A comparative study: looking closely at the ways in which Austen and Spark reflect the main character(TM)s influence over others in both novels.

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English Literature - Mrs. Harris

A comparative study: looking closely at the ways in which Austen and Spark reflect the main character’s influence over others in both novels. 

The theme I’ve chosen to discuss is ‘the main characters influence over others’. I chose this theme because I believe it’s a very obvious and recurring theme in both novels ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen and ‘Miss Jean Brodie’ by Muriel Spark. Both main characters are remarkably similar as of their influential and dominant personalities and this is what I’m going to be discussing.

‘Emma’ was set in 1815, during a period of war between England and the French and Napoleon. None of this is reflected within the novel, leading to some criticism towards Jane Austen for the “narrowness of the subject matter” at such a time. I personally believe her choice to write on such minute incidents within a small English community at this time in history has established her as the novelist she is today. ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ was set much later, in the 1930’s. The difference in time is reflected in the language and dialect used by both authoresses.          

Emma is an unintentionally self centred, manipulative, extremely delusional character.

 I use the word ‘unintentionally’ because in most cases Emma’s intentions are actually good, but the outcomes are quite different to what she anticipated due to her lack of ability to visualize what is quite simply right in front of her, and with having “too much her own way...The danger, however, was at present so unperceived...” Emma is also intelligent, cunning yet severely inconsistent and impatient, as is often highlighted subtly by Jane Austen throughout the novel - contrasting with her intelligence and strong-headed manner. “She will never submit to any thing requiring industry…subjection to the fancy of understanding”.

Some critics have stated Jane Austen’s use of the narrative voice  “stimulates us to supply what is not there." And effectively establishes several underlying themes without directly asserting anything.  

The novel “Emma” is set in the 19th century, which makes Emma an ever more unique character, as her wealth and dominance is unlike that of most other unmarried woman of her time. On the whole one of Emma’s strongest attributes as of personality is her ability to influence others without any objection.

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Throughout the novel Emma’s influence over other characters is repeatedly emphasized. Some examples of the characters she has the upper hand over are her father (Mr. Woodhouse), Harriet Smith, Miss Bates, Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Weston. What’s quite interesting about her control over these different characters is the fact that she has gained strength over them through a range of different ways, highlighting her skill and versatility in the art of influencing. For example Emma has a strong rule over Miss Bates because she is swayed by Emma’s status and beauty, whereas Emma Woodhouse has control over her father ...

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