Emma

Having seen the movie Clueless first and then reading the book Emma, it was really an interesting comparison and interpretation between the two pieces. Of this piece, I really liked the social commentary which was being made about the class system of the time and how it was changing. There was also a strong emphasis on the role of women at that time, present in each of the female characters in a different way. Much of the plot of the story focused on what the women could expect for their futures based on their background and their social status. Emma was a lady and of a good family which made her the highest ranking female unless Mr. Knightley married so throughout the piece she needs to look out for her well-being. She also builds her entire character on what she thinks a lady must be, which is very interesting. There are also female characters presented who are of lower class and must take on different jobs or hope that a man will marry them if they want any kind of future, which is a huge statement about society and gender roles of the time.