A Successful Novel Provokes Thought and Reflection

“A successful novel provokes thought and reflection”

Let’s analyse this concept. How can, in today’s world, a world with techno-buffs and auto-gadgets, be compared with the candle-lit life of 19th century? How are our lives, in any way similar to the Regency Period, either socially, historically, or culturally? The answer lies not in the novel or plot. Perhaps not even in theme, but in the very root of human nature. The same human traits that define and surround us today, did so the humans of the past. The same discrimination, the same egos, the same love and lust...and the same selfishness. This is what makes a great novel, one that lives on for centuries. This is what Jane Austen has created, a novel that created “thought and reflection”. Jane Austen bases her novel, Emma during the Regency Period, in which she echoes the values of her time through triggering of various thoughts which are still applicable today, such as, marriage and relationships; and importance of social development, knowledge and awareness.

The thought of marriage and maintaining relationships had been a significant cultural feature in early 19th century England which is still applicable today, although its impacts are weaker. Austen’s view that for a successful and happy marriage, sound ethical and social foundations are needed has been portrayed. Through omniscient narrator, a range of relationships are presented from both the author and the character, Emma’s perspectives to accentuate the convolution and types of relationships that exist, for example, the unreciprocated love between Harriet Smith and Mr. Elton, and fraudulent love from Frank Churchill. The complexity of relationships is a timeless theme because of same human traits in any historical period, and it is this understanding of relationships that leads to Emma’s self-discovery, especially her love for Mr Knightley that gains out of her developed good nature,