit; as soon as his girlfriend sees him, she runs out to embrace him in front of everyone.
  • Emma’s employer kisses her husband.

Violence & Gore in Emma Volume 5

• A fireplace catches fire, but Emma helps resolve the situation.
• A nobleman hits another man after discovering the singer’s deceptive behavior.

Spiritual Elements in Emma Volume 5

• A church bazaar seeks donations, revealing the religious aspect of the society.

Other Notes in Emma Volume 5

• Some readers may find the content in the afterword inappropriate.

Cover photo from Emma Volume 5 cover by Kaoru Mori. From Amazon. Under fair use for review/commentary/criticism/education. All rights retained by respective owners.