Emma Paper on True Class

Defining True Class

“The real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little to well of herself” (Austen, pg5). Immediately in the beginning of Jane Austen’s novel Emma, the reader is given the good characteristics found in Emma closely followed by the flaws found within Emma. Emma has just about everything she could ever need, with wealth being the largest contributor, but fails to live her life unselfishly. One can see how at times Emma is self centered and immature to others. The lower class, the other side of the class spectrum depicted by Austen, is portrayed by the young and vulnerable Harriet. Amongst the two sides of social class within the society, Mr. Knightly resembles the meaning of being humble within wealth and having true class. Through the analysis of Austen’s novel Emma, one can conclude that having money and reputation is one accomplishment, but Emma’s realization of her selfish actions help her acquire the respectable and humble characteristics that resemble the lifelong accomplishment of true class.

In Austen’s novel, Emma fails to use what she is naturally given to its full potential. In this time period middle and lower class women were not given the opportunities that Emma receives. The reader can see from the beginning that she is not only a beautiful and wealthy woman, but intelligent and educated as well. Although Emma has seemingly perfect characteristics, she chooses to selfishly separate herself from others within social class. This is also seen when Emma decides to exploit the vulnerability of the lower class by playing match maker with Harriet. Emma allows her need for drama and attention to overcome her perception of truth. “No, he is not her equal indeed, for he is as much her superior in sense as in situation. Emma, your infatuation about that girl blinds you” (Austen pg45). Even though Mr. Knightly knows Emma’s intentions, Emma childishly continues...