Emma’s suspicious actions had already indicated moral corruption to the townspeople. However, the fact that Emma unapologetically dresses in a masculine manner provokes a change in the townspeople’s perceptions. Interestingly, what motivates the townspeople to form a distinct opinion about Emma is not the hints at a extramarital affair but instead her unconventional attire. Although it seems like a trivial matter, they fuel their perception of Emma as a scandalous and overbearing woman in pursuit of selfish desires. Her physical appearance plays a significant role in that others no longer see her as a graceful and loyal wife. While the townspeople interpret her appearance as indecency, modern readers view it as self-empowerment as did Emma.
