This work of dissertation aims to explore the female self in Jane Austen's Emma, a story of a you... more This work of dissertation aims to explore the female self in Jane Austen's Emma, a story of a young, pretty, and smart girl Emma Woodhouse. Through the story of Emma Jane Austen basically draws the patriarchal society of early 19 th century where women were restricted within the confined domesticated life of household activities. But unlike the typical female members of contemporary society Austen portrayed the radical, bold and confident female protagonist Emma. Emma tries her best to explore herself and her identity. She happens to be the reigning queen of her village's social scene. Thus, on one hand Austen chooses the 19 th century as a setting of the text but on the other she foregrounds Emma as a radical and bold female protagonist unlike other females of contemporary scenario. By presenting this dualism between society and protagonist, Austen evokes the exploration of emerging female self in Emma. This research work in particular tries to deal with Austen's most celebrated novel Emma, the portrayal of independent and outspoken women in the rigid 19 th century social scenario. The overall circumstances of the novel disclose the condition of major woman character like Emma, Jane, and Harriet. Though, these women have internalized patriarchal norms and values and their superiority, they are not totally the puppet in the hands of men. Emma's masculine efforts are reflected in her deeds like matchmaking, deciding for Harriet's husband, choosing her own appropriate fiancé. Similarly, Harriet's efforts to marry a well respected suitor, Jane's secret engagement with Frank are the instances that problematize the roles of 19 th century women. Thus, this research work will take the roles of these female characters in to the dimension of its study.
This work of dissertation aims to explore the female self in Jane Austen's Emma, a story of a you... more This work of dissertation aims to explore the female self in Jane Austen's Emma, a story of a young, pretty, and smart girl Emma Woodhouse. Through the story of Emma Jane Austen basically draws the patriarchal society of early 19 th century where women were restricted within the confined domesticated life of household activities. But unlike the typical female members of contemporary society Austen portrayed the radical, bold and confident female protagonist Emma. Emma tries her best to explore herself and her identity. She happens to be the reigning queen of her village's social scene. Thus, on one hand Austen chooses the 19 th century as a setting of the text but on the other she foregrounds Emma as a radical and bold female protagonist unlike other females of contemporary scenario. By presenting this dualism between society and protagonist, Austen evokes the exploration of emerging female self in Emma. This research work in particular tries to deal with Austen's most celebrated novel Emma, the portrayal of independent and outspoken women in the rigid 19 th century social scenario. The overall circumstances of the novel disclose the condition of major woman character like Emma, Jane, and Harriet. Though, these women have internalized patriarchal norms and values and their superiority, they are not totally the puppet in the hands of men. Emma's masculine efforts are reflected in her deeds like matchmaking, deciding for Harriet's husband, choosing her own appropriate fiancé. Similarly, Harriet's efforts to marry a well respected suitor, Jane's secret engagement with Frank are the instances that problematize the roles of 19 th century women. Thus, this research work will take the roles of these female characters in to the dimension of its study.
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