The Role of Miss Bates in "Emma"
afar, upon deeper analysis it can be noted that she is of capital importance in this novel. Serving
as a representative of Highbury’s lower classes, Miss Bates not only gives readers an insight
into their situation, but she also serves as an example of the correct behaviour that would be
expected from upper classes towards their social inferiors. Being the town’s gossip also makes
Miss Bates an important source of news in Highbury and she also acts as a spokesperson for
the mysterious and reserved Jane Fairfax.
Due to the fact that she is the daughter of the late vicar of Highbury, one would expect Miss
Bates to be living a fairly comfortable life in terms of finance. However, she and her mother face
the predicament of having to survive on the charity of the benevolent members of the upper
class. This leads us to conclude that the character of Miss Bates has been constructed in this
way for Austen to be able to illustrate the relationships that exists between members of the
upper class and their social inferiors. For example, it is mainly through the Bateses that Austen
is able to show Mr Knightley as a model of correct gentlemanly behaviour, when he sends them
apples from his own orchards and gives them the use of his carriage. Through the relationship
between Mr Knightley and Miss Bates, the author is able to convey the message that privilege
entails responsibility.....................................................................................................................
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