Important things to note:
'Jane Eyre' is NOT an autobiography, it is a novel written in an autobiographical form by Charlotte Brontë who adopts the persona of Jane Eyre in order to voice her concerns. It is written as an adults retrospective view. Brontë does not base the narrative on her own life; she does however draw on aspects of her own life and her own experiences to create similar situations within the text. Exposition occurs every time Brontë introduces a new set of characters or a location NOT just at the beginning of the novel.Throughout the novel Brontë is constantly making use of her intentions which are:
- To challenge some social and moral conventions of the 19th century
- To question aspects of Christian orthodoxy and notions of the afterlife
- To expose gender attitude and gender relationships in her society
- To extend he boundaries of the fictional construct (the novel form)
The perfect essay:
Jane Eyre overview:
Throughout the novel of Jane Eyre the character of Jane ventures on a journey of self discovery which starts out at Gateshead Hall and concludes at the house of Ferndean.Initially Jane is shown to be passionate, rousing negative attentions from her cousins and Aunt who reside in Gateshead. As a result of this Jane is shown to be treated poorly by even the servants (Bessie and Abbot).
Jane develops from a relatively submissive character to one who will not suppress her spirit despite the consequences and this is due to the habitual violence John Reed inflicts upon her (notice that Jane is blamed for her reaction despite John Reed's actions (introduced the class/worth debate).
Once Jane expressed this passions she is punished in a way which brings upon her first supernatural experience (the events which occur in the Red Room). Due to the fact that Jane suffers a fit whilst in the Red Room the apothecary is called in (make note of the fact that the Reed children and Mrs Reed receive the care of a physician.The conversation between Jane and Mr Lloyd (the apothecary) leads him to suggest to Mrs Reed that it is best for Jane to attend school (a place where he believes she will be safe).
The next key character introduction to the novel is the character of Mr Brocklehurst. Mr Brocklehurst is a character who Brontë uses to mock the idea of mechanical Christianity (as a facade) and stress the difference between this type of Christianity and true faith (something which characters such as Jane and St. John Rivers practise - though St. John is zealous in his practising of this).
The next stage in Jane's journey is the location of Lowood Institute, a place less than idyllic. Mr Brocklehurst is the schools headmaster and is a cruel, vindictive man who preaches a doctrine of poverty and privation. He makes use of the schools funding to further his own wealthy lifestyle. At Lowood Jane makes the acquaintance of Helen Burns. Helen Burns is instrumental in portraying Brontë's exploration of martyr-like individuals, who value their immortal life over their mortal life. Brontë is shown to be displeased at this notion, though not dismiss it completely for those who choose to live like it. Eventually Helen Burns dies of consumption, an illness brought on by the poor standards at the school. This results in Mr Brocklehurst being replaced by a group of more caring men, thus increasing the quality of Jane's life at Lowood. She stays there for a further eight years, (six as a student and two as a teacher). Through her teaching position Jane learns further skills which allow her to take the position of Governess at Thornfield Manor.
Jane's life at Thornfield is dark and the way in which Brontë portrays this is through her use of the Gothic (as will be discussed later) and of important characters such as Bertha Mason.
Eventually, through Brontë's use of characters such as Blanche Ingram and Mrs Fairfax, Jane and Rochester fall into an unconventional romance and Rochester proposes to a disbelieving Jane. However, their impending nuptials cause the exposure of Mr Rochester's previous bride, Bertha Mason, who still lives, on the third floor of Thornfield Manor.
Jane makes a momentous decision to not betray her religious and moral beliefs and so leaves Thornfield and separates herself from the already married Mr Rochester.
This choice leads Jane to become penniless and hungry on the moors, trying to beg for food in small towns (the town which Jane visits is an important symbol which will be discussed later).
Eventually Jane makes her way to Marsh End (also referred to as Moor House) where she meets the company of the Rivers' (Diana, Mary and St. John - pronounced 'Sinjin'). Jane quickly becomes friends with them and discovers they have a lot in common (could be referred to as kindred spirits).
St John is a clergyman, zealous in his religious beliefs and intense in his preaching). Diana and Mary are intellectuals who (though their knowledge exceeds Jane's) are to become governesses (one of the few respected jobs for educated women).
St. John allocates Jane a job teaching at a charity school in Morton, a job which she does not turn down for she wishes to be independent).
In due course St. John reveals Jane's true identity (not as Jane Elliot but as Jane Eyre) and approaches her with the news that her Uncle in Madeira has died, bequeathing her 20,000 pounds (a sum which, within Brontë's contemporary society would have been enough to enter upper class with). Jane makes the choice to divide this between her new found cousins (Diana, Mary and St. John Eyre Rivers).
After having spiritual unity with Mr Rochester (the scene upon the moor where St. John is asking her to be his wife (a missionaries wife)), Jane decides to return to Thronfield, unsure of her fate when she is to reach her destination.
When Jane returns to Thornfield she finds it had been burnt down by Bertha Mason (who is dead after leaping from the roof in the midst of the fire). This creates the realisation within Jane that Mr Rochester is now a widower and is injured after his experience.
When she find him at Ferndean they converse, Mr Rochester not initially believing her to be real. Jane and Rochester rebuild their relationship and soon marry, Jane being both financially and emotionally independent.
At the end of the novel Brontë writes, in the persona of Jane, that her and Rochester have been married for ten blissful years in which they enjoy perfect equality together. She states that after two years Rochester regained the site in his remaining eyes and was able to see their first son at his birth.
Locations:
Gateshead - Gateshead is where Jane's journey begins, Brontë uses it to introduce her exploration of the class divide as well as gender expectations within her contemporary society. Gateshead is location which starts Jane's development to a passionate yet well tempered woman; it is also the place in which Jane has her first supernatural experience, a way in which Brontë introduces religion to the novel (the Red Room - an important aspect). Gateshead acts as exposition for the novel, introducing the initial characters and setting.
Lowood - Lowood Institute introduces the characters of Helen Burns and Miss Temple to the novel and to Jane. These characters portray two varying takes on Christianity - Miss Temple displaying true Christian charity and kindness without a martyr-like complex and Helen Burns depicting the life of one who chooses to value their immortal soul more than the life they are given (bearing any punishment, whether deserved or not, and looking to death as an escape). Lowood also creates the perfect setting for Brontë to fully introduce her exploration to aspects of Christian orthodoxy and notions of the afterlife (though this intention continues throughout the novel). As well as this Lowood Institute is also instrumental in developing the character of Jane in such a way that she becomes intellectual and retains her spirit whilst also learning control.
Thornfield - Thornfield Manor is the place in which Jane first meets a (relatively) positive male figure (the character of Mr Rochester). Whilst furthering her career as a governess to Adèle and becoming increasingly good friends with people such as Mrs Fairfax and Sophie, Jane begins to develop feelings toward Mr Rochester, and he to her. Eventually these emotions result in an unconventional romance. Thornfield acts as a way for Brontë to explore the glass divide (with characters like Blanche Ingram) as well as the societal views on the relationship (through Mrs Fairfax). Thornfield eventually becomes a place of despair with the revelation of Bertha Mason, Jane's departure and Mr Rochester's subsequent reaction to the aforementioned departure. The crescendo to this despair is when Bertha succeeds in burning the Manor down, killing herself and injuring Mr Rochester.
The moors/village - Jane finds herself on the moors after leaving Thornfield and having forgotten what little she had in the carriage which took her there. This creates the need for her to beg for her food the nearest town. The town in question is important for reinforcing one of Brontë's intentions. The first thing the reader is described about the town is the church spire and so right away religion is introduced. The symbolism of the town is that despite the fact that religion of obviously present there seems to be a distinct lack of Christianity throughout (in lay-mans terms, each individual living there would claim to be a Christian however none of them showed Jane Christian charity when she was in dire need).
Marsh End (Moor House) - Unknowingly Jane meets three new characters here who are, in fact, related to her, (Diana, Mary AND St. John). The fact that Brontë chooses to make them initially unknown helps aid her portrayal of them as kindred spirits to Jane, people who would take in and care for someone in need. Without knowing that Jane is related to them, St. John, Diana and Mary take care with her and nurse her back to health, even going as far as teaching her further languages and subjects and allowing her to live with them until she gains a new work placement (that which St. John finds for her). This develops Jane's personality as it reinforces her belief that people like her do exist and that she is not a single anomaly within her time, destined to be alone forever. (For, like Jane, the Rivers women are also becoming governesses). St. John plays a large part in demonstrating a differing aspect of Christianity (which will be discussed in the character analysis section).
Morton - Though Morton plays a relatively small role in the novel it is a way in which Brontë shows how Jane can adapt to many different lifestyles (as she chooses a humble servitude which consists of teaching village children basic skills). Jane does not challenge herself in this job positioning but it does add to the exploration of class and how, during the 19th century and the time around which this novel was written, it was believed that class, worth, morality and conventionality were all inextricably linked (a notion which Brontë disagreed with - quote from Brontë supports this 'conventionality is not morality').
Ferndean - Ferndean is the last location in the novel and holds great significance. It is at this point in the novel that Jane and Rochester are presented to each other again and their differences are shown. Jane has gained a family, wealth and further knowledge and Rochester has been 'punished' for his wrong-doings (by being blinded and left with one able arm). This puts the characters of Jane and Rochester on equal footing and so when they enter into matrimony together their unconventional romance has created a bond better than an conventional romance could create. (It could be argued that Jane becomes 'conventional' in the end of then novel as she gains wealth and marries however, after tracking her journey through the novel one realises that this is a union she has chosen for herself (rather than it being chosen for her) and she is deserving of the gifts she receives).
Mrs Reed: Mrs Reed is an introduction to a character who practises mechanical, not genuine, Chrsitianity - She feels obliged to keep Jane at Gateshead however does not fully treat her as she does her own children, despite the promise she made to Mr Reed on his deathbed - The dislike Mrs Reed harbours against Jane is increased when Jane decides to stand up for herself and reject Mrs Reed's cruelty and oppression - Mrs Reed has two major functions within the novel, the first as Jane's childhood antagonist, the second as a way for Jane's development to be reflected (when Jane returns to Gateshead)
John Reed: As a child John is the source of Jane's physical and verbal abuse - Overall through the novel John Reed does not have an overly large role however key is used to develop the character of Jane and to portray her evolution from relatively submissive to spirited and passionate - As an adult John is used no further than to portray how the differences in upbringing (between him and Jane) has altered their lifestyles (John being a dependent, a bully, a gambler and a 'failure').
Eliza Reed: Eliza is one of Brontë's female types and is a woman who is shown to almost live up to St. John in her practising of Christianity (Jane, and therefore Brontë, see Eliza's life as a wasted one as she joins a convent) - As a child she is simply another member of the Reed family who persecutes Jane however her jealousy toward her sister in adulthood leads her to develop into a woman with no friendships or roamces and who organizes every minute of her day (almost 'robot-like').
Georgiana Reed: A contrast to her sister (she is plump, blonde, beautiful and has many admirers) - She is selfish and obsessed with her looks and with committing to a conventional relationship to an attractive and wealthy male - Focused on the superficial Georgiana dismisses everything apart from happiness and pleasure (the complete opposite to her sister).
Bessie (Servant): Bessie is Jane's childhood nursemaid and not entirely wholesome as she is quick to blame Jane for bad behaviour (this adds to the inconsistency of her relationship with Jane) - At the beginning of the novel Bessie is the closest Jane has to a mother figure - Bessie represents a well-rounded servant character, someone who has compassion, impatience, a temper and affection all in single actions, yet merged together seamlessly - She is an introduction to the class debate Brontë explores in her novel (status does no directly link to importance or inherent worth).
Mr Brocklehurst: Brontë uses Brocklehurst to explore the differences in the way people practised Christianity in her contemporary society - Mr Brocklehurst is shown to be hypocritical, self centered and to hide his true self behind a facade of 'fake' Christianity (as he lacks the understanding of what true Christianity is) - Mr Brocklehurst starves the girls of Lowood and keeps them under an exceptionally low standard however his wife and daughters wear fine outfits and indulge in, what he considers to be, the vanities of life (such as curling hair).
Miss Temple: She practises true Christianity without any martyr-like aspects - she gives Jane the opportunity to stand up for herself against Mr Brockehurst''s accusatory claims and thus gains Jane's loyalty for this act of kindness (Christian forgiveness) - Miss Temple is the first 'role model' Jane truly gains as she is an educated, Christian woman who holds one of the few respected jobs for someone of herr class and gender - Her character isn't fully developed however she helps to develop the character of Jane by giving her someone to aspire to be (encourages her to pursue her education) - She has a semi-allegorical aspect as for eight years she represents Jane's refuge and when Miss Temple leaves Jane becomes restless and seeks a new servitude.
Helen Burns: Helen is Jane's first true friend and plays a large role in the development of her as a person - She is extremely intelligent, calm, submissive, religious (to the point where she doesn't value her life) - She is constantly victimized by people such as Mrs Scatcherd however accepts her punishments, no matter what - Jane (and also Brontë, do not agree with this take on Christianity, however at the end of the novel accepts this lifestyle for those who choose it) - Helen is a fictional character based on Charlotte Brontë's sister Maria, who died young also
Mrs Fairfax: Mrs Fairfax represents the opinions of Brontë's contemporary society and whenever she enters the novel (such as dropping her knitting by the fireside or observing Jane and Rochester kiss) emphasis is put on that situation and the reader is made to realise that what is occurring is unconventional
Adèle Varens: She is Jane's pupil at Thornfield and, mostly, is an opportunity for Jane to show her teaching skills and compassion - It is ambiguous as it whether or not she is actually Rochester legitimate daughter however Jane and Rochester doubt it - She is another one of Brontë'e female types however different to others portrayed before her (it could be interpenetrated that she is a younger version of Jane, if Jane had been more indulged as a child).
Grace Poole: She is secretly the nursemaid for the clinically insane Bertha Mason and this is revealed when the wedding is stopped though until this Grace was a scapegoat for Mr Rochester to blame the strange occurrences upon (in order to keep the secret that was Bertha, aka his wife) - Her main role is as a red herring, in order to misdirect the reader, however she also introduces the Gothic to the novel (along with the third floor setting and the use of night and weather simultaneously).
Mr Rochester: Though overall in the novel Mr Rochester is shown to be part of Jane's reward and one of the more positive characters, he is not without fault, trying to lure Jane into an illegitimate marriage which would (unbeknownst to her) turn her into a mistress and turn Rochester into a bigamist - He acts as a way of Brontë expressing her disdain at arranged marriages and marrying for wealth and social standing as well as showing a male who is almost as unconventional in his actions as Jane is in hers - frequently he makes excuses for his actions (though they may be subtle, such as in the song he sings to Jane) - he is blinded by love (as is Jane).
Blanche Ingram: Blanche is shown to be spiteful and what would be expected from an indulged, high society child, such as she was - She is superficial and focuses on her appearance heavily while lacking the inherent worth Brontë (and Jane and Rochester) value - Blanche seeks to marry conventionally, initially setting her sights on Mr Rochester due to his wealth, however becoming less interested when she realises he could be poorer - She is another one of Brontë's female types and reflects the high society women on her contemporary society.
Bertha Mason: Bertha’s family heritage is complex and puts her in a difficult position. She’s half-Creole and half-English, raised in Jamaica among the British aristocrat half of her family, and already not exactly a part of one world or the other. She also suffers from congenital insanity - Together with Rochester they portray Brontë's disdain toward these types of unions - She portrays homicidal, pyromaniac tendencies and eventually succeeds in burning down Thorfield, killing herself and wounding Mr Rochester (though only temporarily) - For Charlotte Brontë, Bertha seems to become a strange kind of alter ego. Bertha is rejected by the man who was supposed to love her; Charlotte fell in love with an unattainable man. Bertha is kept prisoner in a lonely house on the English moors; Charlotte traveled a little, but spent most of her life shut up in her father’s house in Yorkshire, away from any big-city culture. Bertha is only able to show her powers to the world in what seem like insane, destructive ways; women novelists were common but their works were often considered ridiculous and their abilities inferior to those of men. The parallels are too strong to ignore, and perhaps Bertha does double-duty, both representing the restrictions that Charlotte felt and becoming Charlotte’s wish-fulfillment of breaking through those restrictions to inspire fear and awe
Hannah (Servant): Hannah represents the kind of discrimination which would occur within Brontë's society (as she turns Jane away when she is in need) - however she holds little significance in the novel as a whole apart from to demonstrate partial societal views
St. John Eyre Rivers: (Pronounced 'Sinjin') Is a dramatic contrast to Mr Rochester as he offers Jane a loveless life of religious servitude - He isn’t happy living calm, normal domestic life. He has that drive that some people get to go out and prove themselves against strange challenges and unbearable odds - He lives a life of zealous Christianity in which he in similar to Helen Burns (he is a martyr-like figure ready to sacrifice all earthly pleasures for his God) - Apart from his single passion of being unavoidably attracted to Rosamund Oliver he is a cold and hard man who wastes his beauty - He is what Jane is trying to become (someone who make relationship decisions based on rationality and reasoning) and when Jane realises this she goes back to Rochester - He is the character which is used to end the novel and this is important as the ending is also religious (Brontë uses him as a way to portray her acceptance of people who choose to live their lives devoted to their God, however it is not a life she would recommend).
Diana Eyre Rivers: Like Mary and Jane, Diana is gentle, compassionate, kind, educated and full of inherent worth however she is more of a natural leader than Mary (she teaches German to both Jane and Mary her firm insistence on Jane's presence in the household pushes St. John and Jane together).
Mary Eyre Rivers: As Jane's cousin she is gentle, compassionate, kind, educated and perhaps submissive - Jane portrays her as the one out of the pair who has the least (personality wise) however Jane still loves her as they are kindred spirits. (Both Diana and Mary become governesses).
Rosamund Oliver: Rosamund is a beautiful young woman who St. John is in love with (though he fails to hide it well) - She plays a small role in the book as another one of Brontë's female types (a beautiful woman of high society, slightly superficial however she does give to the community (she funds parts of the school)) - Eventually she stops trying to gain St. John's proposal and marries another man (in a conventional marriage).
Characters:
Jane Eyre: Protagonist of the novel - Brontë uses Jane to explore her intentions (as stated above) - Jane is initially a repressed character (female, poor, orphan, etc.) however develops into an independent female who gains 'rewards' for her morals and choices (an inheritance, a family, a husband) - The character of Jane Eyre has an intimate relationship with the reader and makes constant references to the reader directly and this is Brontë's of immersing the reader the narrative as well as concurrently extending the boundaries of fictional construct.Mrs Reed: Mrs Reed is an introduction to a character who practises mechanical, not genuine, Chrsitianity - She feels obliged to keep Jane at Gateshead however does not fully treat her as she does her own children, despite the promise she made to Mr Reed on his deathbed - The dislike Mrs Reed harbours against Jane is increased when Jane decides to stand up for herself and reject Mrs Reed's cruelty and oppression - Mrs Reed has two major functions within the novel, the first as Jane's childhood antagonist, the second as a way for Jane's development to be reflected (when Jane returns to Gateshead)
John Reed: As a child John is the source of Jane's physical and verbal abuse - Overall through the novel John Reed does not have an overly large role however key is used to develop the character of Jane and to portray her evolution from relatively submissive to spirited and passionate - As an adult John is used no further than to portray how the differences in upbringing (between him and Jane) has altered their lifestyles (John being a dependent, a bully, a gambler and a 'failure').
Eliza Reed: Eliza is one of Brontë's female types and is a woman who is shown to almost live up to St. John in her practising of Christianity (Jane, and therefore Brontë, see Eliza's life as a wasted one as she joins a convent) - As a child she is simply another member of the Reed family who persecutes Jane however her jealousy toward her sister in adulthood leads her to develop into a woman with no friendships or roamces and who organizes every minute of her day (almost 'robot-like').
Georgiana Reed: A contrast to her sister (she is plump, blonde, beautiful and has many admirers) - She is selfish and obsessed with her looks and with committing to a conventional relationship to an attractive and wealthy male - Focused on the superficial Georgiana dismisses everything apart from happiness and pleasure (the complete opposite to her sister).
Bessie (Servant): Bessie is Jane's childhood nursemaid and not entirely wholesome as she is quick to blame Jane for bad behaviour (this adds to the inconsistency of her relationship with Jane) - At the beginning of the novel Bessie is the closest Jane has to a mother figure - Bessie represents a well-rounded servant character, someone who has compassion, impatience, a temper and affection all in single actions, yet merged together seamlessly - She is an introduction to the class debate Brontë explores in her novel (status does no directly link to importance or inherent worth).
Mr Brocklehurst: Brontë uses Brocklehurst to explore the differences in the way people practised Christianity in her contemporary society - Mr Brocklehurst is shown to be hypocritical, self centered and to hide his true self behind a facade of 'fake' Christianity (as he lacks the understanding of what true Christianity is) - Mr Brocklehurst starves the girls of Lowood and keeps them under an exceptionally low standard however his wife and daughters wear fine outfits and indulge in, what he considers to be, the vanities of life (such as curling hair).
Miss Temple: She practises true Christianity without any martyr-like aspects - she gives Jane the opportunity to stand up for herself against Mr Brockehurst''s accusatory claims and thus gains Jane's loyalty for this act of kindness (Christian forgiveness) - Miss Temple is the first 'role model' Jane truly gains as she is an educated, Christian woman who holds one of the few respected jobs for someone of herr class and gender - Her character isn't fully developed however she helps to develop the character of Jane by giving her someone to aspire to be (encourages her to pursue her education) - She has a semi-allegorical aspect as for eight years she represents Jane's refuge and when Miss Temple leaves Jane becomes restless and seeks a new servitude.
Helen Burns: Helen is Jane's first true friend and plays a large role in the development of her as a person - She is extremely intelligent, calm, submissive, religious (to the point where she doesn't value her life) - She is constantly victimized by people such as Mrs Scatcherd however accepts her punishments, no matter what - Jane (and also Brontë, do not agree with this take on Christianity, however at the end of the novel accepts this lifestyle for those who choose it) - Helen is a fictional character based on Charlotte Brontë's sister Maria, who died young also
Mrs Fairfax: Mrs Fairfax represents the opinions of Brontë's contemporary society and whenever she enters the novel (such as dropping her knitting by the fireside or observing Jane and Rochester kiss) emphasis is put on that situation and the reader is made to realise that what is occurring is unconventional
Adèle Varens: She is Jane's pupil at Thornfield and, mostly, is an opportunity for Jane to show her teaching skills and compassion - It is ambiguous as it whether or not she is actually Rochester legitimate daughter however Jane and Rochester doubt it - She is another one of Brontë'e female types however different to others portrayed before her (it could be interpenetrated that she is a younger version of Jane, if Jane had been more indulged as a child).
Grace Poole: She is secretly the nursemaid for the clinically insane Bertha Mason and this is revealed when the wedding is stopped though until this Grace was a scapegoat for Mr Rochester to blame the strange occurrences upon (in order to keep the secret that was Bertha, aka his wife) - Her main role is as a red herring, in order to misdirect the reader, however she also introduces the Gothic to the novel (along with the third floor setting and the use of night and weather simultaneously).
Mr Rochester: Though overall in the novel Mr Rochester is shown to be part of Jane's reward and one of the more positive characters, he is not without fault, trying to lure Jane into an illegitimate marriage which would (unbeknownst to her) turn her into a mistress and turn Rochester into a bigamist - He acts as a way of Brontë expressing her disdain at arranged marriages and marrying for wealth and social standing as well as showing a male who is almost as unconventional in his actions as Jane is in hers - frequently he makes excuses for his actions (though they may be subtle, such as in the song he sings to Jane) - he is blinded by love (as is Jane).
Blanche Ingram: Blanche is shown to be spiteful and what would be expected from an indulged, high society child, such as she was - She is superficial and focuses on her appearance heavily while lacking the inherent worth Brontë (and Jane and Rochester) value - Blanche seeks to marry conventionally, initially setting her sights on Mr Rochester due to his wealth, however becoming less interested when she realises he could be poorer - She is another one of Brontë's female types and reflects the high society women on her contemporary society.
Bertha Mason: Bertha’s family heritage is complex and puts her in a difficult position. She’s half-Creole and half-English, raised in Jamaica among the British aristocrat half of her family, and already not exactly a part of one world or the other. She also suffers from congenital insanity - Together with Rochester they portray Brontë's disdain toward these types of unions - She portrays homicidal, pyromaniac tendencies and eventually succeeds in burning down Thorfield, killing herself and wounding Mr Rochester (though only temporarily) - For Charlotte Brontë, Bertha seems to become a strange kind of alter ego. Bertha is rejected by the man who was supposed to love her; Charlotte fell in love with an unattainable man. Bertha is kept prisoner in a lonely house on the English moors; Charlotte traveled a little, but spent most of her life shut up in her father’s house in Yorkshire, away from any big-city culture. Bertha is only able to show her powers to the world in what seem like insane, destructive ways; women novelists were common but their works were often considered ridiculous and their abilities inferior to those of men. The parallels are too strong to ignore, and perhaps Bertha does double-duty, both representing the restrictions that Charlotte felt and becoming Charlotte’s wish-fulfillment of breaking through those restrictions to inspire fear and awe
Hannah (Servant): Hannah represents the kind of discrimination which would occur within Brontë's society (as she turns Jane away when she is in need) - however she holds little significance in the novel as a whole apart from to demonstrate partial societal views
St. John Eyre Rivers: (Pronounced 'Sinjin') Is a dramatic contrast to Mr Rochester as he offers Jane a loveless life of religious servitude - He isn’t happy living calm, normal domestic life. He has that drive that some people get to go out and prove themselves against strange challenges and unbearable odds - He lives a life of zealous Christianity in which he in similar to Helen Burns (he is a martyr-like figure ready to sacrifice all earthly pleasures for his God) - Apart from his single passion of being unavoidably attracted to Rosamund Oliver he is a cold and hard man who wastes his beauty - He is what Jane is trying to become (someone who make relationship decisions based on rationality and reasoning) and when Jane realises this she goes back to Rochester - He is the character which is used to end the novel and this is important as the ending is also religious (Brontë uses him as a way to portray her acceptance of people who choose to live their lives devoted to their God, however it is not a life she would recommend).
Diana Eyre Rivers: Like Mary and Jane, Diana is gentle, compassionate, kind, educated and full of inherent worth however she is more of a natural leader than Mary (she teaches German to both Jane and Mary her firm insistence on Jane's presence in the household pushes St. John and Jane together).
Mary Eyre Rivers: As Jane's cousin she is gentle, compassionate, kind, educated and perhaps submissive - Jane portrays her as the one out of the pair who has the least (personality wise) however Jane still loves her as they are kindred spirits. (Both Diana and Mary become governesses).
Rosamund Oliver: Rosamund is a beautiful young woman who St. John is in love with (though he fails to hide it well) - She plays a small role in the book as another one of Brontë's female types (a beautiful woman of high society, slightly superficial however she does give to the community (she funds parts of the school)) - Eventually she stops trying to gain St. John's proposal and marries another man (in a conventional marriage).
Key quotes:
'"You have no business to take our books; you are a dependant, mama says; you have no money"'
(John Reed - on Jane Eyre)
'"I wouldn't have her heart for anything"'
(Abbot - on Jane)
'Never eating or drinking more, and letting myself die'
(Jane Eyre)
'"By dying young I shall escape great sufferings"'
(Helen Burns - on the afterlife)
'"She bit me [...] she said she'd drain my heart"'
(Mr Masonn - on Bertha)
'"punish her body to save her soul"'
(Mr Brocklehurst - on Jane)
'Reader I married him'
(Jane Eyre - to Reader)
'"Do you think that because I am poor, obscure, plain and little that I am soulless and heartless?"'
(Jane Eyre - to Mr Rochester)
'"It is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear"'
(Helen Burns - on Jane)
'It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it'
(Jane Eyre - a feminist view (Brontë's voice))
'I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man'
(Jane Eyre - to herself)
'Woman feel just as men feel'
(Jane Eyre - on women's position in society (Brontë's voice))
'"Nor care I now, how dense and grim/Disasters gather nigh"'
(Mr Rochester's song - to Jane (recklessness about Bertha))
'I mentally shake hands with you'
(Mr Rochester - on Jane)
'"You have my full and free forgiveness"'
(Jane Eyre - to Mrs Reed)
'"Clothed hyena"'
(Mr Rochester - on Bertha)
'"such a picture of passion"'
(Servant (either Bessie or Abbot) - to Jane)
'other feelings succeeded'
(Jane Eyre - on herself)
'"If she were a nice, pretty child"'
(Abbot - on Jane)
'bright mist'
(Jane - on Blanche and the society ladies)
'I shuddered at the thought of Grace Poole bursting out upon me'
(Jane Eyre - on Grace Poole)
Critical quotes:
'A pervading tone of ungodly discontent'
'personification of an unregenerate and undisciplined spirit'
'there is no better testimony to the power of Jane's radical energy'
'fascination with the gendered- tug-of-war'
'effective resistance is often to be found in passive suffering'
'personification of an unregenerate and undisciplined spirit'
'there is no better testimony to the power of Jane's radical energy'
'fascination with the gendered- tug-of-war'
'effective resistance is often to be found in passive suffering'
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