Emma Question 4 Answer

These are my thoughts on the fourth question I wished to look at from reading Emma:

Even Jane Austen’s most devoted fans agree that she does not deal with extreme passions, heroic tragedies, or world historical events.  What is it in her work that can appeal to street tough guys, jaded sophisticates, and over-educated academics?

This novel can appeal to street tough guys by showing that women in Emma are tough, and can handle a heck of a lot, injury, being jilted by men, etc.  It also shows how tough of a world, at least in the social arena, that Jane Austen’s world, culturally was.  It’s clear that both men and women needed to have thick skins in order to survive socially.

For jaded sophisticates, this novel shows that English high society keeps things fresh and upbeat.  You never know what can happen in Emma’s world from one day to the next.  It will keep those jaded sophisticates interested with the day-to-day activities.  From the secret engagement of Miss Fairfax and Mr. Churchill, and Emma’s daily activities.

For over-educated academics, this novel can appeal to people because it is displays so many aspects of culture that causes you to scratch your head.  From all the talking about parties, and the social norms, there is enough symbolically to keep one guessing.

It is amazing to me at how many different levels, this novel can be attractive to many different types of people, and how anyone could be pulled into the world of Emma.  This novel clearly demonstrates how it has stood the test of time and is enjoyed by many different types of readers.