Marriage And The 19th Century Society

Marriage and social status are the two foci of Emma. Through Emma, Austen subtly satirizes her society’s obsession with social distinctions.

The relationship between marriage and social status creates hardship for characters. Frank Churchill must keep his engagement to the orphan Jane Fairfax secret because his wealthy aunt would disapprove. Jane, in the absence of a good match, is forced to consider taking the position of a governess. Finally, the match between Emma and Mr. Knightley is considered a good one only because they are well matched in social class as well.