The Satirical Depiction of Manners in Emma
Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end.
These lines are the second formulation of Kant’s categorical imperative, emphasizing a moral obligation to abstain from both the exploitation of one’s self and others for the mere sake of achievement. In Emma, Jane Austen postulates a morality of manners, governing and facilitating the social interactions of an English-village. However, these manners lie in conflict with the categorical imperative, as they do not account for the potential of disingenuous inward motivations belying the outward appearance of morality. Moreover, Emma Woodhouse’s ignorance to this Kantian morality is revealed quite readily through her socially politic relationship with the kind-hearted chatterbox, Miss Bates.
Certainly, one of Miss Bates’ most distinguishing characteristics is her uncanny habit of prattling about everything around her; treating trivialities and crucialities with similar degrees of import; flowing from one topic to a seemingly unrelated discussion of another without stopping to take a breath. Expression of her thoughts is of such importance to Miss Bates, that her long-winded treatments of the mundane take on a comical nature in the novel. In one scene, Emma visits the Bates’ humble apartment to drop in on Miss Bates as an apparent sign of good faith, in reality a shallow attempt to boost her popularity in the eyes of Mr. Knightley. As the scene progresses, it digresses into a series of Miss Bates’ disjointed and unfinished stories on a petty letter from Jane Fairfax and fawning compliments on the part of Emma. In discord with the categorical imperative, Emma is simply using Miss Bates as a means to an end. Emma really could care less as to the daily happenings of Highbury’s “second and third rate” (102). It is in this way that Austen discloses the absurdity inherent in a morality of manners, the motivation for the act is as important as the act itself. Emma acts in accordance with moral law, however, she disregards the notion of acting with respect to it, because this is all that manners require of her.
Furthermore, the incident at Box Hill regarding Miss Bate’s self-degrading comment, “‘I shall be sure to say at least three dull things as soon as I open my mouth, shan’t I,’ (looking around with the most good-humoured dependence on every body’s assent), ” and Emma’s bitingly sardonic comment that follows reveal true nature of Emma’s immorality (249). Previously and under the guise of a friendly visit, Emma used Miss Bates as the means to a personal end and Miss Bates was none the wiser. While discordant with the categorical imperative, Emma still behaves in accordance with her morality of manners. In stark contrast, her actions at the Box Hill Picnic are not only in conflict with the overlying Kantian morality, but also with Highbury’s social code of conduct. Emma sought to use Miss Bates’ critical remark as a tool for the mere orchestration of a witty insult much to the chagrin of Miss Bates and the disgust of Mr. Knightley.
Because Emma does not treat Miss Bates as an end in and of herself, with intrinsic worth and dignity, she is a morally irresponsible individual. This is wherein the satirical depiction of manners is revealed; Austen employs a diminution from universal moral standards to the confines of correct social conduct in Highbury. She gracefully comments on the moral irresponsibility of society, employing an ironic wit, not devoid of charm and humor. And, it is this aspect of Austen’s novel which distinguishes it from the class of mere romantic comedy and defines its presence as great 19th century literature.