Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-30389283-20170508141020/@comment-5106672-20170508144556

I think Emma's character arc summarises the overarching themes of the show, which are very positive ones:


 * Even if you (feel like you) are alone, there's always hope to find love and acceptance;


 * Even if the world forces you to toughen up and put on an aloof, hardened exterior, you will always find a place when you can be your better self.


 * If you try to do good and help others, but life still gives you lemon, people will be there for you and help you make some good lemonade.


 * Even if you screw up big time, there's nothing you can't come back from and people will learn to forgive you if you forgive yourself and change your ways.


 * Past mistakes don't define who you can be today – they are lessons from which you can learn to be better.


 * You can be a strong, self-reliant person and be able to push back, and at the same time you can share your burden with others and that does not mean you are weak.

I think we live in a world that requires us to be S1 Emma Swan: we need to be cold, bitter, disillusioned, a bit cynical, to look as much invulnerable as we can. Emma's journey gives us hope that we are allowed to be much more than that.