The relationships and communication in Emma’s time period differed from our post-modern one because of the realities of distance and the limitations of technology. Today’s technological advances are making it easier to communicate across larger distances and to connect with those we would not have originally had the opportunity to meet. For Emma, her community consisted only of those immediately surrounding her. Today, space between here and there is not a problem when there are cars, planes, telephones, and computers that can narrow the gap. This shift lead to an increase in quantity over quality.
In Emma, a person had a small, limited circle of friends and family. Slower transportation, communication and even unpredictable weather conditions kept people at great distances apart. A person was dealt their circle of acquaintances and then made the best of it. It was trying for people to be around Emma’s father was a well-meaning pessimist, finding gloom and fault in every situation, but who offered unsolicited advice, thinking that he alone knows best. But people had to be tolerant of his tendencies. They had to develop patience with those they found frustrating and had to remain civil. People took the time to develop their relationships and really know each other. Even though their visits and communications were limited compared to those of today, the quality which was packed into the small amount of the time spent together was much greater. Time spent together was precious and was treated as such. More work was put into relationships, because they weren’t disposable.
Today we have a large, limitless circle of acquaintances. Thanks to modern transportation, telephones and the Internet, connecting with people is easier than ever. Instead of taking what is dealt, people can find others that match their personality by joining clubs or interest groups, or by going bar hopping or speed dating. There is endless opportunity. If a relationship isn’t working, you can leave it without causing a scandal or committing a societal faux pas. Just block their number, stop visiting, delete them from your Facebook and move on. Instead of being tolerant, we just shuffle the deck, because there are hundreds more “single and looking” waiting to find and be found.
Postmodern relationships look very much like this. They are not necessarily concerned with the other party. They just consider what is best for number one. They ask: “Is this relationship working for me?” “Is this person meeting my needs?” Gone is the tolerance and understanding. Since postmodernists don’t believe in absolute truth or rigid, black-and-white moral standards, they are non-committal. Technology offers limitless options: if you don’t like someone, you can always meet somebody new. It also means that time spent together is no longer a luxury, but an expectation taken for granted. People can remain connected no matter where they are, decreasing the quality of good company and conversation. We are constantly updating our statuses and checking in on others’ recent news feeds. We know what is going on in each others' lives but not what is happening in each others' heads or hearts.
Austen, Jane, Steven Marcus, and Victoria Blake. Emma. New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2004. Print.
I think it is very interesting that in the 1800's your acquaintances were those who lived near you. Back then, your acquaintances rarely changed. Now, there are literally thousands of people that I can become acquainted with. I like the variety available, and being able to chose who I want to be friends with.
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