Emma,(jane Austen) Miss Bates Character Analysis

In the novel Emma, the author, Jane Austen, uses many different techniques to characterize Miss Bates as a woman with no intellect, but a very kind heart. Miss Bates in a humorous character who is loved and loving.

Austen’s diction is one such technique used to characterize Miss Bates. Miss Bates is a “contented” old woman with certain “cheerfulness” to her nature. Miss Bates always has good intentions and is always a happy, joyful woman. Her good will towards others makes her such a popular woman even though she has no husband and no physical beauty. Miss Bates had a splendid “simplicity” about her, and everyone in the town of Highbury enjoyed her “grateful” spirit. Miss Bates appreciates the small things in life, and never receives any satisfaction from fancy, frilly things. She likes to keep life simple and she is appreciative of every simple gesture bestowed upon her. Miss Bates very much enjoys the companionship of her friends and neighbours more than anything in the world. Miss Bates seems to most people in the town to be a “silly” old woman who was quite “poor”, but has many blessings in her life. Not only does Miss Bates have her friends, she also has her mother and a wonderful home that wants for nothing. Miss Bates has a amiable personality that has helped her to become a popular woman.

Jane Austen’s detail allows the reader to see another apparent character trait in Miss Bates, her lack of intelligence. Miss Bates has “no intellectual superiority” and “never boasted beauty of cleverness.” Perhaps her lack of intellect is the reason a few people of Highbury were annoyed by Miss Bates. She did have some wisdom, though. Miss Bates was not totally ignorant. Indeed, there is much practical wisdom, genuine concern, and touching kindness peppered throughout her humble flow of eager-to-please manner. She had trouble recognizing when she was doing or saying something wrong. On the other hand, Miss Bates is a “great talker upon little maters” and was “full of harmless gossip” that she wants everyone to know. Miss Bates is the spreader of town news and is interested in everyone’s