Jane Austen's Monster

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This paper examines the character of Emma in Jane Austen's novel of the same name, whether she had a monstrous personality or was merely a victim of circumstances.

2,295 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2002 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This essay seeks to decide whether the character of Emma is a 'monster' or victim of circumstances. It looks closely at Emma's moral progress, mapping out key events in the novel that help her to develop. It also discusses the "bildungsroman" genre and how 'Emma' is novel which partly conforms to that genre. It refers closely to the text and quotes both parts of text and outside sources. It comes to a very firm conclusion.

From the Paper:

"She is a refreshing change from the usual 'whiter than white' heroines that are portrayed in most novels, and instead is a very lifelike character. The other characters in the novel are more like caricatures, Emma is the only 'real' character in the book with the potential for development, and that is why we like her. The reader has the privileged view of observer so we are able to see the mistakes she makes and laugh at her mischievous plots. It is useful to compare Emma to the character of Mrs Elton."