ESSAY Good texts don't have a use by date.

Indeed, themes and ideas that have been utilised in classic texts can be manipulated slightly to make them interesting through the ages till modern times. These themes such as marriage and personal transformations can still be relevant to current social values. In Jane Austen's text 'Emma', she explores and conveys marriage as the ultimate goal of women and transformation as an essential component of growing up and development. Amy Heckerling's cinematic text 'Clueless' offers a series of thematic parallels, yet sightly adapted to relate to today's society. The setting transformed into a Beverley Hills high school setting where marriage still remained as the destination for all relationships and personal transformations occur on the protagonist 'Cher', all of which is conveyed through filmic techniques. In both texts discussed, marriage is always the ultimate goal of every woman. Portrayed in Emma as an agent for change and elevation in social and financial status, much of the novel is devoted to Emma's imagining of different potential matches- including her own. Although Emma has clearly displayed her lack of interest in marriage through quotes such as "I am not only, not going to be married at present, but have very little intention of ever marrying at all," the novel proceeds in the opposite direction. Through the last volume of the book, dramatic irony was employed where the audience becomes aware that Emma and Mr Knightley have developed chemistry between them. The novel ends with Mr Knightley and Emma being married, underpinning the central theme. Similarly, the modern adaptation Clueless has also brought focus to the theme of marriage. Although young woman are much more independent, outspoken and haver a wide range of career options compared to Emma's era, it was evident and inevitable that marriage is a stage of life in which almost every woman will go through. The last scene was introduced with a long shot showing the wedding ceremony, once again putting strong emphasis on the importance of marriage- the final stage of a relationship. As quoted from Murray: "They've already started to plan our weddings." The quote effectively induces the audience to believe that the ultimate goal of all women would be marriage. Furthermore, the use of the competition to obtain the bouquet has enhanced the message delivered as the one who catches the bouquet thrown by the bride would be next in line for marriage. * Discussion on Emma's matching of Elton and Harriet (Emma's life revolved around matching people up for marriage) * Voice overs being used * Discussion on Emma's thoughts of her potential marital companion Frank Churchill (providing evidence that Emma still regarded marriage as an essential part of life. * The only way not to become a governess was to get married. Personal transformations have been a staple diet through almost all

genres of text. Both texts are committed to transformations and the significance of personal transformations (moral direction) are mirrored from Emma to Clueless. From the beginning of the novel, Emma shows snobbery and insensitive attitudes and behaviour to those of a lower rank (Mr Martin). Through her actions, her faults have been explicitly exposed. Mr Knightley and his filmic counterpart Josh takes on the role as Emma/ Cher's moral compass, leading them to undergo self examination. As quoted from Emma, "how inconsiderate, how indelicate, how irrational." In Clueless, we watch Cher develop self-knowledge, social responsibility and awareness. This was established through alternations to her body language, tone of voice and costume. From a self-conceited mall queen, the audience has witnessed a change in the protagonist, evident from her charitable work. Long, repeating shots were taken of Cher donating her clothing to those in need and being aware of the news, displaying a transformation to a more compassionate and mature person. Likewise in Emma, Emma's self reflection was prompted when her emotions were engaged. Emma's misconduct has been mocked and juxtaposed with reality. The disclosure of revelations occurring towards the end of the novel awakens Emma to be become aware of her propensity to arrange everybody's destiny. "The blunders, the blindness of her own head and heart!she had been imposing on herself in a degree yet more mortifying." Emma acknowledges her cluelessness and arrogance and escapes from being the victim of her own myopia. Her urge for interference in people's lives have been replaced by a resolution for better conduct, a sign of maturity. * Cher organising the Pismo beach charity relief. * Emma has reflected upon her misdoings. * The freedom from self deception is a cardinal attribute of maturity * Emma's acceptance to Robert Martin Regardless of the time frame, the uniform themes have been frequently replicated in all genres. Those themes such as personal transformations and the significance of marriage are still relevant to today's society although slightly adapted. Good texts are those which have utilised these universal themes are able to successfully derive it into a modern day text regardless of the text type. Supported by the two texts discussed, Emma and Clueless have manifested different adaptations of the same ideas evident through a series of filmic and literary techniques discussed.