The Goals and Their Achievement in "Emma"

Jane Austen’s "Emma" and Douglas McGrath’s film adaptation of the same name diverge significantly in their portrayal of character intentions and development. While both mediums present Emma Woodhouse as a central figure whose matchmaking endeavors shape the narrative, the impact of her actions and their outcomes differ markedly between the novel and the film. This essay will explore the goals of both works and how they achieve or fail to achieve those goals through characterization, narrative perspective, and visual storytelling.

Characterization of Emma Woodhouse

In Austen's novel, Emma is introduced as “handsome, clever, and rich,” but the nuances of her character are revealed through an omniscient narrator who offers insights into her motivations and flaws. The language Austen employs, particularly the use of the word “seemed,” indicates that while Emma appears to have everything, there are underlying complexities to her character. This subtlety is lost in the film, which visually portrays Emma as a powerful figure, manipulating her social environment. The film opens with a scene that shows her spinning a miniature globe, symbolizing her control over her world and the people within it.

This initial portrayal sets the tone for how viewers perceive Emma's intentions throughout the film. Unlike the novel, where readers gain access to Emma's internal thoughts and doubts, the film emphasizes her confidence and perceived authority. The following list highlights key differences in Emma's characterization between the two versions:

• Novel: Emma is depicted with self-doubt and complexity.
• Film: Emma is portrayed as a confident and dominant socialite.
• Novel: Internal monologues reveal her motivations.
• Film: Visual cues emphasize her control over others.

Intentions in Matchmaking

The differing portrayals of Emma’s intentions in matchmaking further illustrate the gap between the novel and the film. In the book, Emma’s attempts to match Frank Churchill and Harriet Smith stem from a genuine belief that she is acting in their best interests. Austen's narration, which frequently reflects Emma's internal reasoning, allows readers to see her perspective and understand her intentions as somewhat altruistic.

In contrast, the film's visual storytelling subtly shifts this perception. A scene where Emma discusses her plans to match Frank and Harriet is laden with reflections of her face in mirrors, suggesting that her actions are more about her own amusement than the happiness of others. This moment encapsulates the film's tendency to emphasize Emma's self-serving nature, contrasting sharply with the novel's portrayal of her as genuinely invested in the well-being of those around her.

Relationship Dynamics: Knightley and Emma

The relationship between Emma and Mr. Knightley serves as another focal point of distinction between the two mediums. In the novel, Austen skillfully shifts the narrative perspective to Knightley in later chapters, allowing readers to appreciate his thoughts and feelings. This technique establishes him as a balanced counterpart to Emma, providing depth to their relationship. Readers witness their evolving dynamics, which contribute to Emma's growth and eventual realization of her feelings for him.

Conversely, the film maintains a more singular focus on Emma, sidelining Knightley's perspective. This choice reinforces the idea that Emma is the dominant force in their relationship. A notable scene occurs when the couple discusses their future together, and the camera focuses on Emma as she distances herself from Knightley. This visual representation conveys the impression that she is in control, undermining the collaborative nature of their relationship depicted in the novel.

Character Growth: Maturation and Realization

A pivotal aspect of Emma's journey in the novel is her character growth and maturation. As the story progresses, Emma learns from her mistakes and gains a deeper understanding of herself and her relationships. A significant moment occurs when she visits the Bates family to reconcile with Jane Fairfax. This act of humility marks a turning point, showcasing Emma's development and her willingness to confront her past missteps.

In the film, however, this critical scene is notably absent. Although Emma attempts to visit the Bates's, the encounter is rushed and lacks the emotional depth present in the novel. This omission reinforces the notion that Emma has not truly learned from her experiences, leaving viewers with a less developed character by the film's conclusion.

Comparison of Character Development

The following table summarizes the key differences in Emma's character development between the novel and the film:

In conclusion, the goals and achievements of Austen’s "Emma" and McGrath’s film adaptation reflect contrasting interpretations of character and narrative. The novel presents Emma Woodhouse as a multifaceted character who learns from her mistakes and grows throughout the story. In contrast, the film emphasizes her self-serving nature and power, ultimately portraying her as a character who does not experience meaningful development. Through varied narrative techniques and visual storytelling, both works achieve distinct impacts, shaping the audience's understanding of Emma and her journey.

References:

• Austen, Jane. Emma. Project Gutenberg, 2001.
• McGrath, Douglas. Emma. Columbia Pictures, 1996.