Fashions change, customs change, society changes and language changes. What do you see to be the connection between 'Clueless' and 'Emma' and what is the value of this connection?

Customs, values and society all interrelate and rely on each other to form one’s lifestyle, including their rank and status. Customs, values and society differ in every race and as time goes by, it is constantly being altered, but the tiers of prestige will never disappear. Both Cher and Emma are from the highest levels of society and only mingle with their own. Balls were customary in Emma’s society as a social event for the rich; this is linked to the dance parties that Cher went to. So it defines one’s rank to be at one of these social functions as it is customary for only the wealthy to attend. This means that the connection between ‘Emma’ and ‘Clueless’ can be made, even if times have changed.

The difference of language in Austen’s novel and Heckerling’s production is very clear. The 19th century had it’s own language characteristics just like the 20th century has it’s own jargon. But no matter what language or year, for example, gossip is gossip. The way it is being said can be different and the accent may be changed, but the conversation always remains the same; who loves who, who said what, and so on. On the occasion of Emma persuading the relationship between Harriet and Mr. Elton “she repeated some warm personal praise which she had drawn from Mr. Elton, and now did full justice to”. In the same state of affairs Cher told Tai that Elton said that “she gave him a tooth ache” meaning that he thought Tai was sweet. In both circumstances, the same gossip is being passed on but in its own periodic slang. Therefore, it is not the language that is important, but what is said that establishes the valuable connection between ‘Emma’ and ‘Clueless’.

The plot and characters are the primary connection between the novel and the film and allow for ‘Clueless’ to be a transformation of ‘Emma’ rather than a transplant. The plot of ‘Clueless’, although not exact (this is to conform and communicate correctly into the 20th century), is a valuable link that allows for Austen’s classic to be enjoyed using a popular contemporary media. Small adaptations have been made but the main ideas have not been altered. The introductions for example, give across the same message although the language, setting, culture and fashions are different; rich, smart, spoiled girl, living a charmed life. The characters directly link the novel to the movie, as the contemporary stars are new adaptations of their classical counterparts. Cher is Emma, Josh is Mr. Knightly, Christian is Mr. Churchill and so on. Therefore, ‘Clueless’ is a transformation of ‘Emma’, connected by the plot and characters.

In summation, the valuable connection can be made between ‘Emma’ and ‘Clueless’ via the common messages portrayed and the plot and characters. Vanity, rank, status and gossip are examples of the many themes that establish the link through mere, unchangeable, timeless human nature along with the plot and characters. Heckerling has successfully transformed ‘Emma’, making it a valuable media allowing it to be appreciated by all.