Jane Austen's Emma Research Paper

Jane Austen’s Emma is a timeless piece of literature that has inspired many new works, but most importantly it is a reminder of how the past and the present still tend to overlap. Although the novel was written during the 19th century it remains prevalent through its emphasis on social acceptance and the ideals placed onto women by society. Whether it be the society of the 1800’s or that of 2017 we still observe a very common parallel between the two worlds and those who inhabit them. Emma Woodhouse, prima donna of Hartfield, is best represented in the modern social world by none other than the reigning queen of social media, Kim Kardashian. Emma Woodhouse and Kim Kardashian are both manipulative in their vanity in the way that they only present

Emma and Kim Kardashian are incredibly vain women, but they are manipulative in their vanity in the sense that they only allow the world to see their best features so they can fit into the standards of beauty that their individual societies demand. In Austen’s novel the ideal woman is set to be beautiful, well-mannered, and talented in whatever she may partake in. (Wills) Emma is in fact a lovely woman of many talents and it is hardly impossible to forget that because one is reminded throughout the entire book of her handsomeness and impeccable character—but she is a rather devious and calculating woman. (Austen 1) When Emma, Mr. Elton, and Harriet come together to have Harriet’s portrait painted Emma pulls out a collection of works she had previously started. (Austen 37) Due to her lack of talent in painting “not one of them had ever been finished” and although she is not exemplary in the arts “she was not unwilling to have others deceived.” (Austen 37) As an artist Emma has minimal talent, but is reluctant to admit it in fear of her reputation and social standing being damaged. Instead of acknowledging her faults, she carefully begins to tell of how it was impossible for her to finish any of the works of art because of the muses rather than herself. (Austen 38) She blames others, and because people have such a high opinion of her already they are willing to take her word for it. (Austen 38) Emma is excessively vain, but is still very aware of her limitations so she must manipulate the situation in order to remain in good standing with those around her. After all, a woman of the upper class who was unable to paint in many forms would be torn apart by gossip in Hartfield. She desires attention for all of her positive attributes rather than gossip that will have the people of Hartfield talking down on her. In