The institution of marriage has changed dramatically over the century. During Heckerling’s time, a female did not need to marry to guarantee financial security. Unlike in Emma, everyone could choose what they want to do with their life and marriage was no longer a necessity. During the 1990’s, women received the same job opportunities as males and were therefore able to provide their own income. In Clueless, a woman’s marriage status did not determine her social status, however, in the 19th century, if a woman was not in Emma’s position and did not plan on becoming married, she would have lost respect and chances of a good life. Cher’s use of “As if!” at the wedding scene at the end of the film, confirms our own shocked thoughts at seeing teenagers get married, and shows that while the institution is still an extremely special and worthy one, it isn’t the only goal in life. The loss of a woman’s virginity has instead replaced marriage as a socially accepted event to go through during the Heckerling’s time. Just as Emma acts against the social expectation of her generation, Cher acts against hers. Tai accuses “Why should I listen to you anyways? You’re just a virgin who can’t drive!” This statement shows that the loss of one’s virginity and the ability to drive can make someone in the 20th century less authoritative because of their lack of experience. Virginity wasn’t an issue in 19th century Britain as a woman was expected to lose their virginity after their marriage to their husband only. If one did happen to lose their virginity, they wouldn’t be a respected part of society anymore and cast down to the bottom of the social hierarchy because they weren’t pure anymore. Both Emma and Cher choose different ways to rebel against their society, marrying for love and choosing virginity respectively.
The social hierarchy in 19th century society was extremely rigid and not only determined by one’s inherited wealth but also their breeding. Emma, the reader learns, is at the top of hers: “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, rich, clever, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings in existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her”. This quote illustrates the advantages of being born into a family of high social position. Those without the necessary breeding were known as “nouveau riche” and were looked down upon by those of “old money” – those grown up with silver spoons in their mouths. Mrs Elton was said to have “brought no name, no blood, no alliance’. The rigidness of the social hierarchy during the 19th century is demonstrated by the fact the even though Harriet had adopted the mannerisms of the elite, she was still considered of lower class and not thoroughly accepted in Highbury.
Social class is still a prominent divider within society. Cher and her friends are all at the top of the ladder. In the late 20th century, the social hierarchy had become much less rigid and much more flexible which is shown when Tai is able to become more popular than Cher. Even though she does become popular, those with more wealth, Elton, still would not agree to be closely associated with her. The social hierarchy is shown through the character’s behaviour and habits. It is established through a series of pan and long shots over the school population, showing the segregated groups within the school. The rich hang out together and the lower class, such as the skaters, do not interact with those of a higher class. This is similar to the society within the novel, where class was the determining factor of who it was socially accepted to be acquainted with. Christian’s homosexuality, which is explored in Clueless would have been extremely controversial during Jane Austen’s time. This change shows that our society has accepted all types of sexuality and races. During Austen’s time, many laws were passed which penalised those who were homosexual, sometimes even with death. Previously, they were tortured and killed for religious reasons.
Feminism is a prominent idea present in both texts. “Emma” was set in a patriarchal society, and although her father was not a strong patriarchal figure, Mr Knightly instead fills that role. He upholds his place during the Box Hill incident as well as chiding her for her immaturity. In Clueless, Cher is allowed much more personal freedom than Emma, yet within her own household, she is still controlled by her father. Both female protagonists rely on their father for their wealth and social standing. In some ways, Cher can be seen as having less female power than Emma even though she lived in modern society where female have gained more rights. Her father reprimands her for sitting in his chair and for her parking tickets and Josh is her saviour as he rescues her that night in the Valley.
Amy Heckerling has appropriated many of the ideas of marriage, social hierarchy and feminism from Jane Austen’s 1816 novel, Emma. The contrast in the context in which the texts were written and produced emphasises that many of the fundamental values and ideas have been left unchallenged by time while other ideas such as homosexuality and multiculturalism have been introduced and accepted.
