In the nineteenth century, issues of social class, especially the social conduct of young single women, were commonly discussed within the discourse of novels. Throughout many of her writings, Jane Austen focuses on social classes and what separates them from one another. The narrative she creates in Emma explains nineteenth-century social constructs through the eyes of Emma, an elite young woman within her social circle. From the start of the novel, Emma Woodhouse asserts herself as an influential and seemingly arrogant individual. She believes herself to be somewhat of a gift to her community. Her hubris leads her to believe that she knows best in all situations and that her advice is desired and even welcomed by those she interacts with. This reflects a larger social theme regarding nineteenth century England, in
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In the case of this passage, Emma is appraising Harriet, one of her newest acquaintances in Highbury. Harriet is a ‘natural daughter’ without an inherited social status, which, in turn, leaves her with no clear place in society. This passage explains the origin of Emma and Harriet’s relationship, which ultimately begins when Emma examines Harriet to decide if she has the capability to move up the ranks of society to become a respected member of England’s aristocracy. From this passage’s first sentence, Austen provides a clear sense of Emma’s self-righteous attitude and her belief that she is at the height of society. According to the narrative, Emma does not note anything “remarkably clever” about Harriet’s conversational ability; however, she also immediately notes that there is positive potential within Harriet, as her speech is still “altogether engaging” (E 19). This statement exhibits that Emma sees herself as a more educated, well-mannered person than Harriet, but that there is a conceivable chance that Harriet can be made into a person of high social ranking. Furthermore, Emma goes into detail about the positive aspects of Harriet’s
In the case of this passage, Emma is appraising Harriet, one of her newest acquaintances in Highbury. Harriet is a ‘natural daughter’ without an inherited social status, which, in turn, leaves her with no clear place in society. This passage explains the origin of Emma and Harriet’s relationship, which ultimately begins when Emma examines Harriet to decide if she has the capability to move up the ranks of society to become a respected member of England’s aristocracy. From this passage’s first sentence, Austen provides a clear sense of Emma’s self-righteous attitude and her belief that she is at the height of society. According to the narrative, Emma does not note anything “remarkably clever” about Harriet’s conversational ability; however, she also immediately notes that there is positive potential within Harriet, as her speech is still “altogether engaging” (E 19). This statement exhibits that Emma sees herself as a more educated, well-mannered person than Harriet, but that there is a conceivable chance that Harriet can be made into a person of high social ranking. Furthermore, Emma goes into detail about the positive aspects of Harriet’s