How to Compare "Clueless" and Jane Austen's "Emma"

The popular 1995 teen film "Clueless" was loosely based on Jane Austen's novel "Emma." Both are popular works in their own right, but if you are unfamiliar with one or both of them, here are some points to consider when comparing the two.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video tape or DVD of "Clueless" (1995)
• Copy of the book "Emma" by Jane Austen
• Video tape or DVD of "Emma" (1996) starring Gwyneth Paltrow

1. Read Jane Austen's novel first or watch one of several versions of the novel in movie form. The 1996 movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow is a good place to start, especially if you are not familiar with Jane Austen.

2. Watch "Clueless" as soon as possible after watching or reading "Emma."

3. Compare Cher and Emma's personalities and their families. Both have a girl with a popular, do-good attitude who loves to arrange the people around them into the best picture possible (thus the modern usage of fashion in "Clueless" as an extension of Cher's personality.) Both Cher and Emma only have a father (both fathers being very similar as well) and an almost-brother. Mr. Knightly is Emma's brother-in-law and Josh is Cher's ex-step-brother.

4. 
   Cher, Tai and Dionne

   Compare the best friend. Mrs. Weston and Dionne have similar personality traits (though you may have to look closely for them) and they are both in established relationships that stay strong, at least through the end of the movie.

5. Compare the match-making schemes. Tai and Harriet are the focus of Cher and Emma's respective schemes, hoping to re-vamp their new friend and help her find love. Take note of who Tai and Harriet have feelings for first, whom Cher and Emma sweep aside. Take note of the first hopeful mate Cher/Emma chooses for Tai/Harriet (the similar name could tip you off).

6. Look at Tai's crush on Josh. How does this compare to Harriet's crush on Mr. Knightly? They both perform small, innocent acts of kindness that not only infatuate the impressionable Tai and Harriet, but indirectly create emotional turmoil for Cher and Emma as well.

7. Consider a few other characters in "Clueless" and who they may mirror in "Emma," Christian and Amber. Does Christen have any resemblance to Mr. Churchill? Amber to Mrs. Elton?

8. Review the climatic moment of every romantic comedy--the build up to and moment the love interests get together. How is Cher's journey to revealing her feelings to Josh different to Emma's journey to Mr. Knightly? Both roads are plagued with self-doubt and both humble and soften the girls to the harsh reality of the possibility of not getting what they want.

Tips & Warnings

• Comparing and analyzing might be fun, but don't forget to just sit back and enjoy.
• If you like "Emma", explore other Jane Austen classics such as "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility."

[bookmom]

on 6/21/2008 Really interesting article and extremely well thought through. I had no idea!