Jane Eyre 16

• "I discerned in the course of the morning that Thornfield Hall was a changed place: no longer silent as a church ... She kept running to the door and looking over the banisters to see if she could get a glimpse of Mr. Rochester ... She continued to talk incessantly of her 'ami, Monsieur Edouard Fairfax de Rochester.'" (p. 120)

At this point in the novel word has spread to Jane Eyre that Mr. Rochester has arrived at Thornfield Hall. Jane is aware of the amount of commotion and work the servants are completing to prepare for his presence. Without ever having met him, Jane has already built up a form of anxiety and respect for his projected image. This case is very similar to Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness: when the character Kurtz was mentioned, power and wealth automatically associated with his name. Charlotte Bronte illustrates similar feelings for Jane that Marlow underwent prior to meeting Kurtz. Because of both Mr. Rochester and Kurtz's high status, fellow characters are immediately influenced by their reputation. Rochester proves to be some-what like Kurtz's character in the sense that each man is determined to have one thing: Kurtz (ivory) and Rochester (Jane Eyre). Towards the end of their lives, Kurtz and Rochester become depressed and unsatisfied. Kurtz reflects - "The horror, the horror!" - while Rochester isolates himself and mourns because his dear Jane has not returned to marry him.

Jane Eyre 15

• "Mr. Rochester flung me behind him: the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously, and laid her teeth to his cheek: they struggled. She was a big woman, in stature almost equaling her husband ... The operation was performed amidst the fiercest yells, and the most convulsive plunges." (p. 298)

Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester's insane wife, is significant to the novel, and through her character, many of the major themes are expressed. Bertha Mason is referred to as the 'Madwoman in the Attic' which is also the title of the book 'Madwoman in the Attic' written by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar. (The authors derived this title from Charlotte Bronte's work.) This book describes their feminist beliefs and addresses the issue of literary potential for women in a world shaped by and for men. Charlotte Bronte creates Bertha Mason's character to show the potential in a traditional Victorian marriage. Although Jane doesn't display her frustration like Bertha, she has built up fear of the possible imprisonment that marriage could bring. Bertha is calling out for help, she is shunned and isolated for so long, she eventually turns mad. Bertha speaks to Jane as a warning of the possible dangers marriage might entail.

Work Cited:
"Exposing the Role of Women in The Madwoman in the Attic." 123 Help Me. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. Exposing the Role of Women in The Madwoman in the Attic.

Photo Credit:
Portait Mad Woman. Photograph. Pictures-Images.com. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://images-2.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/681988-3-portrait-of-a-mad-woman.jpg.

Jane Eyre 14

• "'Cruel? Not at all! She is severe: she dislikes my faults.' ... 'It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action' ... 'It is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear.'" (p. 55-56)

Helen Burns, Jane Eyre's closet friend at Lowood Institute, was admired for being extremely intelligent, religious, and content. Despite her maltreatment at Lowood, Helen would continually remain calm and accept her punishment without any disagreement. Helen justifies her punishments while Jane doesn't find it allowable. Charlotte Bronte introduces two characters who have contrasting ways of approaching or viewing unjust actions. The significance in the contrasts shows Jane that she must not always rebel or lash-out against her punishment. Although Jane cannot understand Helen's justifications, she still respects her. Helen's differing character introduces Jane to a some-what better, more mature way to handle opposing views. However, perhaps witnessing Helen's tranquil attitude may have influenced Jane's outspoken character.

Jane Eyre 13

• "He had not yet imagined that a woman would dare to speak so to a man. For me, I felt at home in this sort of discourse. I could never rest in communication with strong, discreet, and refined minds, whether male or female ... very hearthstone." (p. 380)

Charlotte Bronte incorporates the issue of gender inequality throughout the novel. Jane Eyre is faced with various men who attempt to restrict her from being opinionated. During this time period, men were often the ones in power and who controlled most situations. This passage illustrates Jane's ambition and confidence when addressing men. Unlike most woman in this age, Jane never constrained her feelings. Charlotte Bronte is able to express her view on women stereotypes through Jane's character - a strong-willed, bold, independent young woman.

Photo Credit:
Gender and Frugality. Photograph. The Non-Consumer Advocate. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://thenonconsumeradvocate.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/men-vs-women-jpg.jpeg.

Jane Eyre 12

• "An hour or two sufficed to sketch my own portrait in crayons; and in less than a fortnight I had completed an ivory miniature of an imaginary Blanche Ingram. It looked like a lovely face enough, and when compared with the real head in chalk, the contrast was as great as self-control could desire." (p. 164)
  

Jane Eyre is fond of painting portraits throughout the novel, but specifically, the portrait of Blanche Ingram and Rosamond Oliver had significance to the major themes of the story. In this excerpt, Jane draws a portrait of herself and Blanche Ingram, leading her to criticize and compare their differences in appearance, social status, and character. Upon meeting Blanche Ingram, Jane was astonished by her unique beauty. Charlotte Bronte illustrates Jane's lack of confidence, and the feeling of "not being good enough" in Mr. Rochester's eyes through these portraits. In addition to this, Jane creates a painting of Rosamond Oliver, who is also strikingly beautiful. Jane attempts to capture Mr. St. Johns interest, in hopes to spark an stronger attraction to Ms. Oliver by creating this piece of work. In actuality, it discreetly indicates Jane's insecurities. Overall, Bronte incorporating the power of art suggests Jane's ability to express those insecurities through painting. Jane turns to art as a method to let out/overcome her jealousy and frustration.

Work Cited:
"Jane Eyre: Symbols." Lit Charts. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://www.litcharts.com/lit/janeeyre/symbols.

Jane Eyre 11

• "'Never,' said he, as he ground his teeth, 'never was anything at once so frail and so indomitable. A mere reed she feels in my hand!' (And he shook me with the force of his hold.) 'I could bend her with my finger and thumb: and what good would it do if I bent, if I uptore, if I crushed her?'" (p. 323)

This excerpt is taken from the point in the novel where Mr. Rochester is extremely upset with Jane's decision to leave Thornfield. His tone of voice begins to get angry as he threatens Jane with violence. Disbelief angers Mr. Rochester, leading him to sound very demanding. As a reader, it's interesting to notice Charlotte Bronte's play on words from this passage. Mr. Rochester describes Jane as a fragile reed; something he could easily break or wear down. The word 'reed' associates with Jane's unpleasant childhood guardian, Mrs. Reed, whom she experienced violence, being neglected, and verbal abuse. Charlotte Bronte draws the connection between the occurring situation and Jane's past, where she was often controlled and vulnerable. (Qualities similar to a flimsy reed)

Photo Credit:
Reed Pen. Photograph. Shepherds. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://images.nitrosell.com/product_images/3/609/thumb-reed%20pens.jpg.

Jane Eyre 10

• "He had done. Turning from me, he once more 'Looked to river, looked to hill:' But this time his feelings were all pent in his heart: I was not worthy to hear them uttered." (p. 416)
  

The line, "looked to river, looked to hill," in this excerpt is from the poem, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, by Sir Walter Scott. The poem intends to illustrate the customs and manners that prevailed on the Borders of England and Scotland. As Mr. St. John is about to leave for the night, he states a line from this particular poem. Charlotte Bronte alludes to this poem, leaving Jane with a difficult case to ponder. This specific line refers to Mr. St. John River (assuming the river) and Mr. Rochester (assuming the hill) as Jane is torn between the decision of marrying one of the men.

"Work Cited"
"The Lay of the Last Minstrel." Poets' Corner - Bookshelf. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://theotherpages.org/poems/minstrel.html.
"Jane Eyre." Review Materials. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://reviewmaterials.tripod.com/english/jane_eyre.html.

Jane Eyre 9

• "It was one of the largest and stateliest chambers in the mansion ... Their blinds always drawn down ... This room was chill, because it seldom had a fire; it was silent ... It was in this chamber he breathed his last ... Dark wardrobe, with subdued, broken reflections." (p. 13)

Jane Eyre's experience in the red-room greatly affected her for the remainder of the novel as horrible memories accompanied her single imprisonment. Charlotte Bronte uses vivid images and key word choice to embellish Jane's frightening experience. The environment of the room is certainly not welcoming -- cool temperatures, broken mirrors, dark furniture -- but the fact that Mr. Reed died in the room makes her experience even more terrifying. Although Jane was young, this punishment had a lasting effect throughout her life as the red-room is referred to at other specific points throughout the novel. Themes such as injustice, seeking independence and her dark, unpleasant childhood are expressed through the use of the red-room symbol.

Photo Credit:
The Red Room. Photograph. Unusuallife.com. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. http://unusuallife.com/wp-content/uploads2006/2008/02/valentine-red-room.jpg.