The Significance of the Box Hill Episode in Emma

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The Box Hill episode in Emma is significant to understand Jane Austen’s thoughts about an ideal community. As an opposing example of the harmonious society shown in Highbury, Box Hill symbolizes chaos and conflict. The climax of the episode is at the moment of Emma’s insulting the poor spinster, Miss Bates. Emma’s snub upon Miss Bates brings up a question of class distinction. The class system in the community cannot ignore or exclude the rising power, represented by the Coles. On the other hand, it is not wholly based upon money, represented by Miss Bates, who has connections and is on visiting terms with them. With the issue of class distinction, Miss Bates is an interesting figure, who takes a complex role. Her monologues look tedious or irksome, but they prove to be realistic and an impressive creation of the character, and they make the community a whole. Emma realizes what she has to overcome and correct. Consequently, the Box Hill episode plays a decisive role, both for the climax of the novel and for the agreeable conclusion.