BEYOND MATCHMAKING: FEMALE INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-REALIZATION IN JANE AUSTEN’S EMMA

Abstract

This article delves into the themes of female independence and self-realization in Jane Austen's novel Emma. Moving beyond the surface-level matchmaking plot, it argues that Austen crafts a nuanced portrayal of a woman's journey towards self-understanding and autonomy in early 19th-century England. Through close textual analysis and engagement with contemporary scholarship, this study illuminates how Emma Woodhouse's character development reflects broader issues of women's roles, education, and personal growth in Austen's society. By examining Emma's journey, we gain insight into Austen's subtle critique of societal norms and her vision of female empowerment.