Bitches in Bonnets by Sarah J. Makowski

Author:Sarah J. Makowski
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Prometheus
Published: 2022-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

ONE-SIDED FRIENDSHIP ISN’T FRIENDSHIP

The skewed association between Augusta and Jane parallels that of Emma and Harriet; both are unbalanced in their own way. Neither Jane nor Harriet can expect a bright, barrier-free future. Their self-appointed patronesses, Emma and Augusta, each suffer from an inflated sense of grandeur. What better way to shine than taking care of the disadvantaged, especially those who aren’t dirty, diseased, or in any way displeasing? What better way for the vicar’s new wife to settle in than to spend time with lonely, single girls who present no threat? By “assisting and befriending” Jane, Augusta can be reminded every day of her narrow escape from spinsterhood.

Unlike Harriet’s delight at Emma’s attentions, Jane has no use for the overbearing Mrs. Elton. That doesn’t bother her. Ignoring the young woman’s protests, Augusta persists in broadcasting Jane’s dire prospects to the outside world. Ignoring the orphan’s polite resistance, Augusta informs Jane of the life she should now begin living, the type of position she should seek, and which forms of work would be acceptable to her “friends.” As a Queen Bee, Augusta misses the mark. She has no hold over the intelligent and accomplished Jane. Any power and gratitude Augusta hopes to receive by finding Miss Fairfax employment are nonexistent.

In her examination of minor female characters, Women and Value in Jane Austen’s Novels: Settling, Speculating, and Superfluity, literature professor Lynda A. Hall claims that Mrs. Elton uses her attentions to Jane and her aunt “as a mark of financial superiority” and a way to build cultural capital in Highbury. Although she brought her own educational and monetary assets to the village, Mrs. Elton means to elevate herself by aiding the impoverished ladies, going so far as to call herself “Lady Patroness.” This sentiment, along with her role as the vicar’s wife, earn her local favor and the gratitude of local chatterbox Miss Bates.

Augusta’s biggest reward for her efforts is having a legitimate, convenient excuse for avoiding her nemesis, Emma. Insisting on identifying a position of genteel servitude for her assumed protégé, Mrs. Elton whisks Jane aside for half-whispered confidences at public gatherings. Although she cannot persuade Jane to follow her guidance, her attentions allow her to dodge Emma and Harriet. Our flawed heroine watches the pair’s exchanges with a sense of pity and understanding. Herself a Queen Bee, Emma immediately spots Augusta’s perpetual, unwelcome assault of condescending “praise, encouragement, and offers of service.”

No good can come from Emma and Augusta’s misguided patronage of Highbury’s distressed damsels.

Why am I so hard on Emma?

Of all of Austen’s heroines, why have I singled her out the most?

It’s because she has everything that (most of us) have been brought up to think that we want. She’s the ideal. Not only is she pretty, but she is pampered and prosperous. Unlike the Elinors, Elizabeths, Fannys, or Catherines of the world, she has choices in life. Her family and upbringing afford her an amount of status and power, unlike her peers.

Her worst crime? Behind her beautiful clothes and proper manners, Emma is complicit in harming other women.

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