Transformation is not just an excuse for using someone else's ideas, but a way of repositioning both texts for a wider audience allowing reflection upon the new resonating with the old. The transformation process has repositioned the reception of the original text. The setting shifts from early nineteenth century England to contemporary, affluent American society, encouraging the responder to evaluate how the transformation of cultures have changed from the microcosmic society of Highbury to Beverly Hills. Throughout both texts, similar thematic concerns are raised, such as: marriage, self-growth and the relationship between appearance and reality.
The patriarchal ideologies of both contexts are reflected through the idea of marriage. In Austen's society, women were classified by who their husbands are. Austen depicts this convention through the use of sarcastic authorial intrusion, having Emma "improve her (Harriet); she (Emma) would detach her from her bad acquaintance, and introduce her into good society." Women had no power and depended on their husband or family members to provide financial support. In "Clueless," Cher, the heroine, desires Tai to have a "makeover" so she could date a male of higher social status. This shows the responder that there is an existing patriarchal assumption about females and their relationship with men. "Clueless" differs from Emma because many people had mobility in the social hierarchy. Women are not pressured to marry in this contemporary context because they are more financially independent and have rights. However, marriage for a woman is still seen as desirable. .
The traditional values of marriage associated in Emma have been transformed by "Clueless." Austen writes in third person to show the way her characters interact with each other and how they value marriage. In a conversation between Emma Woodhouse and Harriet Smith, there is an implication that sexual maturation and the loss of virginity occurs when a couple marries.