Real CLASSy
~Blog Post #3~
Topic D
April 30, 2015
Lily O'Gorden
Throughout
section 2, the significance of
social hierarchy to Emma is made apparent by her actions. From the beginning of
this novel it has been obvious that class is a big deal, particularly to Emma
and her family. When Emma becomes companions with Harriet, her main focus is to
promote her social status and assist her in marrying someone prosperous and
settled. While people in modern society may believe that the importance of
class within this culture is normal, it is emphasized by other characters that
this is not true. Mr. Knightley is ashamed of the fact that Emma would attempt
to stop two people who like each other, Mr. Martin and Harriet, from marrying
because of status. The subject of social class remains relevant throughout the
story, and there is a major conflict involving this in Chapter 25. When Emma
receives an invitation the Cole’s party, she hesitates to accept because of
their social rank. Although they are nice people according to Emma, they are “low of
origin, in trade, and only moderately genteel” (195). Emma feels the need to
decline in order to show them it is improper to invite superior families to
dinner. This situation stresses Emma’s immaturity and lack of consideration towards
others feelings. In the beginning of the novel, Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s father,
describes her as a caring girl who never thinks of herself “if she can do well
to others;” however, Emma’s actions contradict his comment (11). Not only does
Emma want to reject their invitation because of her own reputation, but she deliberately wishes to make the Coles feel insulted by her. When Emma finds out other “high
class” individuals are attending the party, she feels the need to go. Not only
does this situation bring out the strongest egotism within Emma, but also proves
that social status will be a reoccurring theme in this novel.
Lily I agree that classes are a major theme in this novel. It seems to be a reoccurring subject in our discussions. You made a very good point saying that Mr. Knightley feels completely different about class. It is another example of how he keeps Emma in check. Even with Mr. Knightley discouraging Emma of judging by social structure, Emma seems to always be reintroducing this theme. Here Jane Austen is using the theme in Emma's dialogue to show that Emma really believes that she should be considered superior to others. She also compares herself to others of her class, as she wants to be associated with them. Like you said, when invited to the Cole's party she was reluctant to go. Once she heard the Westins were attending she said "Oh! yes, I must be there" (248). Now in part two, we have predicted to see a change in Emma's egotistical ways. Let's hope that Mr. Knightley somehow convinces Emma to be more down to earth. At this point, it seems like it will have to be a big reveal to get that through her big head...
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Lily. Throughout the novel Austen makes it apparent to that social hierarchy is a reoccurring theme by showing Emma’s shallow side. First, when she matches her governess with a wealthy man. Next, Emma tries to match Harriet with Mr. Elton, a wealthy man. However, Harriet had eyes for Mr. Martin, but Emma convinced Harriet that she deserves a “better” man. Emma’s emphasis on social class does not seem to stop. In fact her shallow thinking continues into chapter 25 when Emma meets Frank. Her impressions make her believe that he would make her look good if they were together. Austen expresses Emma’s plan for improving both her and Frank Churchill’s appearance by writing that, it would be an honor for Frank to be in love with her, Emma, because she is well-known and together they would make quite the couple in the eyes of their peers (Austen 194). From this a reader is able to grasp that Emma only thinks of a person’s social class instead of thinking of their personality.
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