In Emma, Jane Austen creates a protagonist who is flawed but ultimately likable.

Emma is
spoiled, headstrong, and often makes poor decisions, but she is also kind, well-meaning, and
ultimately good-hearted. While Austen satirizes the society in which Emma lives, she also
celebrates the best of human nature, and Emma is a prime example of this. Austen uses Emma as
a vehicle to explore the role of women in society. Emma is a young, unmarried woman with no
prospects for marriage. She is thus considered to be of little value in her society. Austen shows,
however, that Emma is much more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent, resourceful, and,
despite her flaws, ultimately good-natured. Emma is thus a subversion of the traditional view of
women as being nothing more than marriageable commodities. Austen also uses Emma to
explore the theme of class. Emma is a wealthy young woman, while her friend Harriet is from a
lower-class background. Austen shows that, despite their different circumstances, the two
women are ultimately equals. Emma may have more money and status, but Harriet is just as
capable and intelligent as her friend. This theme is further explored through the character of Mr.
Elton, who is a wealthy man but is also shown to be shallow and self-centered. Austen thus
shows that class is not necessarily an indicator of worth. Ultimately, Austen uses Emma as a
means of celebrating the best of human nature. Emma may be flawed, but she is ultimately a
good person. She is kind, well-meaning, and, despite her mistakes, always tries to do the right
thing. Austen shows that it is our flaws that make us human and that, ultimately, it is our
capacity for love and kindness that make us truly good.