Essay On Safety And Security In Jane Austen's Emma

In the novel Emma, by Jane Austen, the town of Highbury may be associated with safety and security. However, events and emotions prove otherwise. Danger, pain and risk are more common in Highbury than safety and security.

Safety and Security are believed to be encountered in the quaint town of Highbury. Emma, being in a high social class had much security. The reason she was a part of a high social class was because she was a member of one of the richest families in Highbury. This came with security because she, as well as others, they were much taken care of by their families.. Usually safety came from marrying a man of wealth. It was very important for women to find a man of wealth because it would show how well a women would be taken care
The actions of Emma lead to the emotional pain that Harriet went though. She gave a poem to her from Mr. Elton, convincing herself and Harriet that it was a marriage proposal.(88) When Emma broke the new of Mr. Eltons true love to her, she was heartbroken. Harriet later got over the pain and found a new love. She confessed to Emma her love for Mr. Knightly.(471) Unfortunately for Harriet, Emma also loves Mr. Knightly. This is a dangerous situation for Emma because she does not want to hurt Harriet anymore than what she already had. Emma took the risk and told Harriet the truth of her heart. Again, Harriet’s emotions were hurt. (480)

Highbury was a place of safety and security, but also danger, pain, and risk. As individuals they all made safety and security in the town. They were given safety within their family and they gave safety to those who did not have it. However, they also caused pain upon others. The miscommunication of Emma’s matchmaking was the main cause. She cause Harriet the most pain with the dilution of what she should marry for. That she should have married for position, not for love. Highbury is just like any other town, they have good aspects and they bad ones, but that is what makes the best