Jane Austens Emma and Pride and Prejudice essays

Jane Austens Emma and Pride and Prejudice essays Self-discovery is the predominant theme that appears in Jane Austen's novels, Emma and Pride and Prejudice. Emma discovers herself through other characters, which allow her to see herself as she really is and also cause her to mature. Emma values money and social position over matters of the heart. Elizabeth and Darcy illustrate how individuals must overcome their own pride before they can develop. Austen uses complicated relationships to illustrate the importance of humility. Her characters must undergo a certain amount of self-discovery in order to achieve happiness. Emma represents the upper-class society and has lived a somewhat sheltered life at Hartfield. We are told, "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty- one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her" (Emma 1996 299). This image of Emma is one of a spoiled child with no real experience While Emma is certainly well educated, we are told "the real evils of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself" (299). Emma is a busybody. She also enjoys gossip and playing matchmaker for the people in her life. These are characteristics she will exhibit as the novel progresses, regardless of the possible dangers involved. In fact, she takes pride in her meddling, as seen when she reminds Mr. Knightley, that she arranged for Harriet and Mr. Weston to met each other. She says, "I made the match myself . . . When so many people said Mr. Weston would never marry again, may comfort me for anything" (304). She then tells her father, "You cannot think that I shall leave off the match-making" (304). This statement clearly reveals Emma's arrogance. Similarly, Elizabeth is very proud of bei...