Analyse the ways in which a comparative study of Emma and Clueless invites reflections on the role of class within society
Analyse the ways in which a comparative study of Emma and Clueless invites reflections on the role of class within society
In observing Jane Austen's Emma and Amy Heckerling's Clueless we are able to compare the symbolical manifestations and realistic products of both Emma and Cher’s social environment. “Clueless” is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that reflects upon the values explored throughout “Emma” such as social class. Each of their social contexts is portrayed by the composers' differences and parallels of values. These values assist in confirming the social contexts within both texts. Emma Woodhouse is part of the rich, upscale society in 19th century England where her family is highly looked upon, while Cher Horowitz lives in the upscale Beverly Hills of California where Cher and her father are also viewed as the cultural elite.
In the opening of the novel, Emma is introduced as “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich with a comfortable home and happy disposition”. The descriptive language automatically allows the audience to realise the protagonist’s values of the social class throughout England 1800’s. The use of authorial comment “the real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much…” is just an example of her arrogance, shown in her bragging of exceptionally matching couples which clearly proves how highly Emma thinks of herself.
Also seen in “Clueless”, Cher's haughtiness can be seen in the scene where she and Dionne are clarifying to Tai how to become popular. Cher states that she has effectively begun to raise her societal position "due to the fact that you hang out with Dionne and I". Cher may be thoughtful to Tai, however she does so with vanity in light of the fact that she knows she is from a higher social class. Cher chooses to give Tai a complete make-over: new garments, an alternate haircut, and even a toned body. Cher believes that she is taking "that lost soul in there and making her well dressed and
In observing Jane Austen's Emma and Amy Heckerling's Clueless we are able to compare the symbolical manifestations and realistic products of both Emma and Cher’s social environment. “Clueless” is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that reflects upon the values explored throughout “Emma” such as social class. Each of their social contexts is portrayed by the composers' differences and parallels of values. These values assist in confirming the social contexts within both texts. Emma Woodhouse is part of the rich, upscale society in 19th century England where her family is highly looked upon, while Cher Horowitz lives in the upscale Beverly Hills of California where Cher and her father are also viewed as the cultural elite.
In the opening of the novel, Emma is introduced as “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich with a comfortable home and happy disposition”. The descriptive language automatically allows the audience to realise the protagonist’s values of the social class throughout England 1800’s. The use of authorial comment “the real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much…” is just an example of her arrogance, shown in her bragging of exceptionally matching couples which clearly proves how highly Emma thinks of herself.
Also seen in “Clueless”, Cher's haughtiness can be seen in the scene where she and Dionne are clarifying to Tai how to become popular. Cher states that she has effectively begun to raise her societal position "due to the fact that you hang out with Dionne and I". Cher may be thoughtful to Tai, however she does so with vanity in light of the fact that she knows she is from a higher social class. Cher chooses to give Tai a complete make-over: new garments, an alternate haircut, and even a toned body. Cher believes that she is taking "that lost soul in there and making her well dressed and