Emma Clueless Analysis

996 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Social classes in Jane Austen's novels

Introduction

Jane Austen’s novel Emma is the only one in which the heroine is not dependent on marring a rich gentleman to secure her income. Nevertheless it deals with one of the most important subjects among female audiences: love and matrimony.
This paper aims at comparing the novel Emma and its movie adaptation Clueless (by Amy Heckerling) with a view to the concept of social mobility in Jane Austen’s literature and in the American dream. In order to do this the aspects of the American dream that will be focused on are going to be outlined at the beginning. This chapter will be followed by the aspects of the American dream that are embodied in the movie and the parallels to the novel. One chapter is dedicated to some characters that I …show more content…

Its conception is most probably based on certain truths, which are provided as self-evident in the American Declaration of Independence of 1776, which states “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Every single being is therefore granted freedom and liberty, to be more precise, what does liberty imply? It implies the freedom to practice your religion, your culture and to do whatever you choose to without compulsion. A right that is valid regardless of race, sex, color, language or religion, not be challenged by anyone. Therefore, everyone has the opportunity to achieve prosperity and success. Just as James Truslow Adams explained: “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement […].” In consequence the upward social mobility of individuals depends on everyone’s attainment. In order to offer every person equal chances, equality has to be provided. “Every man is created equal” , “regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or …show more content…

In the Georgian society values like equality, freedom and democracy were quite unfamiliar. The same counts for hard work and achievements, especially the former, which was not considered as noble at that time, rather the opposite, a reasonable gentleman had an inherited fortune without having worked for it himself. His only occupation consisted of enjoying his life by hunting, traveling, visiting theatres, playing cards and billiard or just smoking . Meanwhile gentlewomen had fewer liberties nevertheless, their life was also considered a comfortable one, as they “passed their time in […] novel reading, theatre going, card playing and formal visits.” Household management was turned over to stewards and they devoted themselves to “decorative

Show More
Related

  • The Book 1776 by David McCullough

    1315 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout history, Americans have sought to spread the spirit of equality, which is believed to be the realization of true freedom. Before establishing this freedom, every American had only one question stuck in their head: What is freedom? Our country received it in the year of 1776 from the British through a series of difficulties and wars. African Americans defined it as an escape from slavery, while immigrants defined it as their acceptance into a new society. More yet, women of the women’s suffrage defined their freedom as their recognition into society and for their rights to be equal to that of every other man. These different perceptions of cultures/groups in America tied together to form an American view of freedom. Freedom is something that every American should be willing to do anything in order to maintain. We may have weapons of mass destruction, but when it comes to living in a peaceful, American lifestyle, our freedom is our greatest weapon.

    Read More

  • Emma And Clueless

    1036 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many novels are turned into movies, and they often times share the same name. However, some producers break this trend because Emma “was the basis for the plot” of the popular film “Clueless” (ASU’S JANE AUSTEN EXPERT). The 1990’s production brings a modern and inviting twist on one of Jane Austen’s best works. Both “Clueless” and Emma are centered around an affluent young woman who “make[s] the match” between acquaintances and beloved friends (J. Austen 38). In both the novel and the movie, the girls find themselves in unfavorable situations as a result of their involvement in other people’s business. Emma Woodhouse is not only known for her outspoken personality, but also she draws people’s attention when she walks into a room simply by her air. This is not to say that her wealth also allows her to spend money on extraordinary apparel. A short article in Vogue references this phenomenon: “Dreamy… Emma Woodhouses let their party shoes peek out flirtatiously” (“twinkle toes”). As a journalist, this allusion is subtle, yet fully addresses the fact that women need confidence to be different, but also they need to be willing to live on the edge from time to time. During one of the many balls Emma attends, she decides to dance with a close family friend, but she is careful not to “make it all improper” (J.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Social Division In Clueless

    1167 Words  | 3 Pages

    The concept of social division conveyed in Jane Austen’s novel Emma (1815) are creatively reshaped through the change of context and form in Amy Heckerling’s bildungsroman film Clueless (1995). The transformational text encourages a clearer understanding through a sense of relateability for a contemporary audience. The notions of class hierarchy and the role of women in society are refurbished in the film to the context of a modern society - Los Angeles in the 1990’s - thus allowing for the audience to affirm and create connections with new insights on social division that have evolved.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness

    1418 Words  | 3 Pages

    “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” For 240 years, these words have been engraved into the minds, hearts, souls, and lives of Americans everywhere. These words were written into the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. The Declaration of Independence is a historical document which declared the colonies of America to be free and independent states from Britain. It was a revolutionary and significant document in 1776 and the statement, “All men are created equal,” still remains significant in today’s society.

    Read More

  • The Creed of the United States

    1770 Words  | 4 Pages

    We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” This is perhaps the best-known phrase in American history, as the phrase is generally considered the American creed and the foundation of democracy. The American creed represents our need for independence and equality of life. The American creed which appears in the Declaration of Independence written by our great leaders has been a statement that we have seen reinforced over history by our most influential leaders. Some of these statements are the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I have a dream speech.

    Read More

  • Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness Analysis

    1202 Words  | 3 Pages

    Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. This well know phrase by John Locke gives three examples of the "unalienable rights" which the Declaration says have been given to all human beings by their Creator, which governments are created to protect. These words symbolize our individual rights that God gave us and the government is supposed to guard these rights. They are supposed to do this because person is born with these rights. Life is an important right because it is the existence of an individual human being or animal. Liberty is also a big role in our rights because it is freedom or the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by

    Read More

  • Slavery

    1131 Words  | 3 Pages

    "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness"

    Read More

  • Compare the Representation of Relationships in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Rapunzstiltskin’

    1280 Words  | 3 Pages

    Women in the time of Jane Austen dedicated their lives to being good-looking (seen in the vanity of Lydia and Kitty especially) and accomplished to ensure they were marriage material, just as the maiden tried to be enchanting and desirable for The Prince. Both texts illustrate an imbalance and struggle for equality within the oppressive rules and expectations that revolve around women’s lives, and so, their relationships.

    Read More

  • Analyzing Emma

    836 Words  | 2 Pages

    When Emma Goldman is searched, there is usually one word associated with her. The word most commonly seen is Anarchism. Emma Goldman was an Anarchist, and that title along with other details about Goldman affected and followed her for the rest of her life and even afterwards. Goldman’s gave a speech titled “Address to the Jury” on July 9, 1917, and this address became one of her most remembered speeches. Goldman’s gave “Address to the Jury” because of her history and Anarchism, and she used the speech to share her point of views.

    Read More

  • Reputation and Love in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    1583 Words  | 4 Pages

    Jane Austen’s time and nowadays sees the same situation. Not all marriages are based solely on love. As shallow as it might sound, when considering marriage, most, if not all people, consider wealth and the reputation of their partner. The norms of Jane Austen’s time in relation to wealth, reputation and marriage are much more elaborated by each individual's upbringing. Works Cited Austen, Jane.

    Read More

  • Social Norms in Jane Austen´s Pride and Prejudice

    1189 Words  | 3 Pages

    Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is well noted for its ability to question social norms. Most importantly, Austen explores the institution of marriage, as it was in her time, a time where many married for security rather than love. Her characters Elizabeth and Charlotte are renowned even more for their outspoken nature and different views on marriage. Though both Elizabeth and Charlotte yearn for a happy marriage, Charlotte has a more pragmatic and mundane approach while Elizabeth is more romantic and daring with her actions. Through the romantic involvements of both Elizabeth and Charlotte, Austen shows that happiness in marriage is not entirely a matter of chance, but is instead contingent on an accurate evaluation of self and others

    Read More

  • Analysis of Jane Austen´s Emma

    1252 Words  | 3 Pages

    The theme of social status and society is prevalent in the novel of Emma, through the characters Emma, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Churchill, and their situations and perspectives on life. Austen describes Emma as, “handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her” makes her outlook disparate from characters such as Harriet (Austen, Emma 3). Immediately through her description, Austen indicates Emma’s haughty perspective on society through her referencing her friends as “first set” and “second set.” Through Emma’s classification of her friends by their social status and importance, first set being the superior and second set being the inferior and locum, the reader is able to have a glimpse of Emma’s outlook on society and it’s classes. Knowledge Notes -.

    Read More

  • Jane Austen: An Analysis of Sense and Sensibility

    1284 Words  | 3 Pages

    Austen was raised in an unusually liberal family where her father was a part of the middle-landowning class. They had a moderate amount of luxuries, but were not considered well off. Unlike many girls of her time Austen received a fairly comprehensive education. She received this mainly through the undivided support of her family. Austen and her sisters, like most girls of their time, were homeschooled. Austen’s zealous parents encouraged the girls to play piano, read and write. Her parent’s encouragement led to her interest in writing. Austen’s father housed an extensive library filled with books which kept Austen occupied for years (“Sense and Sensibility” 119). Through her observant nature and passion to read and write, Austen was able to eloquently write of the many “hidden truths” of social and class distinction during her time. They included daily societal changes some of which foreshadowed future societal leniency. Familial support also extended societal norm of marriage. Her parents attempt...

    Read More

  • Class System In Jane Austen's Emma And Persuasion

    959 Words  | 2 Pages

    Jane Austen’s works are characterized by their classic portrayals of love among the gentry of England. Most of Austen’s novels use the lens of romance in order to provide social commentary through both realism and irony. Austen’s first published bookThe central conflicts in both of Jane Austen’s novels Emma and Persuasion are founded on the structure of class systems and the ensuing societal differences between the gentry and the proletariat. Although Emma and Persuasion were written only a year apart, Austen’s treatment of social class systems differs greatly between the two novels, thus allowing us to trace the development of her beliefs regarding the gentry and their role in society through the analysis of Austen’s differing treatment of class systems in the Emma and Persuasion. The society depicted in Emma is based on a far more rigid social structure than that of the naval society of Persuasion, which Austen embodies through her strikingly different female protagonists, Emma Woodhouse and Anne Eliot, and their respective conflicts. In her final novel, Persuasion, Austen explores the emerging idea of a meritocracy through her portrayal of the male protagonist, Captain Wentworth. The evolution from a traditional aristocracy-based society in Emma to that of a contemporary meritocracy-based society in Persuasion embodies Austen’s own development and illustrates her subversion of almost all the social attitudes and institutions that were central to her initial novels.

    Read More

  • The Social Class In Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

    608 Words  | 2 Pages

    The author Jane Austen was writing in the most transformative eras of British history. Austen experienced the beginning of industrialization in England. The movie shows concerns over property, money and status that highlight’s the social scale of the eighteenth and early ninetieth-century England. The film shows the broad social class that included those who owned land as well as the professional classes (Lawyers, doctors, and clergy). Throughout this time there were strict inheritance laws. The law for owning property was that it would go to male children or male relatives rather than breaking it up ...

    Read More

More about Emma Clueless Analysis

Open Document