The Connection Between Clueless and Emma

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Recommended: Clueless as an adaptation of Emma

The Connection Between Clueless and Emma

A valuable connection can be made be made between Jane Austen's 'Emma'

and Amy Heckerling's 'Clueless' although fashion, customs, society and

language differ between the two. The connection is made through the

plot, characters and inevitable human nature. The themes of vanity,

rank, status and gossip link the two medias and create a valuable

linkage in relating the 19th century life with the contemporary world.

Fashion is constantly changing, season to season, year to year, decade

to decade. Despite these changes, the human urge of vanity allows for

the nature of fashion to always remain the same; it is a reflection of

the person underneath and their position in society. Although Austen

does not give us much physical description of Emma's world we know

that dressing right is important. Mrs. Elton comments that Emma's

dress "did not have enough lace" therefore implying that the dress was

cheap; a daring insult. The world of 'Clueless' revolves around

fashion. Keeping up with the trends and dressing to suit one's image

is very important. Cher insults Amber by suggesting that she is

wearing "designer impostor perfume" and this is insulting because it

is only accepted to have the real thing which is ten times more

expensive. So although we know that we will never see Emma in a mini

skirt or Cher in a full body corset, the nature of fashion is a valid

link between 'Emma' and 'Clueless'.

Customs, values and society all interrelate and rely on each other to

form one's lifestyle, including their rank and status. Customs, values

and society differ in every race and as time goes by, it is constantly...

... middle of paper ...

...e, setting,

culture and fashions are different; rich, smart, spoiled girl, living

a charmed life. The characters directly link the novel to the movie,

as the contemporary stars are new adaptations of their classical

counterparts. Cher is Emma, Josh is Mr. Knightly, Christian is Mr.

Churchill and so on. Therefore, 'Clueless' is a transformation of

'Emma', connected by the plot and characters.

In summation, the valuable connection can be made between 'Emma' and

'Clueless' via the common messages portrayed and the plot and

characters. Vanity, rank, status and gossip are examples of the many

themes that establish the link through mere, unchangeable, timeless

human nature along with the plot and characters. Heckerling has

successfully transformed 'Emma', making it a valuable media allowing

it to be appreciated by all.

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