- Blog Post #2 -
Topic J
April 24, 2015
Emma, a book about a girl named Emma. Pretty simple title some may think. It’s interesting that most of Jane Austen's books bear titles that show emotion, for example Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility. This novel, Emma By Jane Austen has a title that shows no emotion at first glance whatsoever. When Austen thought of a title for this book maybe she was tired of the complex names, or maybe she though that Emma herself was too complex herself to be defined by anything other then her name. Either way, this book coveys from the title that it is going to be focused on Emma.
I feel that the title not only represents her personality but also the themes in the book. During the 19th century in rural england, women didn’t have that many opportunities or roles. They were defined by their husbands and martial status. I believe by having the book title named after Emma it shows her as a feminist, someone who will only be defined by her terms, a intelligent and strong women. Emma's “was of no feeble character”(15), she is a strong girl and is conveyed that way through the simple but potent title. The title also reflects that all of the conflicts in the book are centered around Emma, she plays a major role in everything that happens. Emma does not just experience events in the novel she shapes them. I feel that Emma’s name is more then just a name, its a character, a stance for who she is as a person. It describes her fierce attitude, frivolous ways, and proactive style. Austen’s Emma is so much more the just a title or a name.
Emily, I liked what you said about the title. Having the title just be Emma does show that she is strong and independent, like you stated. Furthermore, your addition of what women’s rights were like in that time period added relevant historical context to your post. It shows Emma’s situation in comparison to what the norm was back then. Adding to what you said, the title sets up the plot of the story and reveals that it will be centered on her. In some ways it is clear-cut, and in others it is layered with clues about the main themes of the story. Lastly, your comment about Emma playing a major role in the novel’s conflicts is supported by her encounter with Harriet. Had Emma not used her matchmaking skills and gotten involved in Harriet’s love life, she would not have had the struggle at all.
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