Objectification and Confinement of Female Sexuality in Austen’s Emma and its Literary Adaptation: A Postfeminist Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This research explores the construction of female sexuality in the literary adaptation Emma (2020) directed by Autumn de Wilde through a postfeminist lens. The research is based on Iris Marion Young’s theory of oppression examining the feminine body comportment and mobility. The movement and ability of females to perform household and outdoor chores is restricted by the male gender. The restriction on the sexuality of a woman develops a fragile and dependent self. The female characters of Emma (1815) reveal the oppressive structures that confine feminine activities under the definition of morality and grace. The categorization of female qualities develops a gendered discourse that encourages a binary classification of sex as male and female. The division between sex is further strengthened by the association of female sexuality with material objects. The material objects re-enforce and encourage objectification and confinement of female sexuality. The literary adaptation highlights the negative social implications of material objects on the portrayal of female characters.