Compare and contrast the way in which Evelyn Waugh and Jane Austen present friendship in 'Brideshead Revisited' and 'Emma'
Compare and contrast the ways in which Austen and Waugh present the two friendships in their respective novels
In both “Emma and “Brideshead Revisited” there is a strong sense that Harriet and Charles are brought into realms that they have never been in before, however to what extent are these worlds of luxury and indulgence damaging for the protagonists is an essential question in both novels. Both Harriet and Charles gain an insight into the worlds of their respective companions;
Both Emma and Sebastian are very possessive of their respective companions, which indicate that both of these characters are the most dominant and controlling in each relationship, whereas Harriet and Charles are deferential and idolise Emma and Sebastian. Emma views Harriet as her new project as she wishes to “improve her” as she sees potential in Harriet. However, it can be inferred that instead of having Harriet’s best interest in mind, she is in fact doing this to boost her own ego. This can be seen in Emma’s description of Harriet: “she was short, plump and fair”. It is significant that Emma draws attention to Harriet’s height because in the Georgian era, taller females were seen as more beautiful which suggests that even though Harriet is attractive, she cannot outshine Emma. This view can be supported by critic Kathleen Anderson who stated that Emma “considers herself superior to her beloved protégée, whom she strives to direct and influence.”The use of free indirect speech in “Those soft blue eyes...should not be wasted on the inferior society of Highbury” suggests that Austen disproves of Emma’s intentions with Harriet and her manipulation: “She would detach her from bad acquaintance...she would form her opinions and her manners.”
This form of guidance that Harriet undertakes by Emma is similarly paralleled in “Brideshead Revisited” as Sebastian is Charles’s instructor in aesthetics and Charles undergoes an aesthetic rebirth. It has been considered by critic Elyse Graham
In both “Emma and “Brideshead Revisited” there is a strong sense that Harriet and Charles are brought into realms that they have never been in before, however to what extent are these worlds of luxury and indulgence damaging for the protagonists is an essential question in both novels. Both Harriet and Charles gain an insight into the worlds of their respective companions;
Both Emma and Sebastian are very possessive of their respective companions, which indicate that both of these characters are the most dominant and controlling in each relationship, whereas Harriet and Charles are deferential and idolise Emma and Sebastian. Emma views Harriet as her new project as she wishes to “improve her” as she sees potential in Harriet. However, it can be inferred that instead of having Harriet’s best interest in mind, she is in fact doing this to boost her own ego. This can be seen in Emma’s description of Harriet: “she was short, plump and fair”. It is significant that Emma draws attention to Harriet’s height because in the Georgian era, taller females were seen as more beautiful which suggests that even though Harriet is attractive, she cannot outshine Emma. This view can be supported by critic Kathleen Anderson who stated that Emma “considers herself superior to her beloved protégée, whom she strives to direct and influence.”The use of free indirect speech in “Those soft blue eyes...should not be wasted on the inferior society of Highbury” suggests that Austen disproves of Emma’s intentions with Harriet and her manipulation: “She would detach her from bad acquaintance...she would form her opinions and her manners.”
This form of guidance that Harriet undertakes by Emma is similarly paralleled in “Brideshead Revisited” as Sebastian is Charles’s instructor in aesthetics and Charles undergoes an aesthetic rebirth. It has been considered by critic Elyse Graham