Competition in Austen's novel Emma

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Literature

Competitive Drive

Competition burns inside of everyone! It is second nature to every living thing, whether it is an animal or a human being, there will always be the desire to compete. This is because everyone wants be victorious at the end of the day, whether it is the wild animal competing for food and survival or an athlete competing in the Super Bowl, victory is what everyone strives for. Competition between Emma and Harriet is evident in the Novel Emma by Jane Austen. Jane Austen uses competition for a reason; it is used in order for Emma to be able to see the truth within her. Without competition, Emma would have never regarded her true feelings.

Competition brings out the most in people. It makes people act and react without putting thought into their actions; which brings out one's real feelings and/or real skills. This is true across the board. Competition is found in all walks of life from school, where you are competing within your class for the best grade, to sports were you are competing to come out victorious, to love where you are competing for one's love. If any of these situations were lacking competition, then the truth would never be seen. For example, if no one in a class put any effort into their work, who ever is number one in the class would not have to work hard to remain on top, and probably would not work to their potential. Yet if someone was right on their level and was competing to become number one in the class, both of them would have to work harder, working to their full potential, settling for nothing less than a victory of the other student. Competition is a positive thing, when used in a positive way. It helps a person or animal to perform to their own personal best while facing their inner most feelings. This is true with every one of these examples and especially with love.

Emma's own feelings take a backseat to her desires to control everyone else's feelings. Throughout the entire novel Emma always wants to play matchmaker. She feels as though she is superior to just about everyone else. This is distinctly apparent in her relationship with Harriet. Emma works hard to find a husband for Harriet, and even says that Harriet cannot wed Mr.

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