What are the most significant characteristics of cultural criticism in the light of the novel Emma?

Cultural criticism is
a branch of theory that takes culture and context as its defining quality. When exploring this
novel through the lenses of cultural criticism, we therefore need to be aware of how Austen
explores the context and culture of her time and how this culture is presented. This can easily
be seen is we examine the theme of marriage in this excellent novel. Consider how the story
presents us with a series of marriages that have either just happened or are eagerly
anticipated. Socially, what is key to realise is that each marriage consolidates the social
status of at least one of the parties. Life in Austen's era was all about social status, which
was a product of wealth, background and reputation. Marriage became a vital and important way in
which you...