At the crossroads of the Enlightenment and Romanticism, Jane Austen writes her novel, Emma, filled with ordinary people, places and events, unlike other novels of the time. This was the time in history when reading novels became one of the main forms of entertainment for many people, but especially the middle class. This highlights an idea of the Enlightenment regarding literacy and the popular press where individuals gained access to learning for themselves on a personal level. Of course, many new works were too expensive to buy, but around this time period, methods for sharing and borrowing the latest fiction came about including libraries, reading clubs, and subscriptions. These methods are all still alive in our day as we see the sharing of literary works.
Narrating from a woman’s perspective, Austen is able to convey personal meaning in self-discovery. One Enlightenment ideal that is seen is John Locke’s ideas that encourage the individual to no longer blindly follow established teachings. Emma, the protagonist, is an example of one who follows individualism, though in her case she does so to an extreme. Her individualism isn’t always balanced, and leaves her feeling empty at times. It is important to keep our individualism in check, especially now in our day.
There are times throughout the novel where Emma “checks herself” and one of these instances is after she is reprimanded by Mr. Knightley for insulting Miss Bates.
"She was vexed beyond what could have been expressed—almost beyond what she could conceal. The truth of his representation there was no denying. She felt it at her heart. How could she have been so brutal, so cruel to Miss Bates! How could she have exposed herself to such ill opinion in any one she valued! And how suffer him to leave her without saying one word of gratitude, of concurrence, of common kindness!"Along with the spirit of the Enlightenment comes the search for order, and in this context, it is within one's self. This novel beautifully displays the theme of transformation, as Emma is able to look within herself. Just as our heroine is able to go from arrogant and self-absorbed to one who is able to give selfless love and complete empathy to those around her. we too are able and inspired to do the same thing.
Image credit: Susie Hogarth from thegaurdian.com
I love these stories with good character development that show the inner changes that take place. A similar theme is found in Great Expectations. I think this is an interesting time for the novel, where authors are really delving into the personal struggles in self-improvement.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love how you picked that theme out of Emma! The character development in Austen's books are very well thought out. I wonder which of her characters most accurately reflects Austen herself--did she have a similar "coming to self" so to speak like Emma? Or did she see that in someone else?
ReplyDeleteShe looks beyond social classes, not allowing them to justify unethical or impolite behavior, even if society deems it acceptable simply due to rank.
The notion of self improvement and change is inspiring. We can all shed a lot of our bad qualities and replace them with good ones. Thanks for pointing this theme out.
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