Jane Austen was notably often considered a child more of the eighteenth century than of the nineteenth century. Most of her novels affirm the presence of an orderly society and its entrenched values. She valued universal and fundamental conventions such as consideration for others, good principles, and good judgement.
In the novel Emma, Jane Austen demonstrates great concern for the stability of old values in the rapidly changing Highbury society. Her world comprises the traditional feudal systems with the landowners and yeomanry undergoing a transitional phase in its social structure. The community faces a new rising middle-class sector, which makes its money utilizing business and trade and would like the prestige of the gentry’s class. The new class also threatens the traditional hierarchy of the old gentry. The gentry’ class is the custodian of gentility and it must always observe the code for the sake of order. As such, Austen’s heroine Emma, of the old gentry is one of the dominating figures in the novel; who ultimately reconciles to her leadership position in society and her role as an exemplary female.
In this society, the value placed on gentility seems to exceed that of property and love. The value associated with love is subtly underrated as compared to the values of gentility and property. The pivotal events of the novel concern the marriage of young women to men and in this regard, the integration of the values of property, gentility, and love, is of prime importance. A perfect union forms only when these three values coalesce between the couple. There is sometimes much ambiguity in assessing the relative importance of these values to the author, as Austen unfolds unobtrusively several points of view in the novel.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Novel and Society
2. The Hierarchy of Values: Gentility, Property, and Love
2.1 The Concept of Gentility of Mind vs. Blood
2.2 The Role of Property in Matrimony
2.3 The Evolution of Love and Personal Development
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to assess the relative importance of "gentility," "property," and "love" within Jane Austen’s novel *Emma*, exploring how these values shape the social structure of Highbury and the personal development of the protagonist.
- The dominance of gentility as a social code and indicator of character.
- The influence of economic status and property on matrimonial decisions.
- The role of self-restraint and moral decorum in Austen's society.
- The transformation of Emma Woodhouse through social failures and self-reflection.
- The synthesis of traditional values and genuine affection in the final unions.
Excerpt from the Book
The dialectic concerning gentility of blood and gentility of mind
Jane Austen, it seems ultimately valued gentility above all else, gentility as a matter of respectability, politeness, good manners, common sense, good judgement, and moreover self-restraint in her men and women. As a moralist, these qualities were not only imbued in the nobility by birth but are qualities which all males and females could consciously aspire. Thus, Robert Martin who is a humble farmer could possess as Mr. Knightley notes “gentility of mind.” Also, Jane Fairfax an orphan achieves “gentility of mind” despite non-gentility at birth. Jane brought up by Colonel and Mrs. Campbell matures to be an elegant and an accomplished young woman in music and reading. She also observes the mandatory reserve and decorum of a lady. Miss Fairfax often outshines the heroine Emma in her observance of the codes of gentility. Mr. Knightley is the quintessential man of gentility in Austen’s view.
The novel develops into a dialectic concerning gentility of blood and gentility of mind. Emma, mistress of Hartfield often depicts merely bourgeoisie gentility concerned only about elegance, segregation of classes and the outer finery and paraphernalia of the wealthy. Consequently, she is for the greater part of the novel a snob and a governor of other people’s lives. Emma is opposed to the notion of an egalitarian society. She only accommodates people of the lower class such as Harriet Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Weston when she can be patronizing to them. Emma dreads classification as belonging to, “the second and third rate society of Highbury.” Mr. Knightly, a paragon of gentility opposes her non-accommodation of the other classes and is often considered as representing Austen’s view. Austen thus seems to condemn this malignant and closed gentility. Hence, she characterizes Emma as a blundering fool in the novel. She occupies her protagonist in schemes that are successively failures. Therefore, Emma is portrayed as a charming fool.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the Novel and Society: Provides an overview of the Highbury social structure and introduces the protagonist Emma within the context of 18th-century values.
2. The Hierarchy of Values: Gentility, Property, and Love: Analyzes the interplay between class, economic necessity, and emotional attachment, specifically focusing on how characters like Emma and Mr. Knightley embody or fail these standards.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes how the novel reconciles the conflicting values of the Highbury society, asserting that gentility remains the most esteemed metric for order and dignity.
Keywords
Jane Austen, Emma, Gentility, Property, Love, Highbury, Social Class, Matrimony, Morality, Character Development, Mr. Knightley, Bourgeoisie, Tradition, Realism, Social Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this analysis?
The analysis examines the thematic interplay and hierarchy of three central values—gentility, property, and love—within Jane Austen’s novel Emma.
What are the core thematic fields covered in this work?
The work explores social stratification, the evolution of character traits, the role of marriage as a social institution, and the conservative moral codes of the Highbury community.
What is the central research focus?
The study aims to evaluate how Jane Austen weighs gentility, property, and love in her scheme of values and how these factors determine the social success and personal maturation of her characters.
Which methodology is employed?
The text employs a literary analysis of the novel's plot structure and characterization to identify how societal values are reflected in the actions and relationships of the protagonists.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body investigates the distinction between "gentility of mind" and "gentility of blood," the influence of wealth on marriage, and Emma’s personal transformation from a self-aggrandized snob to a mature individual.
Which keywords define this academic work?
The primary keywords include Jane Austen, Emma, gentility, property, love, social class, morality, and character development.
How does the author define "gentility of mind" in the context of the novel?
The text defines it as a set of aspirational qualities—such as politeness, self-restraint, and good judgement—that are not restricted by birth, as demonstrated by characters like Robert Martin or Jane Fairfax.
Why does the analysis describe Emma as a "charming fool"?
Emma is labeled as such because, despite her noble intentions and high social status, her snobbery and misguided meddling in the lives of others frequently lead to failed schemes and moral errors.
How does the conclusion view the relationship between love and money?
The conclusion posits that in Austen’s modern feudal world, love and money are inextricably linked, and successful marriages in the novel generally require the presence of at least two of the three main values.
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- BA Literatures in English, Diploma in Education Masters Literatures in English Paulette Reefer (Autor:in), 1989, Jane Austen's presentation of character and situation in "Emma". The relative importance of "gentility", "property" and "love" in the author's scheme of values, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/343320
