Similarities Between Emma And Clueless

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In the context of society, constructing the ideals of femininity depends on the depiction of women's emotions and their identities in both texts and film. Emma (1806) and Clueless (1996) are both examples of women being misrepresented in society by disparagingly displaying women as primarily revolving around and serving men, emphasising the significance of physical appearance and how it validates men. Furthermore, through the representation of women being “entitled” and “clueless” in both texts, women are depicted as being less capable than males both physically and emotionally. Atypical views on marriage and the responsibilities surrounding it are expressed throughout both texts, establishing absurd beliefs regarding what marriage signifies

Jane Austen characterises Emma as a woman with a lack of self-awareness due to her own privilege throughout the book. Suggested from the beginning of the novel, “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence”, Austen foreshadows Emma’s character by criticising her as an intelligent but also spoiled, meddlesome and self-deluded woman. Emma’s foolishness is shown throughout the book through her interest in match-making and meddling in other characters’ business. By Emma acknowledging “The first error and the worst lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together.”, Austen’s utilisation of dramatic irony makes it clear to readers that Emma was wrong about Mr. Elton’s feelings for Harriet. Her employment of Emma playing a matchmaker and hurting Harriet in the process just for her benefit and entertainment affirms the idea that women don’t have boundaries and are constantly sticking their noses in other people’s business.

During the Victorian era, marriage was thought of as matches made for authority and status, especially societal stability. Throughout the book, Emma constantly talks about not wanting to marry due to the expectations and responsibilities that come with marriage. Emma confides in Harriet about not wanting to “marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter." Jane Austen utilises Emma to describe how marriage should be more than a way to progress on the social ladder, it should be more about loving the man, criticising the societal values during the Victorian Era. This idea is seen again when Emma expresses her want to be independent and loved when married. “Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want; consequence I do not want: I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their husband's house, as I am of Hartfield; and never, never could I expect to be so truly beloved and important; so always first and always right in any man's eyes as I am in my father” Jane Austen utilises repetition to depict to readers that Emma is clearly aware of how her position would change in society after marriage as well as how her freedom would be restricted. Her representation of Emma perceiving marriage as a burden is considered unusual and