The Character Jane Eyre Essay Example
The Character Jane Eyre Essay Example

The Character Jane Eyre Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1344 words)
  • Published: October 15, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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Bronte portrays Jane Eyre as a non-traditional Victorian woman. Despite facing abuse, neglect, and exclusion in her youth, Jane emerges as an exceptional, self-reliant and determined individual.

Throughout her novel, Jane Eyre, Bronte illustrates the transformation of Jane from a tormented child to a resilient and inspiring woman who remains true to her principles, even at the expense of love. Bronte uses language and imagery to establish a dark and dreary atmosphere, mirroring Jane's early experiences. The introduction of pathetic fallacy emphasizes this mood, as the "cold winter wind" brings "sombre clouds and penetrating rain." This melancholic and chilling atmosphere deeply affects both the reader and Jane, showcasing her sadness and neglect. Additionally, Jane's solitary existence is emphasized as she endures her struggles "coming home in the raw twilight." Bronte further depicts Jane's vulnerability and

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the cruelty she endures at Gateshead, portraying her as a victim in her own household. The metaphor of "nipped fingers and toes" encapsulates her mistreatment and the feeling of being hurt and uncared for, highlighting her powerlessness.

Bronte utilizes juxtaposition to highlight the stark contrast between Jane's "dreadful... was the coming home" and the Reed children who are "clustered round their mamma...by the fire-side, and with her darlings about her". The author excludes Jane "from joining the group", thus transforming her into a dismissed and neglected victim who is worlds apart from the privileged life and treatment of the Reed children. Pathetic fallacy is employed by Bronte to portray Jane's profound experience of sadness during her childhood at Gateshead. Throughout the novel, the weather reflects the characters' emotions. When Jane is beaten by her cousin John, she is represented by the "storm-bea

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shrub". The author's use of aggressive and destructive language is also prominent in this scene, with words such as "wildly", "rain sweeping", and "blast" being employed to illustrate John's cruel actions and his anger towards Jane.

Furthermore, Bronte draws a comparison between Jane and the 'solitary rocks and promontories' found in 'Bewick's History of British Birds', emphasizing their inhabitance solely by these rocks. This metaphor highlights Jane's marginalized existence. The author continues to depict Jane as a cold and isolated child, evoking imagery of 'bleak shores' that reflects how Mrs. Reed and the Reed children perceive her as plain and desolate. The coldness is further emphasized through descriptions of places like 'Iceland', 'Greenland', and 'the Arctic Zone', which parallel the novel's prevailing weather, mirroring Jane's emotional state in this part of the story. Finally, at the end of the first chapter, Bronte uses pairs of verbs such as 'bullied and punched' to illustrate the ongoing torment Jane experiences from her cousin, John.

Bronte employs melodrama and pathos in this scene to convey Jane's powerlessness, sadness, and abandonment to the reader. Jane continues to suffer at Lowood School, which fails to provide sufficient protection from the severe cold, turning her into a victim. The description of the bleak and desolate scene emphasizes Jane's loneliness and poor treatment, which all the girls at Lowood endure, employing pathetic fallacy. Bronte intensifies the pathos as Jane fervently wishes for death, expressing her deep emotions and vulnerability to the reader while emphasizing her inability to change her circumstances. This relates to the moment when Jane insists on seeing Helen before her passing, resonating with how other girls may feel about their time

at Lowood. Despite losing her friend, Jane emerges as a remarkable person by prioritizing Helen's feelings over her own through her determination, bravery, and desperation. This portrayal makes her far from the typical Victorian child, showcasing her ability to cope with tragedy and exhibit strength of character.

Additionally, Bronte exposes Jane to humiliation and isolation through Mr. Brocklehurst's false accusations in front of the entire school, branding her as a liar. This victimization of Jane occurs as Mr. Brocklehurst assumes the guise of a virtuous individual with strong religious beliefs, thereby displaying his hypocrisy. Despite claiming to follow the principles of Christianity, his treatment towards Jane and the other students contradicts the actions expected from a true Christian. Consequently, Bronte portrays Jane as being ostracized and rejected by Mr. Brocklehurst, who presents himself as a devout figure. Bronte emphasizes this by using a metaphor.

Brocklehurst declares Jane as 'not a member of the true flock', which reflects her isolation and mistreatment at Gateshead. She states that she would not trade the hardships of Lowood for the luxuries of Gateshead, highlighting the emotional neglect she experienced. In the fire scene, Bronte portrays Jane as fearless and selfless, risking her own safety for her Master. Using pathetic fallacy with the phrase 'drearily dark', Bronte creates a mysterious and foreboding atmosphere, emphasizing Jane's bravery. The mention of Jane's 'depressed spirits' adds to the supernatural ambiance and showcases her feelings of loneliness and sadness.

The author uses supernatural language, such as 'spirits' and 'demonic laugh', to frighten the 19th century reader. These phrases have religious and ghostly connotations. The word 'demonic' specifically connects to evil and the devil, creating a sense of

foreboding. Later, when Bronte describes the fire that engulfs Rochester as 'devils' tongues of flame', it further adds to the eerie atmosphere. These elements make Jane's actions of saving Rochester all the more remarkable. Bronte continues to foreshadow events when Jane 'withdrew the bolt and opened the door with a trembling hand', building suspense and fear within the reader. Additionally, Bronte empowers Jane through her refusal of St. John Rivers, turning her into an exceptional and unconventional woman.

Jane defies societal norms and follows her own desires, something that would have been seen as extraordinary, foolish, and unconventional for a woman of her class and looks during the 19th century. Bronte skillfully uses emotive language when Jane exclaims 'If I were to marry you, you would kill me. You are killing me now.' to deeply involve the reader in her innermost thoughts and feelings. The use of hyperbole is also notable in the phrase 'You are killing me now.'

In the Victorian era, it would have been unusual and inappropriate to talk to a man in the manner that Jane does. However, this unexpected behavior gives her strength and transforms her into an extraordinary woman. By refusing St. John Rivers, Jane demonstrates her growing ability to trust her own feelings and disregard social and religious conventions. Another example of emotive language is when Jane declares 'I scorn your idea of love' to St. John Rivers. This statement is particularly unexpected coming from a woman of her status in the 19th century. The use of the word 'scorn' conveys Jane's strong morals and beliefs in a fiery manner, showcasing her remarkable character to the reader.

Throughout this

scene, Bronte highlights Jane's strong character using definite statements and imperatives. For example, she states that "you and I had better not marry" and urges St. John Rivers to "Seek one elsewhere than in me." These remarks demonstrate Jane's willpower and directness in her responses. Furthermore, Jane's immediate rejection of Rivers' proposition showcases her decisiveness and clear understanding of her desires. This similarity to Mr. Rochester, who refuses to marry Blanche because he does not love her as he does Jane, highlights both characters' strength of character and defiance of societal expectations. Bronte concludes her novel with Jane rediscovering her love after she leaves Rochester and Thornfield upon discovering his marriage. In the final chapter, Bronte opens with the iconic line "Reader, I married him." This statement encapsulates the exceptional nature of Jane Eyre, as she defies convention by declaring that she married Mr. Rochester rather than the traditional narrative of Rochester marrying her.

Bronte then fast-forwards ten years, and Jane proclaims that she understands what it means to live solely for and with the person she loves most in the world. This makes her remarkable and uncommon, considering that during the Victorian era, marriage was often based on social considerations rather than love. Jane feels fortunate to have made such a choice.

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