Interviewer: Good morning students, today we have the pleasure of having Professor Barnaby, head lecturer from Sydney University come to talk to you all about transformations. So, Professor, what exactly is a transformation?
Professor Barnaby: Well, by definition a transformation is the act of instance of transforming, or the state of being transformed. One example can be seen where the concept of transformation involves Amy Heckerling through Clueless modifying Jane Austen’s 19th century canonical text, Emma to give it appeal to a contemporary audience. Although these compositions are two centuries apart, they are successful in exploring similar human values and qualities in different contexts. Such qualities are seen where the responder must reflect on social status and class, self awareness and the role of women. Thus, inner transformations and growth towards maturity in Emma can be equally experienced by the central character in Clueless, emphasising how similar the universal values they explore are.
I: Oh, so can you go into how the social classes are both similar or differentiate throughout the appropriations of the texts and how are they valued?
P.B: indeed, throughout both of the texts class is put in high value because of the status’ that are approved and maintained through the marriages within Emma. This holding onto the class status is valued both in Emma and George Knightly; however, George never agrees on formal procedure, whilst Emma still must learn not to rely upon these differences made in her favour.
Emma’s characterisation presents a very stagnant social hierarchy, in which social mobility is severely restricted being based on one’s ownership of material wealth, method of wealth acquisitions and family connections. Austen uses omniscient narration to show Emma’s social standing where “Highbury… afforded her no equals”. This shows an allusion to the 19th century strict social hierarchy and boundaries of an apparent class. Austen...