In the Jane Austen's novels "Emma" and "Persuasion", a theme of key importance is class distinction. The social order of the characters is significant in understanding their position on society and also how they perceive themselves in relation to other characters and they also believe they have ideas and influence over others, making them superior to those they come in to contact with. In "Emma" the story mainly revolves around the title character Emma Woodhouse …showed first 75 words of 1553 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1553 total…both consumed by their self indulgence and complete arrogance in some parts. Sir Walter is a lazy, selfish character who is completely in love with all the beautiful things in life and wants to hold on dear to his position in society. The only character who appears on the out set not to be preoccupied with class is Lady Russell but she too falls victim to Austen's attack on the restrictive nature of social order.