Q1. Do you think it's important that Austen uses a male character as her 'moral compass' in this novel? Why is Mr Knightley in this role?
Q2. How do we know what Austen's views are of elements of her society, such as gender roles, marriage, superficial appearance?
Learning Activity:
Here is a sample opening to a close analysis essay:
In Emma, Austen reveals the importance of marriage and social status during the novel. Social status is determined by family background, reputation, and wealth. The main way for a woman to get a higher social status is by marriage. This way was especially crucial to the women who were denied possibility of socially improving their status through hard-work or personal achievement. Social Class illustrates Austen's theme that marriage should be equal in social status; otherwise, it will be unhappy. Austen illustrates the importance of marriage during the novel's many marriages. In the novel, Emma is around many marriages, and all these marriages are anticipated throughout the novel. One of the marriages that Emma anticipates is that of Mr. Weston, and her governess Miss Taylor. This marriage was a match made by Emma, which makes her very proud to know that she can make good couples. This successful match makes Emma very happy for her governess and now she wants to make another match; one that she hopes will turn out just as good.
Find three aspects on which you would like to comment on this response - focus on areas which need improvement.
This is Kronborg Castle, thought to be the castle on which Shakespeare modelled Elsinore. It's easy to see the guards on sentry duty meeting the Ghost on a dark night, in this kind of location, isn't it?