Q: Discuss the importance of the contexts of Emma and

Clueless in shaping and expressing the values they convey

Texts are inherently a reflection of the context in which they were written
in and so as societies and culture change, so will the literature produced in
the period. Through her appropriation Clueless (1995), Heckerling is
effectively able to juxtapose the consumer-driven society of 20 th Century
America with Regency England in Austins text Emma (1815). revealing
how cultural values and attitudes have shifted through time. Through a
close exploration of both texts, it becomes apparent how both composers
are critical of paradigms towards marriage, social hierarchy and the lack of
charity in society.
Jane Austens Emma acts as a platform to express her dissent towards the
strictly stratified class structure of Regency England. Emmas immediate
characterization as handsome, clever and rich aligns with the societys
high regard for wealth, status and intelligence. Austens authorial intrusion
in The real evils indeed of Emmas situation were the power of having too
much her own way to think too well of herself elucidates that having
too much status and power have led to Emmas arrogance and snobbery.
Furthermore, Emmas condescending tone in the yeomanry are precisely
the type of people with whom I feel I can have nothing to do which,
reinforces that the superficial division of society has created smallmindedness and bigotry amongst the elite of Regency England. Through
the establishment of Emma as egotistical and conceited personality,
Austen demonstrates how the patronization of lower classes has arisen
from artificial class divisions and thereby criticizes the social structure of
Regency England.

Likewise in Clueless, the composer challenges the obsession with wealth,

outward appearance and popularity in the Beverly Hills high school
community. Despite the change in contexts from Regency England to that
of a materialistic, post-modern American society, Heckerling attests that
the idea of human hierarchy and division has remained. Just as Austen
criticizes the abuse of Emmas status in the Regency England, Heckerlings
satirises Chers position as the elite in Beverly Hills high school system.
Through Chers voice-over: But seriously, I have a way normal life for a
teenage girl, I mean, I get up, I brush my teeth and I pick out, juxtaposed
with visual contradictions of her hanging around a pool and picking clothes
through a computer, Heckerling highlights how clueless Cher is of her
privileges and advantages as the elite in America. The extreme close-up of
Chers lips as she applies lipstick, as she states I never use a mirror, as
she stands ironically opposite a mirror, shows her own lack of awareness
of her obsession with outward appearance. Similarly, Chers voiceover
Dionne and I are friends because we both know what its like for people to
be jealous of us, demonstrates the ingrained idea that an individuals
social status is determined by their popularity and wealth. Hence, Cher as
a caricature of the modern American teenage is an outlet for Heckerling to
voice her disapproval of societys high esteem for appearance and
popularity.
In Emma, Austen mocks the idea that women must marry for social status,
respectability and financial security, thus challenging Regency Englands
social paradigm. Mr Knightleys reflection that Mr Elton may talk
sentimentally but will act rationally indicates the awareness that Mr Elton
is only marrying for financial incentive and increased status, rather than
mutual affection. The significance of lineage and reputation as an

indication for marriage suitability is again emphasized through the

condescending tone of Mr Eltons speech: I need not so totally despair of
an equal alliance as to be addressing myself to Miss Smith. Further,
Austen uses Mrs. Bates as a symbol for expressing her sympathy for the
plight of an unmarried woman, thus challenging the societal incentives for
marriage.
This is demonstrated by Emmas disdain for Mrs Bates when reflecting
upon her as A single woman, with a very narrow income, must be a ridiculous,
disagreeable, old maid!

In contrast, the social paradigm Clueless presents a society that has

increased emphasis on sex and relationships as opposed to marriage.
Compared with Highbury, Regency England, modern day California is
shown as much more sexually liberated and as more mobile in terms of
marriage fluidity. This is highlighted by Murrays speech Oh, my God.
Their planning our weddings already, supported by the incredulous look
on his face as the girls talk about the things they want at their marriage.
Similarly, Chers retort As if, Im only 16 reveals a declining emphasis on
marriage and greater ability to dictate ones own relationships. This is
reinforced by Mels dialogue You divorce wives, not children, showing the
increased flexibility of marriage in modern society.
Austen advocates the development of a greater sense of humility and
charity towards those regarded as having inferior status. Emmas
transformation and realization of her faults allows her to gain deeper
appreciation of their advantages. Although Emmas shows an initial sense

of charity towards Mrs Bates, the small trifling presents she presents are
not out of generosity but out of pity for the old maid. However the
emotive language in never had she felt so agitated, mortified, grieved
convey her feelings of shame and hint at a process of transformation
initiated by Box Hill picnic. Later, Austens authorial intrusion With
insufferable vanity she believed herself the secret of everybodys
feelings she was proven to be universally mistaken, highlights Emmas
realization of her wrongdoing and her excessive egotism. Ultimately,
through the accumulation She touchedshe admitted she
acknowledged the whole truth, Austen demonstrates Emmas admittance
of her mistakes and how she has become a better individual through the
recognition her flaws and arrogant personality.
Heckerling also stresses the importance of becoming more self-aware and
charitable by exhibiting Chers evolution as an individual. Her failure of the
driving test as in I cant believe I failed, I failed something I couldnt talk
my way out of instigates her realisation that she must become more
compassionate and that she cannot always succeed by manipulating
others. Later, her epiphany, Oh my God, I love Josh, highlights Chers
change in self-perception and hence her maturation as an individual, in
coming to realise what she desires from the world. Chers genuine desire
to help others is epitomised through her enthusiasm to volunteer for the
Pismo beach disaster, I wanna help. Through assisting those in need
through Pismo, Cher gains a genuine sense of improvement, as suggested
by dialogue: I felt better already. Chers development of a greater sense
of humility and charity evolve her into a more generous, improved person.
Therefore, Heckerling emphasises the importance of the realisation of

ones own advantages and the development of morality in a superficial

and materialistic society.
Through the examination of literature from different eras, a shift in the
values and attitudes held by society can be observed. In Emma and
Clueless, perceptions of the need for charity and the conventional customs
of a strict, hierarchical class system and marriage are compared to the
division of an American high school society through appearance,
popularity and wealth and their focus on sex and relationships. Through
the comparison of these texts, the discontentment of both Heckerling and
Austen to their contexts is revealed: both urge readers to re-examine the
values and attitudes held by society.