Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Emma Question #2
To what extent can class be said to be of central importance to the development of the novel, since it is one of the most important considerations in marriage? Does class seem to be treated differently by those in Highbury than it does by outsiders, for example Frank Churchill and Mrs. Elton? Do you think it is significant that no woman in Highbury is of Emma's age and rank?
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Class is very important to the development of the novel. One of the main plotlines of “Emma” is marriage – who Harriet will marry, Mr. Weston’s marriages, Mr. Churchill and Ms. Fairfax’s engagement, etc. Family background and wealth gave a person their social standing. Unfortunately for Harriet, she does not know her family standing. This poses a problem when searching for suitors. An excellent example of class being important is Frank Churchill’s and Jane Fairfax’s engagement. The engagement must be kept secret because he is from a wealthy family and she is not, and his wealthy relatives would not approve of their relationship.
Frank Churchill and Mrs. Elton do show differences in opinion about marriage compared to those from Highbury, but I believe this to be only part of their characters, not because of where they’re from. Obviously Mr. Churchill is not overly worried about class differences, as shown in his engagement to Ms. Fairfax.
I never really thought about the fact that no one else in Highbury is of Emma’s age and rank, but I suppose it is true. I don’t think that is very significant because it seems like after a certain point in most adults’ lives, they feel comfortable talking to any other adults. A person can have friends and influences that are not exactly the same as they are. Emma’s age and rank do not have that high of importance in “Emma”.
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