In Emma, two dissimilar characters are Frank Churchill and Harriet. Both are of different statuses in society and are therefore viewed differently and given different opportunities.
Frank Churchill, being of a high status, is well respected throughout Highbjru and there isn't one who hasn't heard of him, even though no one has really met him. He is expected to be this perfect human that the whole town is proud of, but this expectation is only placed on him because of his status. He is, in fact, a gentleman. He also uses his charm and status to push his way into Emma's life, making good use of society's label on him.
Harriet, on the other hand, is much lower in status, yet somehow befriends Emma. This friendship between the two girls makes Harriet more respectable by association. Status aside, Harriet is a very kind and innocent woman who behaves much better than Emma, though Emma is supposedly above her.
These labels and expectations placed on people because of status in society is still prevalent. Though those higher in status are no longer expected to be perfectly behaved, they are expected to be more successful and productive with their life than someone with less money. The ability to use what you have is acknowledged far more often than the ability of setting and accomplishing goals no matter your status.
Hi Noelle,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis on both Frank and Harriet, particularly your statement on how the friendship between Harriet and Emma makes Harriet more respectable. I also agree with the sentiments that you proposed in your last paragraph, and I find it interesting to compare the expectations that were set on people back then and in the present. All in all, I think that social hierarchy and status play very large roles in the events that occur in the book.