Lizzy or Emma - A Critique of Jane Austen's Heroines

Living for only 42 years Jane Austen’s (1775- 1817) view of the world was genial and kindly. She had a clear sighted vision of the world where she amused herself with other’s foibles and self - deception, gave love to those who deserve to be loved and most certainly gave a light hearted satirical view of the society.

Marilyn Butler in her book "Jane Austen" writes that, “Jane had the happiness of temper that never required to be commanded. Cassandra, who knew her best, received letters in which Jane sounded dissatisfied with her lot, impatient, angry or unhappy”. In a letter Jane Austen comments, “I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them”.... in her Letters to Cassandra Austen on 24 December, 1798. Austen was certainly true to these words in the letter. She decided to live her life on her own terms by disregarding the suppressive, normative society and made a name for herself that is remembered even ages later. She became a woman of her own mind. She wrote for pleasure, not for fame or money, read out her stories to young nieces, published her novels anonymously, and never married a man without persuasive suppliance of reason which she never got. Then whatever Jane Austen was devoid of she supplied it to her characters. Her novels uphold her as a woman who was a staunch supporter of marriage, not of courtship. But in life Jane Austen never married, she remained unmarried till death. She rejected proposals- first from the man she had a brief relationship with (Tom Lefroy) who had no money and later the proposal from a man who had money (Harris Bigg – Wither) but could not win Jane’s love.

Though it has been very recent that Jane Austen’s works have become mainstream, for some she has bee...

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...learns from the mistakes and manipulating others may prove to be malicious. Emma’s stubborn attitude and an innate desire to better others also allow her to stoop her social class where she can help others in being well off in society. Even though she is constantly conscious of her social standing she still does as she pleases.

Although Jane Austen never herself made any distinctions between her own heroines but it is easily observed that Pride and Prejudice was the first novel drafted by Austen and Emma was drafted when Austen had a little more taste of life and success in life. Elizabeth Bennet appeals to us in an instant but for Emma we first encounter her flaws and her stubborn will. Elizabeth is smart and attractive whereas Emma is snobbish and adorable. So the distinction is quite apparent and we are at liberty to choose any one which may suit our fancy.