Class and Character in Emma: Jane Austen’s Subtle Critique of Social Hierarchies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/jales.2025002020Keywords:
Austen, class hierarchy, Emma Woodhouse, Regency societyAbstract
This article analyzes Jane Austen’s portrayal of class structures in Emma, exploring how social hierarchy, gentility, and economic status shape the characters’ interactions and moral development. Through close reading and contextual analysis, the study argues that Austen critiques class consciousness not through radical opposition but via ironic observation and personal growth, particularly in the character arc of Emma Woodhouse. The article highlights Austen’s subtle balance between reinforcing social norms and advocating for ethical responsibility among the privileged, revealing a rich engagement with class-based values in Regency England.
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