Contrastingly, the society of Emma places no importance on self-image, as the only description we receive of Emma is that she is "handsome, clever, rich" but they do value etiquette. Mrs Elton lacks etiquette, even though she is somewhat attractive and accomplished, her "self importance, presuming, familiar, ignorance, and ill bred" nature counteract her good qualities and is disliked by the protagonist as well as the responders(we hope). .
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Both texts incorporate similar values (that are made different by their context) and the same basic plot, i.e. the heroine is transformed from an ignorant, spoilt brat to a rational, perceptive character through her own downfall. However, the composers achieve the ironic mode of the text through different methods. Austen uses the omniscient narrator with simple, precise language and a refined writing style to accomplish humour, sarcasm, wit and dramatic irony. With this, she is able to gently criticise the insular town of Highbury and her own society. Austen also uses this to show the mistakes and unclear perception of Emma that leads her to her own downfall. "The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself". Heckerling uses bright, fluoro colours and the montage at the beginning (that looks like a "Noxema commercial") to set the strong, vibrant mood of the flim. She uses the voice over of Cher to create irony and portray the misguided and "Clueless" Cher. During the opening scene, Cher comments that she has an "ordinary" life for a teenager whilst picking her clothes for school using a computer. As if! .
During the Regency period, the social order for Jane Austen's society was very rigid and immobile, and social status was determined through birth class, one's marriage, connections and professional success. The value of placing great importance on social status, which determines whom one can be associated with, is reflected in Emma.
