Essay On Safety And Security In Jane Austen's Emma

In the novel Emma, by Jane Austen, the town of Highbury may be associated with safety and security. However, events and emotions prove otherwise. Danger, pain and risk are more common in Highbury than safety and security.

Safety and Security are believed to be encountered in the quaint town of Highbury. Emma, being in a high social class had much security. The reason she was a part of a high social class was because she was a member of one of the richest families in Highbury. This came with security because she, as well as others, they were much taken care of by their families.. Usually safety came from marrying a man of wealth. It was very important for women to find a man of wealth because it would show how well a women would be taken care
of. Harriet, for example, received a proposal from a farmer, Mr. Martin, but denied because Emma told her that they would never see each other again since she would be throwing herself out of all good society. (Jane Austen, 63) The reason she would be throwing herself out of all good society was because she would be marrying a farmer, someone of a lower class, who has little wealth. Safety and security in Highbury did not occur by social standards and marriage alone, but by the kindness of others. Emma often interacts with those of the lower classes. She sees the importance of taking care of those who can barely take care of themselves. Emma visits a poor sick family and takes care of them, making sure they are warm and feed.(101) Highbury is usually a place of security and safety that is brought by the kindness of the people.

Although there is safety and security in Highbury, danger, pain and risk evolve from the town. Emma, the matchmaker in the novel, is constantly meddling in people's love lives, especially Harriet’s. Emma believe that Mr. Elton and Harriet are meant to be together. When Harriet received the letter of proposal for Mr. Martin, Emma without telling her,subtly advised her to deny.(62) After the refusal Emma attempts to cheer her up by mentioning Mr.Martin and his great appeals.(66) These events will eventually cause pain to Harriet. At a Christmas Eve party, Mr. Elton had no concern for Harriet, but for Emma.(152) The miscommunication of people soon lead to Harriet’s heartbreak. She began to fall in love with Mr. Elton, but soon fell out of it when she heard the news that he did not love her back. Although Emma has accomplished one successfully match, it is constantly a risk when dealing with the hearts of others. Because of Emma’s matchmaking, Harriot suffered a large amount of pain.

Emotions also provided much danger, pain and risk in Highbury.
The actions of Emma lead to the emotional pain that Harriet went though. She gave a poem to her from Mr. Elton, convincing herself and Harriet that it was a marriage proposal.(88) When Emma broke the new of Mr. Eltons true love to her, she was heartbroken. Harriet later got over the pain and found a new love. She confessed to Emma her love for Mr. Knightly.(471) Unfortunately for Harriet, Emma also loves Mr. Knightly. This is a dangerous situation for Emma because she does not want to hurt Harriet anymore than what she already had. Emma took the risk and told Harriet the truth of her heart. Again, Harriet’s emotions were hurt. (480)

Highbury was a place of safety and security, but also danger, pain, and risk. As individuals they all made safety and security in the town. They were given safety within their family and they gave safety to those who did not have it. However, they also caused pain upon others. The miscommunication of Emma’s matchmaking was the main cause. She cause Harriet the most pain with the dilution of what she should marry for. That she should have married for position, not for love. Highbury is just like any other town, they have good aspects and they bad ones, but that is what makes the best
homes.