Social Forces in Jane Austen's 'Emma'

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the author analyzes "Emma" as a novel of manners and consults critics who have analyzed this novel to see how the customs and mores of Emma influence and shape her character.

From the Paper:

"Emma is a member of the gentry class in English society. The gentry have land and money, are considered to be ladies and gentlemen, and are considered to be quite genteel. Emma's membership in this class is essential to the thesis of the novel because in the highly stratified society of 19th century England, the behavior of the upper social classes was controlled and dictated to the extreme by the member's social peers. People such as Robert Martins, a farmer, is so far below Emma's social class that she "cannot help him." It is not fitting for a woman of the gentry class to even consider his existence. Therefore, the context of Emma's social position and the rules of behavior that govern her rank are essential realities that shape Emma Woodhouse's development. "

More papers on Social Forces in Jane Austen's 'Emma':

• Book Review # 1910 : "Human Nature in Jane Austen's "Emma"
• Analytical Essay # 150093 : "Irony and Class in Jane Austen's Novels"
• Book Review # 103312 : "Anne's Crumbling Facade in Jane Austen's "Persuasion"

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