Answer:
In Jane Austen's "Emma," Mr. Elton and Augusta are used as "comic relief" characters throughout the novel. Mr. Elton, the vain and self-important vicar of Highbury, is used to satirize the superficiality and pretensions of the upper classes. He is constantly making inappropriate and foolish statements, such as declaring his love for Emma before realizing that she does not feel the same way. His attempts to win her affections are comically misguided and ultimately lead to his embarrassment.
Augusta, Mr. Elton's wife, is also used for comedic effect. She is portrayed as a manipulative and scheming woman who is always looking to advance her own interests. Her attempts to gain social status and influence are often foiled by Emma's wit and intelligence. The irony of Augusta's character is that she is not well-liked by the other characters but she is still trying to be in their good graces.
Both Mr. Elton and Augusta serve as foils to the more likable and relatable characters in the novel, and their comically flawed behavior serves to both entertain the reader and highlight the more admirable qualities of the main characters.
Step-by-step explanation: