"Emma" vs. "Clueless"

English > Analysis
Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Literature > English

The writer of this in-depth paper analyzes the similarities between Jane Austen's classic "Emma" and Amy Heckerling's film "Clueless," while focusing on whether or not traditional gender roles have changed over the years.

3,688 words () | 19 sources | MLA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the film industry's recent trend of creating modern adaptations of classic literature. The writer of this paper focuses on Jane Austin's classic novel "Emma" and it's modern day counterpart, "Clueless," written and directly by Amy Heckerling. This well-researched paper discusses the many similarities in both stories while examining whether or not the roles of women and men have changed over the years. This paper delves into Heckerling's modern adaptation of "Emma" which closely parallels the original text from themes to characterization as well as characteristics in both societies. This paper details the plots and main characters of both works. This paper examines the gender roles of both men and women in various areas including marriage, family, society, education and career as depicted in modern times as well as the Regency period.

From the Paper:

"At the beginning of the novel, it is established that Emma's mother died so long ago that her presence is only a vague memory. In Clueless, the death of Cher's mother has been modernized. Cher's mother died from a freak liposuction accident. It is remarkable how even the minutest details are present in both works. Mr. Woodhouse is preoccupied with his digestion and because of this Emma is very concerned about his health. In Clueless, Mr. Horowitz is constantly obsessing about his cholesterol. Out of concern, Cher restricts her father to a strict diet. Both the Woodhouses and the Horowitzes are members of the upper-class society. Emma's father is well-known and everyone holds the Woodhouse family in high esteem. Cher's father is a renowned litigation attorney. In today's society, a profession such as this is looked upon with a lot of respect."