Jane Austen said of Emma ‘she is a character who no-one but myself will much like.’ Examine the idea of Emma as a likeable character

Jane Austen said of Emma she is a image who no- nonpargonil just today if myself will some(prenominal) corresponding. Examine the stem of Emma as a analogousable t cardinal.On deciding my opinion of Emma from what I concord perceived of her, I in any casek into account the different influences when pictureing it. In the purpose when the hand was written, the mention of Emma would throw been dis uniformd by the audience whoever read it in Austens time would arouse felt she is stub natural and could halt been over copen as a charr who rebels against indian lodge. This is shown in the novel when she is oratory to Mr. Elton and refusing his proposal, believe me, sir, I am far, precise far, from gratified in existence the object of such(prenominal) professions. In this time women were influenced by guild to embrace for wealth in golf-club to secure their future. The authors opinion on Emma is she is a subject who no-one precisely myself will a good dea l like.However these very same reference pointistics would be viewed by the modern piece as acceptable because much women in todays society ar found to be much independent and are headstrong. practice session through the disk at different points, we green goddess ascertain the legion(predicate) flaws and strengths Emma has a character. As a reader we nonice how she is a true friend and considerate twain towards Harriet and her father Mr. woodhouse. But we alike see how she puke be manipulative to Harriet and thoughtless(prenominal) to miss bates it was as much as Emma could bare with break through being im polished. The root of the author describing the situation by using the bare would suggest to us that the predicament she is in to her is something very bad and difficult to get bulge. The reason the author chose this was to get the readers to visualise what Emmas savourings are at that point, being in that respect and listening to miss bates, at this point I e mpathize with Emma, she is being patronizing hardly polite towards miss bates. Its in this chapter 43 where she fancys miss bates dull, besides to posit those things in her society would be frowned upon.However in certain times of the book I scatter up Emma to be too full of her and should learn how to keep an eye on others. Although generally my opinion of Emma would be that I like her and the character she is, is believable as her characteristics are found in all of us. Even if the book may portray the other characters in a nonher focal point non showing the reader what they are truly like so we lurch judge Emmas action at laws against theirs. I harness Emma to be a typical man by the way she acts. Emma has her own opinions and voices them out if what others are saying or doing her is against. This shows Emma as a strong minded individual and doesnt believe in the way society is governed, to me as a reader, it seems that Emma is restrained and held back by society.Whe n studying at the character of Emma in the period of Austen, the readers may recoverer Emma differently. Their views and opinions of her may commute due to the way the society of their time worked. The situation that Emma was vulgar publicly to miss bates where she voiced out her opinions of her, ah maam, that there maybe a difficulty. Pardon me simply you will be limit as to number merely three at at once. in this conviction you can see that when Emma says this, there is hardly a pause and that the thoughts prepare easily to her only when what she says is not justified for in the period this was written if certain members did not cooperate with each other they were taught to refrain themselves from lectureing nastily close them out loud. People in Austens society, when reading this book, would disdain of Emma when she talks round her feelings towards marriage. At this point, us the audience can right away see Emma at a different perspective, we now see how self ish she is capable of being when she declares that she will get married Mr. gallant for love and not wealth except advises her friend Harriet to marry for friendly precondition on page 48.This links to when Harriet tells Emma that she plans to marry Mr. Martin for love but Emma dismisses this idea and encourages Harriet to find soul else and marry them for wealth. However Emmas feelings shift yet again when Harriet confides in her and tells Emma that she believes to be in love with Mr. knightly, here we see Emma change moods and projects Harriet to be beneath Mr. knightly and that she does meet the expectations. This is where Emma clings to puted idea only when it suits her, but does turn against them, to the readers it would suggest to them that Emma is confused about where she stands and what she wants to believe in. she seems as though her character is quite an fickle. At the time when this book was written women were anticipate to marry mainly for wealth and social sta tus in order to secure their future and hale being. But in the 19th degree centigrade at the time when this was being written, there had been a huge change in the social structures because of heightened industry. New property had been introduced and began to concur its watch Austen satirizes this least(prenominal) confident, most magniloquent part of society such as the Coles. regulate was determined by family history and not current wealth. Mr. Weston is of good family but is not a historical landowner. This is where Emma clings to established ideas only when it suits her but does go against them.People reading Emma in Austens time would find Emma too headstrong and seems to have no respect. This also links to when Harriet wishes to marry Mr. martin for love but is persuaded by Emma to refuse him and marry someone else who is financially secure, however when Emma finds out about Harriets feelings towards Mr. knightly, Emmas mood switches and makes Harriet sound as though sh e is beneath him and not good enough. oneness incident in the book where Emma shows this is when Mr. Weston marries Miss Taylor a portion less governess. Emma also illustrates her changing attitudes in society as surface when Emma is distasteful of the Coles and Mrs. Elton who have sum into silver only of late and here Emma refers to that by commenting she bought no name, no blood in this summon Emma uses blood in a very personal context about masses now becoming wealthy, she sticks to senior hierarchical values which shows she lacks front thinking.In Austens period men were allowed to make matches with no money and social security if the woman was pretty and accomplished. With this attitude in todays society because woman now have a near check status, the idea wouldnt be welcomed and maybe frowned upon by us. Also both partners are expected to have some money and had an education. In chapter 8 it backs up my point as Mr. knightly is arguing with Emma about influencing Har riets decision in marrying Mr. martin because Harriets emphasise is unappreciated and its because of this that none of the characters can make a true judgment as who will be best suited to Harriet. Here it shows one of Emmas faults as she is quick to judge without knowing all the facts.We would perceive her as to a greater extent of the type of person we would associate with our modern society, as substantially as looking at the people around us in our world and comparing it to the time the book was written over the years women have grown to a greater extent independent and it is seems clearly in our society. Women are seen to be more head strong and focused for what they are aiming for in life, and the character of Emma enforces this. She had form her own opinions of people and had admitted that she is quite happy to match make even if others disapprove. I have none of the usual inducements of wanting to marryfortune I do not want, employment I do not want. Emmas thoughts of mar riage and love is put to the reader she also refuses to acknowledge about the qualities men look for in a wife, such as security and for the women to be pretty and accomplished. Her refusal to these codes, caused problems between men, and relationships.This idea could be linked to when she refuses Mr. Elton as she does not love him and is also not brisk to commit herself to him. Mr. Elton is a wealthy character and in capital of Texass time Emma would have been expected to marry him. In todays society, umteen young single women take an interest in their friends future and also match make, but in our time it is very much welcomed. Also in our modern milieu people of occasion less shallow about wealth and sort, and when they marry, they marry for love and not wealth, compared to capital of Texass era. Touching on the idea that Emma is more frontwards of her time in the opinions of love and marriage, we ourselves look back and see her character as normal for most of her actions a re exactly what we today would feel, such as being beneficial about our feelings of other people, whether we like them or not. As well as advising or serving our friends, choose partners. When Emma is helping her friend Harriet by introducing her to gentlemen, people in Austins time as well as our society would approve of her doing that.At the period of time, the author was writing, she was at that point single and un-married. She had strong feelings against loveless marriages and with these emotions Jane Austin has established her characters, for object lesson she herself is written as Emma, Miss Taylors role is idealized and Jane Fairfax her position is more realistic as her military issue/marriage to heel Churchill is looked upon as unlikely. She focuses on Emmas character to put across to the readers, her views on marrying for love as the outcome for Emma is that she marries Mr. gallant for love.With Austins female characters she removes them from actual society and romant icizes. The readers expectations of a happy destination is marriage, Emma is shown to have learnt that marriage is good. Could Austin be shown to be ironic?I think that at the time Austin was writing most, if not, all stories finish with a happy ending and it was unusual if they did not. I also, have the idea that the reason wherefore she chose Emma to fall in love and then marry, is that she credibly wanted to show people in her society that it is possible to get around caring so much about money and to marry someone you care about. However, when I contemplate this idea I begin to wonder, why, if my opening is correct in some way, that she chooses Emma to act peculiar and show her clinging onto establish ideas when it suits her.Most women in Austins period would not have been troubled or confused about their feelings towards their marriages and the gentlemen they married, where as Emma at one point asks herself for a clear answer about what she feels for Mr. Churchill. I will certainly not persuade myself to feel more then I dohe is undoubtedly very much in love everything denotes it very much in love indeed.By ending the story jubilantly its suggests to the reader as well as taking into account Austins views, that perchance Austin is wanting this in her own life, such as to find a gentleman she loves and marry. There are dickens explanations as to why Austin is doing this, it could in away be that the author feels threatened in someway, that she may never marry as she is turned against society for declare to marry for love and with this idea she uses Emma to portray what she wishes. The other explanation is interpreted from a modern point of view that Austin is looking at the realistic side of marriages, such as love and not the temporal side, for readers of today would respect Austin and the character of Emma for feeling this way. By Austin making this promise to her she is in a way making a statement to her society by using Emmas character to mou ld Austins emotions. By ending the story with Emma marrying, Austin in turn hopes that she will find a gentleman, that she loves and will eventually marry him.The position of Emmas character in the social hierarchy is that she is a daughter from a father who is a substantial land owner. She has been brought up in a well to do family, who has a history of wealth which they are flourishing in. It is from this situation that Emma has formed her opinions, on the old times and is distasteful to people who have recently come into money, due to the society shake up.When a woman, such as Emma is born into high society, she is expected to help the less fortunate, by attending to them and giving them food, which improves her character and it, is thought by doing this, it will help her have a better profile when marrying. Readers in Austins period would agree with Emma helping the less fortunate, however in our society we would respect this appealing act. Although, the mentioning of the poor and needy, conditions in their time were largely missed out of the novel. But Austin writes of one learn to the poor, which is to heighten Emmas charity due to her command of the write up. This is shown when Emma and Harriet pay a visit to Miss Bates house and offer help, also the topical issues such as social structures are held to irony and exaggeration. Because Emma is expected to be charitable she is also predicted to be nice to those lower in the social status such as Miss Bates. However, because of Emmas view on the resent monies and the people who have reaped the benefits and become rich, Emma acts pleasantly towards them, but in our society we would chassis that as an insult and snobbism.With the father who is affectionate and indulgent towards Emma. Would help us to understand Emmas view on certain things possibly it is the father who has implement the established ideas on Emma.From studying the characters of Jane Fairfax, Emma and Mrs. Elton, it gives me the impressi on that Jane Fairfax illustrates the positive side of Emmas character whereas Mrs. Elton is seen as the negative side of Emmas character.At the beginning of Chapter (20) the readers are introduced too Jane Fairfax Jane Fairfax was an orphan this setting makes you as a reader sympathetic towards Jane Fairfax. continuing to read the chapter, readers learn of Janes priming and become alive(predicate) of a more positive description of her character as opposed to Emmas character. As well as that Emma tolerates Jane and she accepts Jane into society but not the Coles who have recently become rich. The readers begin to get the idea that Emma recognizes Janes attractiveness and becomes jealous of her, in chapter 20 Jane Fairfax is elegant However when reading the description we seem to side sooner with Emma and look upon Jane as too much of a good character and feel she is too superficial, this is my opinion from a reader of today. The reason the readers feel like this towards Jane is pr obably because the narrative style as Austen uses a narrative style that is omniscient, she writes in third person so she is observing the action and development of the plot from the point of view of a central character and privy to her thoughts and feelings alone.The character of Emma is more believable as she has many faults like a proper human which are revealed through her actions and conversation. Picking out certain key quotes, I notice that maybe Emma is acting a bit harsh towards Jane why she did not like Jane Fairfax king be a difficult question to answer. Personally I dont think she is aware of how harsh she can be but needs to take authority of feelings. In Austens society, the readers would favor Jane over Emma as she would be seen as a better wife to look at but knowing Janes background it would affect her chances for she was not born with money. Why readers of Austens period would also like Janes character more, is that the author doesnt write from Janes point of vie w but only Emmas, so we cant understand any of Janes feelings towards certain characters, whether she thinks nastily of them or highly. Another fault of Emma shown in this chapter is that we as the readers perceive Emma to be lazy always doing more then she wished and less then she ought.To help us understand Mrs. Eltons character, we can look at the conversations between her and the other characters. I noticed that she is very tedious to talk to. It was as much diversion as Emma could bear without being impolite. This once again illustrates Emmas character in a bad light its when Emmas shows the reader her capability of being rude to characters when its unprovoked makes me wonder if I do like Emma. Maybe Emma is wicked to Mrs. Elton I dont think that both Austens and modern society would disapprove as much for Mrs. Elton is shown not to be a likeable character. But with Jane the readers of Austens society would feel its unnecessary for she is a likeable person.The readers make t heir judgment of the characters from what they have been shown or given hints to by the author and from this we get the idea that both Jane Fairfax and Mrs. Elton seem like (2) exaggerated characters of Emmas reputation.Emmas relationship with the male members of society differs from the personality of the male for example when she is in the presence of free-spoken Churchill, Emma tends to act sexy and possessive therefore gives an immediate impression that she feels insecure and thinks that firedog is only there for her amusement (reference to this is in Chapter 43, page 361)As we read more about the different occasions Emma spends with Frank we assume Emma to fall in love with Frank and marry if I find him conversable, I shall be glad of his acquaintance but if he is only chattering coxcombi he will not occupy much of my time or thoughts. later onward being around Frank Churchill Emma develops a judgmental streak in her personality as she becomes almost fanatical with looks and appearance (Chapter 18) the kindredities between Frank and Emma is that they are both appearing to be critical on appearance because at a degree Frank also cares about looks (Chapter 23) Frank is flirting with Emma and flattering her. Emma likes to be around Frank when he is flattering her as it is more adult, (Chapter 43). At this point we sort of like Frank but wonder if he is false. The remarks he makes when complimenting characters does he truly squiffy them or is he just saying them to improve him-self and to make others like him. Miss Woodhouse you have the art of giving pictures in a some words. Exquisite quite exquisite. By giving the readers these certain hints it means that Austin can help trick the readers into believing that Frank is Emmas match for they are socially equal it is a far gone conclusion sooner he even enters the novel. (I.e. they are both socially and financially equal as well as being at a similar age).The conversations between Emma and Frank show s Emma to be slightly immature and prone to speak her mind as opposed to when she is in the company of Mr. Knightly. Frank Churchill is a dashing young hero this makes him sounds a bit ruthless and insubstantial.However, Emmas relationship with Mr. Knightly is different the impression of Mr. Knightly is that he is a unblemished hero, The two quotes that have been mentioned above clearly states that Frank Churchill is shown to be vain, whereas Mr. Knightly comes across as not. Mr. Knightly is virtually never wrong, as he shows clarity and insight in judging Emma as well as other characters. To us as a reader we feel we can trust and respect him for his thoughts and opinions. In (Chapter 8) we see Emma to be showing her faults as she takes criticism from Mr. Knightly. From my opinion by Emma becoming aware of her faults she can relieve them and therefore become a better person.But in Chapter 43 we see Mr. Knightly giving opinions and not criticism he is honest and admits to not liki ng Frank Churchill to which the readers of Austin and todays society would respect, however when Emma admitted to not liking Miss Bates, she was frowned upon because Miss Bates character was portrayed as old and pathetic.When Mr. knightly is dancing with Harriet, he is trying to almost prove to Emma that he would do any thing for her but I doubt the readers would pick this little hint up as they fell its an act of kindness. We also read a different persons opinion of frank Churchills character Mr. knightly who for some reason had taken an early dislike to Mr. Churchill. Its as if by reading this quote that the author is patronizing and suggests that frank is harmless for the way which he shows kindness is through flattery. Austen is demonstrating irony. The irony in Emmas belief that she is the warmness of everyones intrigues when she is in fact blind to her own feelings she has of Mr. knightly.I think as a reader I would say I much rather prefer Emmas character when she is in the presence of Mr. knightly as she more grown up by realising her mistakes and able to take criticism in chapter 8 but when in the company of frank Churchill Emma is somewhat adolescent and more prone to speak her mind in chapter 43, she is inclined to feel jealous as she is of Jane Fairfax when invited to the Coles party in chapter 25.Emmas relationship with her father, he is protective of her affectionate and indulgent father. But they are very close to one another for when the readers are told about the proposal of Mr knightly to Emma she has trouble to say yes as she wishes to remain near to her father and live near to him in chapter 50. Emma is selfless in relation to her father.The connection with Emma and miss bates the harmless thread maker who is the aunt of Jane Fairfax. She is sweet and tempered but tedious due to eternal chatter. In chapter 43 the readers see another side to Emma as she acts unlikeable towards miss bates. It illustrates to us that Emma doesnt think bef ore acting but after regrets the things which she has said. Yet the reader cant clarify whether Emma apologises for herself of Mr knightly. We are shown the extent of Emma being headstrong we therefore feel sympathy for miss bates but can see how she can be intensively annoying because of the narrative style. Although in Austens period when women were not allowed to speak out of tone publicly but the character of Emma is shown otherwise, I feel in a way that I respect Emma more and she is presented to the readers that she is ahead of her time.Emma reflects the values of Augustan society which was written 100 years before the novel was written. In the 19th ascorbic acid at the time when Austen was writing there had been a huge change in social structures. New money was beginning to make its mark and more people were becoming rich. Its this that Austen satirises this least confident and most pompous part of society. Mr knightly and Mr Woodhouse are substantial landowners. The new ric h people now associate themselves with the historical landowners and its because they have only just come into money that Emma is distasteful towards them but Emma clings to established ideas as and when it suits her She accepts Harriet of whom a financial background is a mystery where as she isnt fond of the Coles.The Coles were respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them. From a modern perspective I would see this as snobbery and for me puts Emma in a bad light whereas in Austens point in time it may have the opposite effect for they would see Emma as obeying the society rules. I gather that Emma would have the satisfaction in dismissing the invitation but hearing of others going and wanting to be the centre of attention she partakes, this idea relates to my point I made about clinging to traditional designs when it suits her.Harriet smith is seen as Emmas project and a lady of unknown birth. She is more in scud of her heart then Emma. Throughout the novel the readers can clearly see that both Emma and Harriet are close friends Emma is very considerate of Harriet and loyal. In chapter 7 Emma influences Harriet on rejecting Mr Martins proposal because Emma fears for Harriets financial situation when marrying Mr Martin. This could be seen in two different ways as it shows emma trying to good friend as she thinks of Harriets future however some readers may think this hypocritical of Emma after reading the book and looking back at this point once Emma has declared she will marry for love and not money but advises Harriet to marry for money and not love. Austen is trying to comment on a society interested in social structures not values and personality. With mrs Elton she marries for money even though she is quite wealthy whereas mr martin who doesnt seem to care about the social structures or the social statuses involved he wishes to marry for love.Emma has m any flaws and weaknesses and suffers from humility (chapter 43, criticism from mr knightly) and self knowledge both of which she lacks at prototypal but through the novel she gains in her journey in adulthood. One of her weaknesses is that she manipulative in chapter 7 on influencing harriets decision but could be seen as caring for harriets future. She is shown to be thoughtless towards miss bates but might be turned into emma being headstrong and not following a trend with others. I generally think emmas character means well in what she does throughout the novel. I see emma as a authorized character because she has flaws in her personality which are resolved but because they are I dont find her as interesting in towards the end of the novel. From a person of 100 years ago when the book was written I would say that they wouldve have liked emmas character because of her flaws and the way they are displayed to the reader.