Class Rigidity and Conformity: Middle-Class Ideology in Jane Austen’sEmma
Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
Central Department of English
Abstract
This research studies the formation of English Middle-Class and its ideology,
codes and rigidity in Jane Austen’sEmma(1816). Emma Woodhouse, the protagonist
of the novel, protests the patriarchal class rigidity but she herself is conformed with it
in pre-Victorian society.This research sheds light onthe activities ofmiddle class
characters, their behaviors, activities, manners and speeches that are guided by
middle-class ideologyof suppression, discrimination, class conduct and mannerism
and exploreshow they are subjected by it tobehave in a certain wayto maintain
proper status in the society. The central character Emma Woodhouse misbehaves with
other characters like Mr. Martin, Harriet, Jane and Mrs. Bates as they are inferior in
socialstatus. They accept their status although they try hard to go against it. The
upper middle classleavesno stone unturned for themaintenanceof class hierarchy.
Description
Keywords
Class Ideology, middle-Class Ideology