Her daughter enjoyed a most uncommon degree of popularity for a woman neither young, handsome, rich, nor married. Miss Bates stood in the very worst predicament in the world for having much of the public favour.
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 3. Austen’s description of the character of the poor middle-aged spinster Miss Bates contains these satirical opening words. Highlighted is her unusual popularity, despite her age, lack of beauty and financial and marital status. The author is satirizing how women were viewed in 19th century England and the kind of qualities that society valued in them.