Jane Eyre 8

• "I doubted I had taken a step which sank instead of raising me in the scale of social existence. I was weakly dismayed at the ignorance, the poverty, the coarseness of all I heard and saw round me. But let me not hate and despise myself too much for these feelings: I know them to be wrong-- that is a great step gained; I shall strive to overcome them." (p. 365)

Charlotte Bronte incorporates the many issues of social class and rank throughout the entire novel. Until now, Jane Eyre has always been surrounded by a wealthy environment: in particular, the Reed family and Thornfield Hall. During this time period, her intelligence and elegant behavior did not suffice - she was considered powerless. Because of Jane's social status, she faced many obstacles: such as the decision to marry Mr. Rochester, as she recognized she was not of equal rank. Upon leaving Thornfield Hall, Jane is able to experience some of the hardships of living in poverty, a circumstance she is not accustomed to. This experience ultimately leads Jane to overcome some internal struggles, discover the fortune her uncle left her, and gain the confidence needed in order to return to marry Mr. Rochester.

Work Cited:
"Jane Eyre Study Guide." Grade Saver. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.gradesaver.com/jane-eyre/study-guide/major-themes/.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Blogspot.com. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/ ...

Jane Eyre 7

• "Ere I had finished this reply, my soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I ever felt. It seemed as if an invisible bond had burst, and that I had struggled out into unhoped-for liberty." (p. 36)
  

Charlotte Bronte creates a very unique representation of a independent female figure as Jane Eyre demands to be respected. Jane is a motivated, opinionated woman, who takes initiative while remaining loyal to her character. Unlike many of the other female characters in literary works we've read, Jane is outspoken, confident, and never hesitates to follow her intuition. During her younger years, she was punished for speaking with an open mind but as she encounters Mr. Rochester, he accepts her for being intellectual and independent. Mr. Rochester acknowledges these qualities, while Mr. St. John ignores all that she has to offer. Jane recognizes that Mr. St. John does not appreciate her autonomous behavior, eventually leading her to return back to Mr. Rochester - someone who values her character.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. HollywoodJesus.com. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://hollywoodjesus.com/media/beauty2.jpg.

Jane Eyre 6

• "The picture you have just drawn is suggestive of a rather too overwhelming contrast. Your words have delineated very prettily a graceful Apollo: he is present to your imagination ... Your eyes dwell on a Vulcan ... You certainly are rather like Vulcan, sir." (p. 449)

There are twelve major deities in Greek and Roman mythology; two including Apollo and Vulcan. Apollo was a very important figure during this time, being recognized as the god of light, healing, music, poetry, prophecy, archery, and truth. Vulcan, named by the Romans, is identified as the god of fire and blacksmiths. Charlotte Bronte illustrates Mr. Rochester's jealously by comparing Mr. St. John's character to the well-known god, Apollo. To Mr. Rochester, Mr. St. John appears to possess multiple qualities that Jane would find attractive, therefore associating him with Apollo. Mr. Rochester expresses his inadequacy by relating himself to Vulcan, only then to experience a cutting surprise as Jane agrees with his statement.

Work Cited:
"Vulcan - Roman God of Fire." Volcanoes and Mythology. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.crystalinks.com/volcanomyth.html.
"Apollo." Encyclopedia Mythica. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/apollo.html.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. WIlson's Almanac. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/images2/vulcan_venus.jpg.

Jane Eyre 5

• "I walked a while on the pavement; but a subtle, well-known scent -- that of a cigar -- stole from some window ... not by sound, not by sight, but once more by a warning fragrance." (p. 252)
  

From this excerpt, Charlotte Bronte's style of writing is clearly illustrated to readers. Her exceptional use of imagery appears in this description of a midsummer night. There are various cases where Bronte appeals to the five senses -- taste, smell, touch, sight, sound -- truly capturing the readers interest. The following appeals are covered: Smell - cigar, flowers, "warning fragrance." Taste - cigar, fruit-parterres. Sight - "I might be watched," "wander unseen," "now rising moon." Sound -"silence reigned." Touch - "walked a while on the pavement," "my step is swayed." The most effective type of imagery appeals to more than one sense because humans are constantly experiencing these senses simultaneously. This specific use of imagery enhances the descriptions in the novel because despite time, Jane is able to remember past moments in her life so clearly. Appealing to the senses illustrates Janes vivid memory and also allows readers to relate/understand the true, significant meaning of her life.

Jane Eyre 4

• "He has again and again explained that it is not himself, but his office he wishes to mate. He has told me I am formed for labour -- not for love: which is true, no doubt. But, in my opinion, if I am not formed for love, it follows that I am not formed for marriage ... If forced to be his wife, I can imagine the possibility of conceiving an inevitable, strange, torturing kind of love for him." (p. 423)

For Jane Eyre, marriage is a confusing, controversial concept as she is faced with two men who have very dissimilar ideas of what marriage is. After turning away Mr. Rochester's proposal, Jane undergoes an unexpected request from Mr. St. John. However, instead of being naive to the situation, Jane recognizes the significant difference between love and marriage. In this excerpt, Charlotte Bronte creates an instance where Jane questions Mr. St. John's genuine love. She realizes that love would certainly not accompany this marriage, as Mr. St. John is merely using her "as a useful tool." Here, Jane is able to compare her current situation with her past connection with Mr. Rochester - a bond where authentic and passionate love was evident.

Photo Credit:
Marriage4. Photograph. Same Day Marriage. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.samedaymarriage.com/marriage/images/marriage4.jpg.

Jane Eyre 3

• "'What would uncle Reed say to you, if he were alive?' was my scarcely voluntary demand. I say scarcely voluntary, for it seemed as if my tongue pronounced words without my will consenting to their utterance: something spoke out of me over which I had no control." (p. 27)

Throughout the novel, Jane Eyre is portrayed as a strong-willed, forceful woman who is never afraid of expressing what's on her mind. This excerpt captures Jane's habit of blurting out her most recent feeling. Her blunt personality may lead her to occasional trouble, but she continuously remains honest with herself and others. Unlike the lack of communication in books such as "Mrs. Dalloway" and "The Hours," where the characters emotions are locked up, Charlotte Bronte allows Jane to be direct and frank with whomever she speaks with. By doing so, Bronte emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself, following your intuition, and communicating your feelings.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Career Faqs. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/images/articles/1323/large/Facebook_hand_covering_mout.jpg.

Jane Eyre 2

• "Thank you, Mr. Rochester, for your great kindness. I am strangely glad to get back again to you; and wherever you are is my home -- my only home ... This was very pleasant: there is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow-creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort." (p. 250)
  

Over the course of the novel, Jane Eyre has never experienced the feelings that accompanies having a permanent home. Her memory of the places she has lived are not warming or comforting by any means. Jane tends to associate where she lives with the people she lives with, not the actual place. Charlotte Bronte intends for Jane to determine her home based on who is associated with it. Jane begins to feel that sense of belonging upon living at Thornfield Hall because of her connection with Mr. Rochester, Adele, and the various other characters who reside there.

Photo Credit:
Home Sweet Home. Photograph. Photobucket. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://media.photobucket.com/image/home%20sweet%20home/itcha17/home-sweet-home.jpg.

Jane Eyre 1

• "'But I apprised you that I was a hard man,' said he; 'difficult to persuade.' 'And I am a hard woman, -- impossible to put off.' 'And then,' he pursued, 'I am cold; no fevour infects me.' 'Whereas I am hot, and fire dissolves ice.'" (p. 390)
  

Charlotte Bronte incorporates some of the reoccurring symbols throughout the novel, fire and ice, to describe Jane Eyre and Mr. St. John's character. Here, Mr. St. John is perfectly described as he is shown to be a cold-hearted, cruel person. He claims nothing can affect him, yet Jane states that "fire dissolves ice." Jane is truly a passionate, determined, and fiery young woman. She accomplishes what she is after and has no problem expressing her opinion. In the excerpt, Bronte implies that Jane has the ability to break down Mr. St. John until she obtains what she wants, much like fire is capable of melting ice.

Photo Credit:
Fire and Ice. Photograph. Google. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://ladyfi.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/fire-n-ice.jpg.