Emma and Clueless Speech

Through close analysis of the novel Emma, by Jane Austen and the rent Clueless by Amy Heckerling, we discover that twain texts are influenced by, and reflect the values of their respective contexts. Emma is set in the isolated, rural town of Highbury, England in the early 1800s, at a time where society had placed value on social hierarchy. This distinction between programes was largely determined by family lines and inheritance. It is in the upper class of society that Jane Austen places her protagonist, Emma, handsome, clever and richwith very little to distress or vex her.Emmas desirable situation had led her to possess a self- enormousness indulgent attitude towards life, as Austen intends her audience to identify with the cynical remark that she has the power of having rather too much her own way. However, Austen contradicts this third junction by the duologue which establishes Emma to be a character of good intentions No papa, nobody thought of you walking. This contrast b etween third person and dialogue creates a discrepancy between Emmas thoughts and Austens intrusive moralistic views.From the irony present here, satire is created, encouraging the reader to reflect on Emmas behaviour as a reflection of the context of her society and the value put on social hierarchy and status. The opening scene of Amy Heckerlings film, Clueless, made in the 1990s, immediately adopts Austens ironic tone. The energetic montage and quick succession of camera angles of Cher and her fellow teenagers indulging in luxurious activities in Beverly Hills USA, establishes the materialistic world in which the movie is set.Heckerling appeals to her audience by creating such strong imagery, however she contradicts these perceptions by juxtaposing everything her audience views. The blaring song Were the kids in America provides ironic exposition in that it is strikingly evident that these wealthy teenagers are the complete opposite from the average kids in America as they decl are the ability to embrace solely aspects of consumer ideals. Through this Heckerling establishes Cher as being an imitation of Emma having too much her own way.The contrast between Chers first voiceover I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl whilst she picks out her designer outfit on a computer allows Heckerling to provide an authorial voice, much like Austen, where she critiques teenage self absorption and the society that cultivates this trait. Both texts primarily focus on the social values of espousal, romance and sex. During Austens time, matrimony was concerned as a way of preserving your social rank and financial status and often these values took primacy over romance.This is evident when Emma speaks that Mr Elton would give Harriet everything she wanted- consideration, independence, a good home. Austen challenges societies values by making Emma oppose these views and have very little intention of marrying at all. However, Austen allows Emma to succumb to societys expectations with her marriage to Mr. Knightely. This reaffirms the reality of Austens society, she allows her audience to see her view but highlights that she cannot change this value.Heckerling chooses to replace the importance of marriage, with the importance of sex to suite the context of contemporary society. perk up before marriage is a prevalent issue in the film and is highlighted as common amongst most social classes. Tais comment to Cher why am I even listening to you- youre a virgin who cant drive reflects societies consideration as to what is important. Like Emma, Cher rejects her social expectations and admits to stay a virgin.However, Heckerling sets up a paradox around Cher, exaggerating a materialistic and sexual blonde who ironically remains a virgin despite this image. Although the importance of sex takes focus in the film, Heckerling chooses to end Clueless with a marriage, highlighting that it is still a value in modern society. Both Austen and Heckerl ing challenge their audience to confront their own presumptions concerning their societys values. Moral education is a value personified through significant figures in both protagonists lives.In Emma, Mr Knightely is the catalyst for Emmas moral education and growth. One of the significant turning points for Emmas transformation is the Box Hill incident where Emma cruelly insults Miss Bates. Jane Austen gives Mr Knightely to enter her novel to criticise Emmas behaviour Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do. In Clueless, it is Josh who sparks Cher to make-over her soul. It is the incident when Cher insults Lucy state she is a Mexican and Josh insults her saying your such a brat that is the vehicle for Chers moral education and ultimately making her a bankrupt person.Through these men, both Austen and Heckerling are able to criticise not only Emma and Cher, but the moral values society shape as acceptable. Through exploring both texts, it becomes increasingly evident that both authors have attempted to reflect their societies. Through their protagonists, they challenge societies standards and expectations and appeal to their audience to overcome these barriers. Therefore we come to the point that charm human nature does not change, the context and values do.