Jane_Eyre

Intro Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a novel which is can be interpreted in many different ways. In my opinion at its core Jane Eyre is the story of an individual’s self discovery via their reaction to the world. Bronte has shaped this effectively with the use of stylistic devices, genre selection, characterisation and themes. THESIS ‘Jane Eyre ‘tells the story of an individual’s quest for identity and evolution towards maturity. The author effectively uses literary techniques to convey this message of self discovery while subtly conveying other messages regarding social class and gender inequality. Bronte portrays her view of a hypocritical society through the use of a strong willed female protagonist. STYLE The major theme in ‘Jane Eyre’ is the development of the individual via their reaction to the world. Bronte allows us to see Jane’s journey of self discovery through the stylistic device of first person narration. As Jane is the narrative voice in both present tense and reflection the reader is able to track Jane’s journey from childhood as she reaches maturity. The use of first person narration allows readers to gain an insight into the character. For example the quote “I care for myself. The more solitary the more friendless the more unsustained I am” allows for a clear picture of Jane’s opinion and character to be seen. Here Bronte uses first person narration to reinforce the message that the text is about self and makes comments into issues in the Victorian context. A different view of Jane’s development is the Marxist/feminist reading of Jane development as a rebel. According to critic Sara Gilbert the rebellion of Jane Eyre can be seen from the very beginning when she wants to escape the Reed family house “through flight” or “through starvation”. However, in my opinion Jane is not rebellious against standards at that time; she just isn’t easily influenced by it and is more driven by her principles and morals. RELIGION The theme of religious extremism highlights Jane’s search for individualism. Charlotte Bronte was raised by a strong Christian family and this is reflected in her writing shown by the many Biblical allusions and images. Brocklehurst is an example of someone who carries his religion to extremes. He insists on a formal religious life but he is really a hypocrite as he enjoys a privileged lifestyle. Eg “ If ye suffer hunger of thirst for my sake..”. These attitudes were supported by the philosophy of utilitarianism which reduced the significance of the individual. Bronte effectively shows this is in contrast to Jane’s search for individualism and identity. Furthermore this shows the subtext of Victorian society as individuals were considered expendable for the greater good. Alternatively a non Christian reading can be seen as there is an obvious conflict between Jane’s religious beliefs and her sexual feelings. This is evident as Jane has the out of body experience where she hears Rochester’s voice come to her. This represents the non Christian or Pagan influence overcoming the Christian. RELATIONSHIPS ( might cut this, depends what Hughesy says) Bronte shows the development of Jane as an individual through her relationships. Jane’s interaction with John Reed reveals several elements of her character. Her determination, assertiveness and strength of character is shown when Jane is faced with his male dominance. Another example is the relationship between Jane and St John. Bronte uses this relationship to demonstrate Jane’s strength of character as she refuses to marry St John for the wrong reasons. Jane refuses to accept religious vocation instead of personal fulfilment which went against the evangelical beliefs of the Victorian era. Bronte is focusing on Jane’s response but the subtext is obviously that extreme Evangelical beliefs can be personally detrimental. SYMBOLISM Bronte uses a variety of symbols and images to indicate character development and develop links within the text. The most significant language device includes images of heat and fire associated with passion. This is evident at Thornfield Hall where Rochester is a victim of arson and in another setting where Jane is describes as ‘ardent’, the latin word for burning. The constant use of this symbolism shows the underlying theme of passion throughout the text and how it effects Janes growth from a child into an adult as well as her search for identity. Furthermore Bronte uses the motifs of searching for identity evident in the phrases “return… home” “wander” and “rove”. These symbols and motifs represent nineteenth century psychology evident of the Victorian era. CONCLUSION It is obvious from reading Jane Eyre that it is not only the plot of the novel that is relevant. The most important part of the text is how the events effect Jane and allow for her character development. I have recognised that Bronte’s main focus in the book is exploring the growth of the individual and seeking identity. Bronte has effectively achieved this through setting, characterisation, relationships and themes which create a text rich in interpretations and readings.