Class Rigidity and Conformity: Middle-Class Ideology in Jane Austen’sEmma

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.