Independant Essay - Emma

How is the character of Emma presented by Austen in "Emma", and what methods and techniques does she use? In "Emma", Jane Austen uses a variety of methods and techniques to present the main character of Emma to the reader; mainly to change our opinion of her throughout the book. These subtle methods to affect the reader are apparent from even the first sentence: "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." From the very beginning of the book, we are presented with a depiction of Emma, seeming to have the perfect life. Using an inflammatory first sentence affects the response of the reader towards Emma, a technique of using language that is used often throughout the novel by Austen. Immediately the reader is challenged by the author to dislike Emma; and has created a negative opinion of her from the beginning. Austen preys on basic human nature to get her desired response, as a reader will feel threatened or jealous by the description of perfection, as narrated in the opening few lines. The choice of words and phrases used in the sentence are key to giving the reader this particular response, for example "very little to distress or vex her." These words seem to imply that

  • Word count: 4232
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Explore in detail how Elizabeths views and actions are not of a Typical Regency Women.

Explore in detail how Elizabeth's views and actions are not of a 'Typical Regency Women.' It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife - Pride and Prejudice opens with one of the most famous sentences in English literature and has proved to be one of the most popular novels in the English language. This famous sentence also reflects on the novel as it already gives us the knowledge of what the novel is based on and it describes Ms Bennet's view on marriage and why she is so energized when a young bachelor moves into her area. Jane Austen was born in 1775 at a small town in Southwest England, She was taught at home in lessons of music, writing, drawing, painting and needlework. Jane loved reading and this led her to being a very successful writer so she published her books; some of which were Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, and Pride and Prejudice which was published in 1813. This book became a popular novel with its acts of pride, prejudice and modern views on marriage. In this essay, I am going to analyse the ways in which Elizabeth Bennet is shown not to be a 'typical regency woman'. The title 'Pride and Prejudice' refers to the way in which Elizabeth and Darcy first view each other. The term 'pride' means a form of stubbornness, honor, self-respect, self-satisfaction and a feeling of

  • Word count: 4093
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Pride and Prejudice

Consider the various attitudes towards marriage in "Pride and Prejudice". What do you thinkJane Austen believed were the ingredients of a happy marriage? The novel "Pride and Prejudice" written by Jane Austen and set in 1812, deals primarily with the theme of marriage. There are six main relationships in the novel, which all demonstrate different reasons for matrimony whether it be for wealth, social issues or pure affection we can see clearly what Jane Austen considered to be the weakest and least successful marriage and what she thought to be the most fulfilling, successful relationship. Through these marriages, we can see what elements make up a happy and long-lasting marriage; love, respect and understanding each other. The problem, however, of making a good marriage can be as weighty as those of money and social issues which is why at the time there were many marriages of "convenience". Marriage provided financial security and there were not many alternatives in providing a stable future without marriage unless you inherited a large amount of money or became a governess. The Bennets' marriage is a clear example of one of the weaker marriages of the novel. It supports Jane Austen's view that passion of the moment, which although is a key part in marriage and should be celebrated, is a poor foundation for a strong and fulfilling marriage. The Bennets' lack love and

  • Word count: 4072
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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The ideas of marriage and roles of women are very dosely linked. Compare the portrayal of marriage and representation of women in the three texts studied.

The ideas of marriage and roles of women are very dosely linked. Compare the portrayal of marriage and representation of women in the three texts studied. I am going to discuss, in this essay, the idea's of marriage and the roles of women at the times the three texts were set in, I shall also talk about how these marriages and roles are similar in the texts. To compare the portrayal of marriage and representation of women the three texts that were studied Stench of Kerosene, which was a short story written by Amrita Pritam. Stench of Kerosene was about a young Sikh married woman, called Guleri, who could not bear children and how society viewed and dealt with her due to this. It is a story of how she is seen as an outcast to the family so much so that the mother then brings a new wife into the household; to try to replace the old one; this then leads Guleri to suicide. The other texts studied were a short story in epistolary form called The Three Sisters and a novel called Pride and Prejudice. These two stories were both written by Jane Austen and both have very similar storylines. The Three Sisters is about a girl called Mary who receives a proposal from a very wealthy man, Mr Watts. Mary however finds Mr Watts to be 'extremely disagreeable' and does not know whether to marry him or not. Similarly Pride and Prejudice is about a mother, Mrs Bennet, and her struggles of

  • Word count: 3957
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Pride and Prejudice How successful this novel is in giving first impressions of the characters?

Pride and Prejudice The novel Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen was originally to be called First Impressions. Hence the ultimate aim of this essay is to identify how successful this novel is in giving 'First Impressions' of the characters. The focus of this essay is on the opening chapters of the novel as this is where we are first introduced to the characters. 'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.' This is one of Austen's famous quotes and sums up the main theme of the novel; that in the time this novel was written all men with a good wage are eligible bachelors in finding a woman to marry. I would consider this idea to be put under the theme of marriage. Another significant theme of this novel is society. In those days one's reputation was very important to ensure they sustained their status in the hierarchy of society. If one was to do something disrespectful towards others; by breaking the rules that had been derived in the 18th century, then the whole family would be affected by one's wrong doings. This novel is based on the tribulations that occur throughout the Bennett family. The Bennetts were members of the gentry and this was considered fairly high in society. Hence they would have reasonable status in the hierarchy of society. A brief example I can give of the theme of

  • Word count: 3952
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Explore Austen's Presentation Of Marriage in "Pride & Prejudice"

Explore Austen's Presentation Of Marriage in "Pride & Prejudice" Marriage forms the basis of the events featured in Pride and Prejudice and is presented in various ways in order to convey to readers the importance of it in society and the expectations which come with it. Throughout the book, Austen clarifies what makes a good marriage and how society views marriage as a unity of equal classes and a way to establish connections. The first aspect of marriage which is revealed is the way a person's position in society affects the choice of partner. Austen states in the opening line of the book: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" This line both sets out the beliefs that were held by society at the time, but also the tone of the book and the attitudes of the characters featured. From this line, we can learn that society considered marriage to be not only a unity of two people but also a unity of assets and connections in society. The expectations held by people are also revealed in the way that it is expected of men with a sound financial status to succeed in marrying a woman of equal if not higher status in order to maintain the connections previously established. This line stresses the belief that wealth was of great importance in society and that it was a factor that was taken into

  • Word count: 3846
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Explore The Social Institution Of Marriage In Jane Austen's Society In A Comparison Of The Proposals Of Mr Collins And Mr Darc

Explore The Social Institution Of Marriage In Jane Austen's Society In A Comparison Of The Proposals Of Mr Collins And Mr Darcy To Elizabeth Bennett In the following essay I am going to closely examine the proposals of marriage Elizabeth by her cousin Mr Collins, and aristocrat Mr Darcy. I am also going to compare and contrast the events of each proposal. In Jane Austen's lifetime a women's status in society came firstly from her parents and secondly when she married. Jane Austen shows the marked differences in class frequently, as this was a major feature of everyday life in the 19th century. Men were seen as being far superior to women as they were able to work and thus earn a small, and in rare cases a large fortune. Pride and Prejudice in some ways mirrors Jane Austen's own life, as her heart was broken at a tender age. Jane Austen gave her undying love to her hero Tom Lefroy, however the match proved incompatible as neither Jane or Tom had a sufficient income to allow them to live as man and wife. At only twenty Jane Austen's real love had come and gone and she never went on to love anyone else. Pride and Prejudice portrays the struggle for women to find compatible men, that not only satisfied their own need for love and adoration, but also suitors that meet their families' best interests. In chapter nineteen it becomes clear to the reader that Mr Collins is interested

  • Word count: 3842
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Explain in detail how Jane Austen introduces and sustains the interaction of the four couples united in the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’

Explain in detail how Jane Austen introduces and sustains the interaction of the four couples united in the novel 'Pride and Prejudice' 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel by Jane Austen, published in 1813. It is set mainly in a town in Hertfordshire called Meryton, and the two or three estates around it, Longbourn and Netherfield. The four couples in the story are Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, William Collins and Charlotte Lucas, and Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham. The first sentence in the book is a very famous quote, "It is universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This quote sets the scene for the whole book, marriage, money and social status. The first couples we meet in the story are Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, and Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. They meet in the assembly rooms in Meryton, where there was a dance-taking place. Mr Bingley had recently moved to Netherfield with a party of his friends, including Mr Darcy. As they were the new tenants of Netherfield they were the talk of the town. For most of the town's people this was the first time many of them would have seen the new tenants and first impressions counted for an awful lot in that period. When the townspeople first met Bingley he set a good impression on them and was respected

  • Word count: 3825
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Consider the variety of attitudes to marriage as expressed by the different characters in Pride and Prejudice. What do you think Austen believed were the ingredients of a successful marriage?

Consider the variety of attitudes to marriage as expressed by the different characters in Pride and Prejudice. What do you think Austen believed were the ingredients of a successful marriage? By Lauren Hewett Miss. Lloyd 10 V "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." The maxim that starts Austen's Pride and Prejudice elucidates the parallel themes which traverse the novel: money and marriage. The main subject of the novel is stated in the first sentence. In this statement Austen has skilfully done three things: she has declared that the main theme of the novel will be courtship and marriage, and by taking a simple subject to elaborate and to speak intelligently of she has established the humorous and satiric tone of the novel, and Austen has also prepared the reader for the chase of either a woman in pursuit of a husband, or a husband in search of a wife. Love was not generally the main motive for marrying in the 19th century as society's ideas of a successful marriage were very different to ours of today. Pride and Prejudice contains an array of marriages which are successful and others which are not. It is through these marriages that Austen's own opinions on what were the ingredients of a successful marriage, are revealed. Being directly introduced to the marriage of Mr and Mrs. Bennet

  • Word count: 3766
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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"Nothing much happens." To what extent do you support this view of the novel, 'Pride and Prejudice'?

. "Nothing much happens." To what extent do you support this view of the novel, 'Pride and Prejudice'? 'Pride and Prejudice' relates the events surrounding the relations, lives, and love of a middle-upper class English family in the nineteenth century. It is a novel that comprises the misunderstanding of love and affection through first impressions and how easily the mind derives conclusions through these impressions without scrutinising the true nature of a person. 'Nothing much happens' is a controversial statement upon which I disagree with this viewpoint. I believe that a lot does happen in the duration of the novel and the themes that arise in the novel are based around the relationships between the characters. The novel is centrally built around Jane and Elizabeth Bennet's relationship with eligible and noble men of high aristocracy. Marriage is a key theme that reflects the society of which the novel is based upon. It was thought that 'marriage was the only way of life' a critical view by Fredrick Bramley. Austen positions the reader to think about the importance of marriage at that time. She uses the characters as literary devices to show the juxtaposition between the relationships who have married for love and relationships which have married for other reasons. By explaining that marriage should only result from love, she influences the reader that it is

  • Word count: 3764
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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