In Emma the importance to marry is not as important in this novel. The theme is again marriage but more of the irresponsible child who believes she knows the rightful matches for one another. Emma brings about this issue of ‘manners’. Her manners are very well behaved but her outspoken nature causes her to be stubborn and stand out to the rest of the women. Lydia is very much rude. Her actions are astounding. She is an embarrassment to her family. Her flirtatious behaviour is not acceptable to the era in which she lived. Austen’s portrayal of the lack of freedom and expression for women was extremely tight. Women were to be looked at. Isabella is the example Austen compares the other women too she is a woman who does not speak much, loves her husband and maintains the rightful role of a wife/mother. Austen from her own character portrays a streak of feminism. Elizabeth and Emma both stick up for themselves and go against the opposite sex. The limitations that were brought about from society were of course extremely sexist.
Also she highlights the marriage of the Bennets to the Gardiners. The Bennets do not contain a loving respectable relationship. Mr. Bennet hides away into his study. Austen shows here that there marriage was based on the youth and lust each one had for each other. The Gardiners have a trusting respectable relationship in which they show through guiding Elizabeth and Jane.
Gossips in again both novels are present. The women gossiped about everyone therefore everyone knew everything about everyone. Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Miss. Bates in Emma are the main characters that were both a little dim, unsuccessful and came from poorer backgrounds. These characters indulge in gossip. They are aroused with gossip. This also shows the small communities in which are constantly on surveillance.
In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is a girl in which feels more for her family than the criticism of society. An example of her character is the spontaneous walk across the muddy fields to ensure that her sister Jane is well. Not caring that her appearance is ruined and not graceful. Appearance and reality are extremely notified. Elizabeth is later criticized by the Bingley sisters. This leads to snobbery and social class. They look down upon Elizabeth. Because of her social status and wealth, she may not have much but her values are merely more important and consideration for family happiness and unity. The Bingley sisters are not prettier than Elizabeth or more talented. Their appearance and the placing of society makes them feel and look higher. But in reality Elizabeth is far higher than they are in life, morals, education and talents. Mr. Darcy notices this pursuing their relationship to form.
Money is an issue in Pride and Prejudice. This can be seen through the clergy. Both men Mr. Collins and Mr. Elton in Emma concentrate on the ambitions to secure themselves with a wife that has lots of money. This also presents the corrupt religious area. The communities were to look up to these men of God and follow their’ humbleness’. This is neither followed out by either man. They are rejected once and automatically propose to another woman offering no love but security for themselves.
The role of the classes and snobbery is present in both novels. Lady Catherine in Pride and Prejudice is a woman who has fortune status and comfort without the present of a male figure. Her head is high into the clouds. This is dramatically shown throughout her abusive questioning towards Elizabeth, and rude orders towards Mr. Collins. To finish the novel with Lady Catherine falling off her high horse employs by Austen that social status and snobbery does not always get what you want. Elizabeth is dignified and stands tall keeping her manners polite and firm.
Emma is also seen to be highly educated single with no male figure, perfectly fit in a high society. Her snobbery is not that dominant as she befriends Harriet and pays many visits to lower class families such as the Bates. But later on her emotions and excitement cause her to ridicule and look down upon Miss. Bates in a hurtful and inconsiderate manner.
Throughout both novels we see the pure emotions and feelings Jane Austen feels towards a society in which women are inferior, the importance of social class and the amusement which brightens their lives. This is shown through her irony and actions of characters.
