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Jane EyreCONTEXT & SETTINGThe WeatherSetting is vital to plot and action and helps to understand character and sceneNumerous examples of climatic conditions intensifying mood: PATHETIC FALLACY – A WAY OF EMPHASIZING MOOD BY LINKING IT TO THE SURROUNDING WORLD; The bleak view from the window in the opening scene reinforces the idea of Jane’s unhappiness, “ a scene of wet lawn and storm-beat shrub”, with ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly before a long and lamentable blast”The freezing conditions at Lowood add to the misery there in the same way that the storm in the Thornfield orchard on the night of Rochesters’s proposal gives a feeling of forebodingThornfield is vaguely threatening with its somber rooms hung with tapestry, its strange noises and mysterious secrets, and fits into this genre, “I lingered in the long passage…narrow, low and dim, with only one little window at the far end…like a corridor in some castle”Was very much influenced by writers of the GOTHIC – with its melodrama, haunted and gloomy castles and innocent heroinesSocial StatusSocial status very important in the 19th cClass divisions were far more fixed and pronounced than they are todayJane is very conscious, that socially, she is inferior to many of those with whom she associatesThe idea that high social status does mean necessarily mean goodnessSurroundingsHouses and possessions are used to add information about charactersThe Rivers are not wealthy and yet Jane approves of their home because is typifies the values of cleanliness and common sense, “The parlor was rather a small room, very plainly furnished; yet comfortable, because clean and neat.” She was much more at home in this kind of environment than at the grand houses of Gateshead or Thornfield, and it is logical that she and Rochester should settle at Ferndean ManorWomen’s StatusVictorian period – women had inferior status to menMarriage seen as only desirable goalGirls such as Jane only were able to use their educationHer romantic, passionate nature would never settle for a marriage of convenienceReligionReligious ideas and images are referred to frequently and are integral to the novelThen it was more a part of everyone’s day to day lifeNear everyone went to church said prayers at bedtime and tudied the BibleJane is extremely religious and comes across several characters who are also governed by their religious beliefsChapters 1-5Chapter 1:Jane E is 10 yrs oldLives in Gateshead with her aunt and three cousins, John, Eliza and GeorginaDiscover she is unhappyHer sense of loneliness and isolation is evident in the way she hides herself behind thick curtains in a deserted room, ostracized by her aunt and cousinsWhen she is discovered by her cousin John, he is cruel and abusive to herHer resulting anger and refusal to be dominated are severely punished – she is carried to her red roomApparent that she has a strong personality and is beginning to question the behavior and attitudes of those around herShe resugses to be dominated by her elder cousin and stands up to his crueltyHer independence and strength of character is shown in her well-defined opinionsThe weather outside is cold, wet and miserable “near a scne of wet lawn..” – there is pathetic fallacy in the reflection of Jane’s situation in the miserable weather; the gloomy pictures in the book fascinate her as they also mirror her situationChapter 2Shows how unloved she isAfraid of the red roomAccepts that she is unwanted and unlovedAs she calms down she becomes more and more aware and afraid of her surroundings; light fails and she is convinced that the room is haunted and screams for help; passes out from terrorJane’s personality becomes clearer – she is able to look at her situation and judge it honesly; she realizes that it is not her fault that she is beign punished – she sees their cruelty, “unjust-unjust”According to Jane, she is clearly a cruel woman; however even Jane admits that Mrs Reed sincerely believes that Jane is artful and wicked and is therefore a just punishmentChapter 3See how Jane is starved for love from her reaction to Mr. LloydAdult narrator Jane recognizes the shrewdness in Mr. Lloyd that the child does not understand; he is trying to help her situation by suggesting schoolThe theme of being judged and consequently rewarded or punished in life because of physical appearances appears to be addressed in this chapterJane is very aware of her weak and unappealing features and how unfav she is compared to Miss G; rather than accepting this, there is an implicit sense of her eracting very strongly to the unfairness of such a surface judgementChapter 4Excluded from all Christmas celebrationsHer sense of her own strength becomes more and more evident, however – she refuses to be bullied by John any more and hits him hard when he once again attempts to e cruel to her; when her aunt scolds her for this, she argues backThe shadowy spectre of Mr. Brockelhurst appears – warden of Lowood charity schoolThe man’s questioning of Jane reveals him to be harsh and cruel guided by religious fervor – allusions to Red Riding HoodMocking religious sentiments with her ready made answersJane and Mrs R have their final terrible encounter. J’s emotional but honest account of her treatment shocks and undermines her aunt’s authorityPower balance has finally shifted because jane presents the truth fairly and honestly; Jane’s character upholds the value of truth and honesty in all things which is to be a driving themeChildish ref to Red Riding hood sows that Jane has instinctively made B both a figure of threat and mockery; he is diminished in our eyes by this reaction from herJane’s need for and belief in love is highlighted by the doll she loves despite its shortcomings – it’s a reflection of herself – pitiful, but still worth attention and careThere is a strong sense of Jane’s developing integrity, her opinions are firmer and more readily expressed; Bessie’s need for reassurance from Jane highlights this shift in their relationshipChapter 5First of Jane’s solitary journeys – journeys which signpost every change in her lifeHer first day is spent in observation – one of Jane’s most familiar occupationsSees a kindred spirit in Helen BurnsA character’s response to those around them is often a good indicator of their won personality – J is instantly drawn to Miss Temple and Helen Burns, and in their own ways have profound effects on her lifeMiss T is to become a role model for Jane upholding the values of strength, observance of duty and above all truth to oneself which Jane sees in herselfHelen, interestingly, troubles Jane although she admires her intensely; she immediately recognizes someone with strong opinions and personal integrity and is confused by the seeming obedience to orders and duty even if misplaced Chapter 6reinforces the cruelty of the regime at Lowood, again strengthened by the depiction of harsh weather conditions; girls are given very little to eat, suffer cold temps, work long hours and have little conversation with each other – PATHETIC FALLAC YJane gets to know Helen Burns better – H.B. bears with fortitude any cruelty and punishment without complaintJane struggles with this idea, believing that one should stand up to oppression and undeserved cruelty; Helen gives her a different point of view, driven by the Christian conviction that one should bear any amount of suffering in this world in order to benefit in the afterlifeJane’s constant questioning of Helen marks her as someone very interested in life and her place in it – she is a strong character who will not merely accept things as they are but explores and understand them – her analytical nature is very well developed and demonstrates her independence – has very strong opinionsChapter 7Jane spends next three months in a tireless, determined effort at school (good opinion of teachers and peers matters)Mr. Brocklehurst visit – undoes all her efforts (tells the ‘truth’,hair, stand whole day)Irony – wife and daughter in fine clothes although he believes the way for a pure soul is to punish the body ; curly hair cut – vanityBrocklehurst’s cruelty - admonishes Miss Temple for profligacy –( breakfast/lunch)Chapter 8Jane is worried about her reputation, Helen consoles herMiss Temple invites them to teaAsks of Jane’s life in Gateshead; promises to write and check the storyIntellectual discussion between Miss T and Helen – enjoys an intellectual discussionHint of Helen’s illness – sense of foreboding in Miss T’s manner towards Helen, “it was Helen her eye followed to the door; it was for her she a second time breathed a sad sigh…”Helen and Jane have conflicting views on the importance of the opinions of others – Jane prizes public approval above all things, Helen feels that personal integrity is more important – this is resolved in the adult Jane who listens to herself first but still needs the love and respect of those she admiresChapter 9As Jane becomes more settled, better weather reflects her altered state of mind – warm spring reflects her altered state of mind – PATHETIC FALLACYTyphus fever outbreakHelen dies (undaunted spirit); this extremely moving part is described in a pragmatic, unemotional manner. No comment is made regarding Jane’s feelings – by not emphasizing the emotional intensity, the loss of Helen is made all the more poignant, as if no words are necessary or appropriate to honor her memoryEnough to have tender image of girls clinging to each otherJane puts a headstone after 15 yearsChapter 10Through typhus epidemic, people come to know dismal state of school – taken over by new managementSpends next 8 years at Lowood- 6 as a pupil, 2 as a teacherRelatively happyMiss T marries and departsThis makes Jane very restless and advertises as a governess-advertises and hears about Thornfield and from Mrs. Fairfax - Jane is on a quest for happiness; Bessie the servant visits and tells her that her uncle came to the house 7 years before – finds out that the Reeds are not happy- news which surprises neither her nor the readerJane’s desire for good opinions is obvious – inspite of impressing Bessie with her accomplishments, she is still hurt by the fact that she is not appealingHint of other relations important to usChapter 11Third phase of her life begins – again with a solitary journey to Millcote, nearest town to Thornfieldwhile waiting for her ride, she reflects upon her situation and things that while on level to be alone is terrifying, there is also a thrill of the unknown about it – always she reasons with herself whenever she is afraid or unsurepleasant experience thus far at Thornsfield – Mrs. Fairfax (housekeeper) and Adele – surroundings – P.F.first hint of name Grace Poolehears mysterious voices (GOTHIC)opening lines of chapter signify new phase in her lifemanner of narration is also different – reader drawn more into Jane’s thoughts; her internal workings of the mind become focus of the story as she reaches maturity and is able to reflect more articulately on her own situation, rather than having readers to draw their own conclusionsphysical appearance – she examines herself and wishes she was more appealing, accepts it pragmaticallyChapter 12the first three months pass peacefully enough – content but quest for happiness is onchapter contains the first, dramatic, meeting with Mr. Rochester – falls of horse-finds out later he is her employersalthough poor and socially dependent, she is not afraid of Mr. Rochester and offers him physical assistance and support – which benchmarks their relationship throughoutshe maintains a strength and power in relation to him, a refusal to be dominatedvision in Red room (chapt 3) – “a great black dog behind him” when she had her fit; maybe the child Jane had a premonition, a hint that this event was the most remarkableChapter 13Rochester’s interest in Jane startsAdele shows off her governessJane comfortable in his presence, keen questioning by himImpressed by paintings-paintings present dreamy & passionate side of JaneRochester has history of family problemsChapter 14House is busy with guests with Mr. Ro’s returnUnpredictable behavior when he sees her in the corridorsFirst long interaction – discuss conventions of relationship between master and ‘paid subordinate’; they are frank and honest with each other; impressed by her honesty and intrigued by her effect on him – “do you think me handsome”/ “no sir”Her clarity enables him to be honest about himself-interested in her opinion of himChapter 15Uncovers mystery surrounding Adel e-she is illegitimate daughter of a Frenchwoman, once a mistress of Mr. Rochester-woman treated R badly and was interested in his moneyHis motivation of looking after her is to purge some sin by committing a charitable deed, nothing moreDisturbed by some strange noises outside the room “demoniac laugh” – discovers Mr. R almost unconscious from smoke inhalation and his curtains of fire- she saves his lifeHis gratitude has an unwarranted warmth and this section ends with her guessing of his growing attachment to her - her innocence prevents her from seeing itJane doesn’t judge Mr. R for his past deeds and is impressed by his desire to make amendsChapter 16Jane is becoming more and more fascinated by RShe things Grace Poole is the cause of the strange noises and fireWhen she hears that Rochester has left to visit friends, she is perturbed (we don’t know why he has left) – Mrs. F tells her of the beautiful Blanche Ingram who will be there-therefore clears her own suspicions of Mr. R’s feelings towards herShe paints two portraits – one an imaginary one of Blanche which is exquisite and one of herself which is plain and dowdy - strength of character available here, forces herself to consider the reality by the paintingsChapter 17Rochester returns with Blanche IngramMystery regarding race (overhears conversation between 2 maids regarding Grace’s salary and difficult job)Jane emotionally distressed at seeing Edward and Blanche I – However tell tale signs of Rochester being in love are there – insistence on her attending all parties, almost saying “Goodnight my.....”Lack of depth and sincerity in the conversations/flirting between Rochester and BlancheChapter 18Jane observes relationship between Ro and Blanche – no love between them, but may marry her for “family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connexions suited him” (pg.211) – Jane is horrified andshows Jane’s selfless nature as she is not concerned with her own love for him but wants him to be happyFortune teller visits – Blanche Ingram silent after listening to the fortune teller; she is cruel towards Adele and JaneThe calmness of Jane versus the hysterical screams of some ladies shows Jane’s dignityArrival of someone called Mr. MasonChapter 19Jane has an interview with the gypsy and attempts to get Jane to give the opinions on Mr. Ro and Blanche; conversation becomes stranger and stranger until Jane realizes that the gypsy is in fact Rochester in disguise – shows how well she knows him as she is able to find him out rather than his ‘fiancee’Rochester almost afraid with the arrival of Mr. MasonJane and Rochester’s conversation reveals how well they know each other; Jane is equal to him in intellect feeling and sense even if not in social status and ageHe also knows her very well – personality and judgmentsChapter 20Jane hears a terrible cry-Rochester asks for her help-this time to help Mr. Mason who has been attacked, presumably by this strange Mrs. Poole – GOTHICShe has to stay with Mr. Mason in the dark for 2 hours while Ro goes for a docRochester’s atachmen tot Jane highlighted – he mentions his own wedding to Blanche ironicallyChapter 21Back to Gateshead – her aunt is near deathbed - Chapter opens with her musing on the workings of fate – a strong idea in the novelJohn Reed has almost bankrupted the family and has died – giving Mrs. Reed a strokeEliza and Georgina – selfishTells her that Mr. Eyre wrote asking that Jane be sent to Madeira – Mrs. Reed told him that Jane was deadImplicit message that selfishness and cruelty can only lead to miseryJane is able to rise above them and views them dispassionately because she no longer needs or respects themThe conversation between Ro and J at the beginning of the chapter is resonant with implied meaning, charged with emotion underneath the surface banterRecurrent baby dream – personification of Jane’s innocence and vulnerability Chapter 22Jane returns to Thornfield – another journey – mixture of anticipation and fear for the futureJane is welcomed warmly – no signs of any marriage – Ro uses animated language and his tone shows thisFinally acknowledges her love for Ro – self denial is useless – powerful force of her feelings for Ro is intensified by the shift into the present tense as she approaches Thornfield – the effect of this technique is to remove the distance of time from J’s narration and the make the event appear more immediateChapter 23take a walk on a beautiful evening midsummer – Ro declares his love for Jane-she is thrilledPathetic Fallacy: beautiful midsummer evening – sudden break in weather resulting in the storm which splits the horse chestnut tree into two – an omen signifying that this impending union is not rightRo’s manner and language also hint at some issues – the “savagery” with which he holds onto Jane and his defiance of “the world’s judgment”Chapter 24Mrs. F is cold at the match between the two – “I do fear there will be something found to be different to what either your or I expect” – tinge of ironyJane uncomfortable at Ro’s behavior – expensive gifts, declaration of loveShe wants match to be an honest one – not disintegrate into one of “society’s matches”Writes to uncle for finances – financially independentShe wants Ro to love her for herself and not invalidate the relationship between themHer need to be true to herself and to be independent – major part of her personality, even when in loveChapter 25Day before wedding, Jane is unsettled and restless- overcast and windy weather reflect her moodTells him she had a vivid dream which had a sense of omen – again is about being burdened with a young child and showed J&R being separated foreverShe then tells him that on waking from the dream, she discovered a strange, fearful woman in her room who tore her wedding veil apart before leaving the bedroomRochester is scared but says it was Grace Poole – tells her to sleep with Adele and Sophie to be safe as he believed there was a threat to her lifePhysical events seem guided and influenced by spiritual or even psychic features – the weather, Jane’s dreamChapter 26Disclosure of bigamy by Rochester (Jane’s uncle raised alarm – informed Richard Mason)Rochester tells the story of Mrs. Rochester – a mad woman who is under the guard of Grace PooleJane manages to stay calm through all this until she is alone – he has nothing now except her belief in God and herselfRochester’s behavior under scrutiny – he calls upon a higher court than that of the world to judge whether he in fact was acting immorally given his suffering since being tricked into marrying this woman for his family’s financial gainJane doesn’t judge him – loves him and believes in a similar kind of moral codeChapter 27Jane’s only solution is to leave ThornfieldRochester tells complete story – Bertha Mason-father arranged marriage so that he would have dowry of 30,000 poundsWhen he speaks of the effect Jane has on him, we see the full force, beauty and sincerity of his love for herIs powerless to resist this but is resolved to “keep the law given by God, not by man”Runs away in the middle of the nightJane’s sense of self is a major part of her nature – “I care for myself”, “Do as I do: trust in God and yourself”Jane was acting under the fear of disgrace and God’s punishmentShe forgives Ro because she understand the circumstances – he is acting under the direction of an alternative moral code not out of his immortalityChapter 28 – Chapters 35Next phase – adult hood and the road to knowledgeShe roams the countryside in search of work and sustenance – THE PATHOS, in this scene is very powerful-her sense of integrity is highlighted-she would rather suffer all this than be with the man she lovesShe finally stumbles upon a house one night (MOOR HOUSE) and the occupants admit her and save her from death; St. John, Diana and Mary Rivers restore her to health and fitness and they become her familyCan see parallels between Jane and St.John character in how they are stubborn in following one pathTurns out they are cousins and when Jane receives an unexpected inheritance she insists on sharing it with them, allowing them all to be financially independent – the existence of a kind of natural justice, a moral and fair system which can sometimes go against society’s legal system, has echoes back to Rochester’s appeal to a higher court than that of man to judge his actions – reinforces that Jane and Rochester have similar ways of viewing the worldJane’s approval of the house – plan and functional, yet clean and warm –another example of her sensible value judgmentsShe still loves Rochester - St. John offers her a proposal of marriage and travel to India with him to be a missionary, but the desire to near Rochester makes her say no and stay behind – she rejects the idea of being “forced to keep the fire of my nature continually low, to compel it to burn inwardly and never utter a cry, though the imprisoned flame consumed vital after vital (organ)” – a description of the horror she feels at living in a loveless marriageOne night, when she is being pressured by St. John into making a decision, she “hears a voice” crying for her in despair – GOTHICShe returns to Thornfield, finding in blackened and the mad Mrs. Rochester dead – her search for her love eventually leads her back to Mr. Rochester, now blinded and partially crippled – THE JOURNEY HOME to FERNDEAN MANOR ................
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