First essay: How values are changed overtime?

Although there are overt similarities between the heroines in Emma and clueless, the values of society are distorted from the 19th century to the 20th century post-modern society. These shifts are represented in Emma and clueless through their values and transformation of both of these texts. There are similarities and differences in class structures between the 19th and the 20th century, in Emma class structure was rigid and was of importance, the two main values that shaped Austens 19th lifestyle were wealth and breeding. This is evident with the characterisation of Emma, she has a rich father who provides for her with whatever he heart desires, this emphasises on the rigidity of the class structure in Austens world, in order to reach a high status wealth had to be the contributing factor as well as breeding. Similarly in clueless, wealth and popularity were determined by status, however class structure was more mobile, it was easy to move through the ranks. This is evident in Chers efforts in transforming Tia in order to make her accepted in the school grounds; in the first scenes of Tia she was represented as being clueless, later in the novel creating a monster. This all links back to society in different eras of time. The values of marriage have evolved from 19th century to 20th century. 19th century marriage is heavily influenced by rigid class structure dictated by individual wealth. This is evident when Elton criticize Emma for her effort to match-make Harriet smith of unknown background with Elton who is of higher class; I need not so totally despair of an equal alliance, as to be addressing myself to Mrs. smith. This demonstrates the dominance of class in ones perspective of a suitable partner. There were many values in the 19th century that were replaced in the 20th century due to the changes in different lifestyles. In 19th Austens society, a value that was an inbuilt part of the lifestyle, which affected their way of life in which community was united by it, was religion. If a person was a member of a church apart from wealth this also gave him status, in relation to Emma, this gave Mr. knightly status, as he was also a member from the church. Even in parties there were etiquettes in dancing, there was respect and gentleness, this all reflect back on religion and belief. In the 20th century religion is replaced by materialism. Worship was influenced and dominated by subliminal advertising. This is evident in Chers world

where the mall was symbolised as a heavenly place. Instead of turning to religion and spirituality, she turns to shopping for clothing in order to satisfy her desires. These were the main differences in values between Austens world and Chers. Values have changed overtime due to changes in lifestyle. It is apparent between the two texts. In 19th century class structure was rigid and limited whereas in the 20th century class was mobile and more opened for choices.