Through the comparative study of the two texts, Emma, the novel by Jane Austen and its transformation, Clueless, the film directed by Amy Heckerling, and their contexts, it became apparent the two texts in fact complement each other. In this way, each text developed and reshaped the initial understanding of the other, through their similarities and differences. The transformation of Austen's nineteenth century novel into Heckerling's twentieth century film appears dramatic, however, while some alterations to the plot, context and values have been made, many of the essential ideas of the original text have been retained.

An example of this is first seen in the introductory pages of Emma and the opening sequence of Clueless. In the novel, the introductory pages provide the audience with a description of the main character, Emma Woodhouse, her lifestyle, and context of the story, through the use of third person narration. Emma...