Emma
Jane Austen's classic is not merely a story of Emma Woodhouse's journey of self discovery, nor is it just a tale of country romance, but rather, Emma chronicles the anxiety of its time: the destabilization of the classes. As the Industrial Revolution allowed for the democratization of money, more and more individuals were able to climb the social ladder in England as never before. With the formation of the new middle class came the blurring of class distinction and the drive for the bourgeois identity crisis. With so many people gaining access to such signs of prosperity as clothing, furnishings, and the means to move farther away from the city, the ability to distinguish the new middle class from the gentry was becoming difficult. From the characterization of the Eltons, Coles, Martins, and Sucklings, to the geography of the setting, Emma reveals bourgeois society's fear of infiltration. Perhaps Austen's best characterization of the nouveau riche comes in the form of Mr. and Mrs. Cole. "A very good sort of people...of low origin, in trade, and only moderately genteel, the Coles have managed to improve their means quite considerably in a short amount of time to become, in fortune and style of living, second only to the family at
Augusta appropriates herself the patroness of Jane and thereby acquires a sign of gentility. Later, Augusta tells Jane that she has secured her a job as a governess with a family of her sister's friend in town, thereby securing Jane's removal as a threat. Both Jane and Harriet are relatively broke and devoid of parentage, but their noble qualities and charm make them threatening to a bourgeois society that is increasingly violated by those who possess appealing personal attributes rather than solely large bank accounts. For this reason, Emma and Augusta, in their obsessive narcissism, feel the need to control these women; to maintain their superior status. Another particularly effective depiction of the countryside's vulnerability is Austen's narration of Harriet's attack by the gypsies. In a passage akin to Dickens' description of the working class's uncomfortable proximity to the suburbs, Austen writes: ì[T]he Richmond road, which, though apparently public enough for safety, had led them into alarm. About half a mile beyond Highbury, making a sudden turn, and deeply shaded by elms on each side...they had suddenly perceived...a party of gypsies (214). In this scene, Harriet and her companion are accosted by half a dozen children, headed by a stout woman (214) begging for money. After Harriet gives them a shilling and begs them not to harm her, she is further approached, or rather surrounded, by the whole gang, demanding more (214). This description characterizes the popular caricature of the teeming masses of the working class, and it is a further representation of bourgeois social fears. Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming...I quite rave about Jane Fairfax. A sweet, interesting creature. So mild and ladylike...She is very timid and silent. One can see that she feels the want of encouragement...I am a great advocate for timidity...Jane Fairfax is a very delightful creature, and interests me more than I can express. I shall certainly have her very often at my house, shall introduce her wherever I can. (180-181) As Emma repeatedly snubs Robert M
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1393
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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