While Miss Bates, in Jane Austen's Emma, ​​may initially be perceived from afar as a minor character, upon closer analysis one can see that she is of paramount importance in this novel. Serving as a representative of the lower classes of Highbury, Miss Bates not only gives readers an insight into their situation, but also serves as an example of the proper behavior that would be expected of the upper classes towards their social inferiors. Being the town gossip also makes Miss Bates an important news source in Highbury and also serves as a spokesperson for the mysterious and secretive Jane Fairfax. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Given that she is the daughter of the late vicar of Highbury, one would expect Miss Bates to live a fairly comfortable life in terms of finances. However, she and her mother face the difficult situation of having to survive on the charity of benevolent members of the upper class. This leads us to conclude that the character of Miss Bates was constructed in this way so that Austen could illustrate the relationships that exist between members of the upper class and the lower social ones. For example, it is mainly through the Bateses that Austen manages to show Mr Knightley as a model of proper gentlemanly behavior, when he sends them apples from his orchards and gives them the use of his carriage. Through the relationship between Mr Knightley and Miss Bates, the author is able to convey the message that privilege comes with responsibility. Likewise, through Miss Bates, Austen is able to tap into the misbehavior of the upper classes that stems from their superiority and lack of sensitivity. towards the condition of the less fortunate. Emma, ​​for example, initially fails to sympathize with Miss Bates as she is so busy avoiding the latter due to her "horror of ending up in the second and third classes at Highbury". This imprudent and irresponsible behavior leads her to snub and, consequently, seriously offend Miss Bates during the picnic at Box Hill. The fact that Mr Knightley scolds Emma by saying; “How could you be so insensitive to Miss Bates?” How could you be so insolent with a woman of her age, character and situation?". - shows that Miss Bates is used as a moral lesson by Austen. This also leads us to conclude that her role is significant in Emma's transformation as a character. Just as Mr Knightley's outburst is a shocking eye-opener, it has the same effect on Emma. It is in fact this incident that acts as a catalyst for the turning point in the protagonist's life. Another moral lesson that Austen conveys through Miss Bates is the consequence of being an unmarried woman in the lower class of a patriarchal society. As illustrated by other female characters in the novel, such as Harriet Smith and Mrs. Weston, Austen relied on the fact that it was necessary for women of low social status to marry in order to ensure financial stability. Miss Bates represents a lesson for characters like Jane Fairfax and Harriet Smith, who fear they will end up in a situation similar to hers. The conversation between Harriet Smith and Emma Woodhouse regarding the latter's declaration that she will never marry is important in illustrating this point. Emma declaring: 'I don't want luck, I don't want work...', underlines the fact that unlike Miss Bates, she can choose not to marry as she is the heiress of thirty thousand pounds and therefore enjoys financial stability. The character of Miss Bates not only illustrates serious topics, but is also used as a device by Austen to bring meaning.