Jane Austen Emma Research Paper

Taken in the context of its time, the novel 'Emma' by Jane Austen is a delightfully fun and witty examination of the societal constraints and mores at the time this novel takes place. Jane Austen conveys concerns of the society at the time through the use of her main character Emma Woodhouse and the events that take place. Austen has included a narrator, meaning we hear Emma’s thoughts as well as an interpretation of the events and characters behaviour, which help the reader further understand her concerns about the society.

Courtship and Marriage are two very similar but important topics in “Emma”. This novel revolves around Emma trying to find suitable matches as a ‘match maker’ for the people she elects but, they have to be of the same

Emma belonging to the wealthiest family in Highbury means she holds the highest social position in the community. Even though she does interact with people as the same social class as her, such as Mr. Knightley, who seems to be the only one in this novel who constantly, openly reprimands Emma upon her actions and belief that she knows everything and is better than everyone else. “This is not pleasant to you, Emma--and it is very far from pleasant to me; but I must, I will,--I will tell you truths while I can, satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel, and trusting that you will some time or other do me greater justice than you can do now.” This helps the reader realise Jane Austen’s concern about the fact that the higher class thought very highly of themselves through the use of Mr. Knightley but she made sure to show that there were people, such as Mr. Knightley, who were very considerate of all classes and although knew their place they never thought too highly of

Austen does encourage the people of higher class to seem charitable and compassionate nonetheless, she maintains the importance of class distinction. The most important event that conveys this is when Emma decides to take Harriet Smith under her wing and brings her to an almost equal social level. While Harriet is a kind and beautiful young women, Austen does clarify that she cannot act appropriately to match the high class society. It is only because of Emma’s influence on her that she is accepted in and “noticed”. This leads to confusion of classes and Harriet developing inappropriate expectations of finding a spouse and having a future. It is because of the influence she refuses Mr. Martin’s proposal to her hence being rejected by the Martin family who are of the same class as her causing social dispute. This also causes miscommunication between her and Mr. Elton. “I never thought of Miss Smith in the whole course of my existence--never paid her any attentions but as your friend: never cared whether she were dead or alive, but as your friend. If she has fancied otherwise, her own wishes have misled her, and I am very sorry--extremely sorry--But, Miss Smith, indeed!--Oh! Miss Woodhouse! Who can think of Miss Smith, when Miss Woodhouse is