Social Class in Jane Austen’s Emma
Omniscient narrator redolent with ironic commentary. Third person used for maintaining
contemplative observation. The narrative point of view is commanded by Emma who is
completely immersed within her own word-the reality of poverty is glossed over. Stylistic
structure can be seen as psychological realism. Impressionistic dialogue free indirect
discourse
Comedy of manners intended to satirise. Contradictory as to whether Austen depicts
Highbury as a realistic representation of society which she lived in order is idealized (could
compare to Oliver). Relationships and interactions are shown in the context of this society.
Compare realist traits to Oliver.
Some room for social mobility e.g. Coles employing more servants, enlarging the house and
gave dinner parties whilst inviting prestige guests. Pg 190. In a small community where there
are only a few genteel families there may be more tolerance to mixing the classes than in
London. The Highbury whist club, for example, is made up of ‘gentlemen and half-
gentlemen’ pg 182. Tone is quite pompous, not truly gentlemen but merely an attempt at
being such.
The Coles displayed proper attitudes and were neither pretentious not self-promoting. Mrs
Coles confessed that no one in her household could play their new grand pianoforte.
Written during the Age of Reason-moral world view reflecting the values of the
Enlightenment.
Emma has aspirations towards the landed gentry and the depth of her snobbery satirises the
insecure social standing of the relatively new strand of the class structure: the emergence of
the middle class. Nineteenth cent saw the most dramatic uphevel in social structures and the
move away from baronial organisation of power. Satire poking fun at this stratum of society
middle class landowners and work-force owners. Hereditary wealth most significant and
superior to ‘new money.’ Hereditary wealth was perceived as infinitely superior to new
money-Emma’s objections to Mrs Elton ‘she brought no name, no blood, no alliance’ chp22
pg 138
Can conforming to social dictates allow for emotional satisfaction-elegant wit and ironic
detatchment advocates independence of thought.. Emma’s journey into adult consciousness
contrasted to the angelic naivety of Oliver.
Societal stratospheres demarked (demarcate)
Austen uses snatches of dialogue in a stream of consciousness to mimic socialising-inspired
by Woolf perhaps.
Responsibility:
‘Emma was very compassionate: and the distresses of the poor were as sure of relief from
her personal attention and kindness, her council and patience.’ Pg 94
Emma reveals to her reader that although she is of the upper class, she has innate morals.
Harriet is more pompous. What help can properly be given to a lady or a gentleman
, who has fallen in status, as has the Bates family, is severely circumscribed. To give
them significant help or to offer money would be to strip them of what status and
dignity they might still be clinging to by reducing them to objects of charity. For
this reason, Emma and her father sent an occasional gift like the quarter of pork
and Mr. Knightley gave them apples.
However, this prevents the lower classes from making social changes.
Responsibility to neighbours who were in impoverished circumstances was accepted by the
higher classes-it would be expected as part of her duties.
Harmony is a core value within this society. Involves openness and consideration-general
politeness. To do what is most generally pleasing/utilitarian is the objective. ‘what would be
most generally pleasing must be our object’ pg 227-228
Emma herself often ignores this. Mr Knightley is more righteous ‘I would not attempt it if it
were to be a means of inconvenience for the Highbury people’ pg 110.
Emma the insider and Frank the outsider both threaten the harmony of society through
manipulation and hidden motives.
Manners:
Comedy of manners. John Knightley tells Emma he thought ‘your manners to him are
encouraging’- referring to Mr Elton.
Offended by Mrs Elton’s comments abour Mrs Weston Emma responds that his manners
‘were always particularly good. Their propriety, simplicity and elegance would make the
saftest model for any young woman.’ Pg 246.
Mr Elton refutes the prospect of being with Harriet due to her social status ‘everybody has
their level’-implies that he is ignorant towards social mobility. Emma is equally affronted
‘need not so totally despair of an equal alliance.’ She feels as if she is his social superior-
‘quite the gentleman…and without low connections; at the same time not of any family that
could fairly object to the doubtful birth of Harriet’ chap 4 p27-ironic duality of belief she is
insulted by Elton but then proceeds to do the same thing.
Motivated by her own vanity, Emma tends to judge others by their admiration for her and
others. Emma showed a similar delicacy of feeling in forming her judgment of
Frank Churchill; she reserved her assessment of him until she saw how he treated
Mrs. Weston. She was pleased;
It was not merely in fine words or hyperbolic compliment that he paid his duty;
nothing could be more proper or pelasing than his whole manner to her—nothing
could more agreeably denote his wish of considering her as a friend and securing
her affection. (p.181)
Mr Knightley and Mr Elton adjust their manners upon visiting Mrs Weston’s drawing room.
Pg 118
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