In contrast to Clueless, there is a lack of this small sequence of the protagonist female in Emma. This is due to the many values and attitudes developed in contemporary society being, in fact, absent from the old society of Regency England. In Regency England, etiquette, sophistication, and obsequiousness are necessary to conform to the social standards and ideals drilled into the timeframe. Actions such as the dismissal and ignorance of figures of authority would never be allowed as they would attribute an unfavourable label upon the individual who acts this way. A demotion of social standing would most likely occur. The new cerebral freedom and self-portrayal teens give themselves is thus a transformation of their primitive versions as values and attitudes in old society.
Following the “dreaming” scene of Cher, the character of Christian walks into the classroom, and the camera shifts to him, with elegant piano music playing as he slowly swings his jacket over his shoulder and poses in a sexually suggestive way. This characterises him as being a highly sophisticated, well dressed individual with an air of elegance, and immediately sets his character as socially supreme in the teen hierarchy, in Cher’s mind. The absence of Cher’s narration as well as shots of her lustful gaze suggest enamoration. Christian is then acknowledged, and he replies “Where should I park?” being a blatant example of the evolved teenage vernacular, and since he fails to address the teacher with a respectful and polite response it further reiterates the attitudes and values of dismissal of authority, egotism, selfishness and ignorance present in the teen view of society, transformed from the aloof and particular etiquette-focused views that men and women held in Regency England.
The same part in Emma where Emma observes Frank for the first time, there is a similar sequence of events at her house, in that Emma describes to herself her own interpretation of the man she sees. The lack of outward communication on Emma’s part and the internal narration of her analysis of Frank purport a silent admiration of him, similar to Cher’s silent admiration of Christian. Frank’s speech, however, is much more appropriate and sophisticated than Christian’s, which further adds to his characterisation as a gentleman of sophistication and well-bred values and attitudes, which are recognised as the most desirable by Emma.
though do not be hassled if you lack the time or cannot please.