Summary:
Jane does not see much of Rochester for the following days but is then called for one evening, they converse over very many subjects, including Adele’s background. Rochester had an affair with Celine Varens and ended it after discovering that she was otherwise involved. He does not believe Adele to be his offspring but he provides for her despite. That night Jane saves Rochester’s life after saving him from a fire. Rochester thanks jane and reacts very strangely, immediately leaving to the third floor. This event causes no distress and life at Thornfield resumes as usual. Mr Rochester is to leave for a social gathering where he will be in the company of a beautiful woman Blanche Ingram.
Characters:
Mr Rochester becomes mysterious and secretive. For example his immediate reaction to his attempted murder and his lack of action following. Although his character may be construed as cynical, he exerts a positive influence over Jane. Adele remains much the same as ever, however, more of her past is revealed; she is later thought of as a “lonely little orphan”, which parallels on Jane’s upbringing. Grace Poole’s character is expanded upon. She is unusal, unattractive and appears to be demented and quite dangerous(through Jane’s eyes at least).
Jane’s confidence in chapter’s fourteen and fifteen is steadily growing. Showcased by her reaction to Mr Rochester’s domination; “I don’t think sir, you have the right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I”. Jane adopts a new role as confidante; I am unsure as to whether this new role was brought about by Jane’s trustworthiness or Rochester’s willingness to speak about himself. Jane however does recede somewhat to her unconfident, pitying self. She scolds herself for allowing herself to have romantic fantasies towards her master. She continues with her self-deprecating nature that can be observed in the previous chapters. This is demonstrated by her comparative illustrations between beautiful Blanche Ingram and herself.
Themes/Motifs:
Unusual circumstances are a definite recurring element in these chapters. The fire for one, it’s eerie and mysterious nature, following that is the lack of action taken. This is very odd as an attempt was made on Rochester’s life and nothing is done even though it is believed to be Grace Poole. Rochester’s affair is also an unusual circumstance. Subsequent to this Adele’s situation at Thornfield is strange. If Rochester does not believe her to be his, then why does he care for her?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Chapters 11-13
Summary:
Jane arrives at Thornfield of which her first impressions are good. Upon arriving she meets Miss Fairfax and Miss Adele, whom she is to tutor. Jane later meets Mr Rochester, quite unaware at first as the first time they meet is when she assits him after he falls of his horse and he hides his identity.
Characters:
We are introduced to Mrs Fairfax who we discover is a kind, respectable married woman. We are also introduced to Adele, who Jane tutors. She is described as a lively, spoilt child. She is very fond of Mr Rochester and craves to see him. He however describes her as unsophisticated. Mr Rochester is introduced to the reader through the opinion of Mrs Fairfax who describes him as unimpeachable. After being properly introduced to him, one can form one’s own opinions of him. I found him to be sarcastic and rude yet still amusing; even if his aim is only to amuse himself. This can be demonstrated by his blaming Jane for his sprain. He is abrupt which can be construed as negative, for example his opinions on Jane’s portfolio. However this is strange as later he calls for her portfolio to share it with an acquaintance. Therefore he was impressed by her work but ridiculed her despite.
Jane develops much in these chapters; Ï cannot precisely define what they expected but it was something pleasant- not perhaps that day or month, but an indefinite future period.” Jane is here describing her hopes. The reader can deduce from this that Jane is for the first time optimistic. She is stronger too than in previous chapters. This can be proved by firstly her courage to move to Thornfield and also her knowledge that should she not like it there, she has the power to leave. Jane describes herself as “unbound”. However, though Jane has progressed somewhat in her self-confidence her self deprecation remains. She later describes her physical appearance extremely negatively.
Themes/Motifs:
A definite recurring element of these chapters is mistaken identity. Examples of this are; Jane’s belief that Mrs Fairfax was indeed the owner of Thornfield Manor as opposed to the housekeeper. Another is Jane’s belief that Miss Adele is Mrs’Fairfax’s daughter. Lastly, Jane does not recognize the man who had fallen off his horse as her new master, Mr Rochester but thought him to be an ordinary man. This mistaken identity was however encouraged by Mr Rochester.
New Beginnings is a theme, Jane describes in detail the grandeur of Thornfield and everything is new to her. She has traveled from Lowood to which she was resident for eight years. Her move to Thornfield Is a monumental change in her life and it is in fact a new beginning.
Jane arrives at Thornfield of which her first impressions are good. Upon arriving she meets Miss Fairfax and Miss Adele, whom she is to tutor. Jane later meets Mr Rochester, quite unaware at first as the first time they meet is when she assits him after he falls of his horse and he hides his identity.
Characters:
We are introduced to Mrs Fairfax who we discover is a kind, respectable married woman. We are also introduced to Adele, who Jane tutors. She is described as a lively, spoilt child. She is very fond of Mr Rochester and craves to see him. He however describes her as unsophisticated. Mr Rochester is introduced to the reader through the opinion of Mrs Fairfax who describes him as unimpeachable. After being properly introduced to him, one can form one’s own opinions of him. I found him to be sarcastic and rude yet still amusing; even if his aim is only to amuse himself. This can be demonstrated by his blaming Jane for his sprain. He is abrupt which can be construed as negative, for example his opinions on Jane’s portfolio. However this is strange as later he calls for her portfolio to share it with an acquaintance. Therefore he was impressed by her work but ridiculed her despite.
Jane develops much in these chapters; Ï cannot precisely define what they expected but it was something pleasant- not perhaps that day or month, but an indefinite future period.” Jane is here describing her hopes. The reader can deduce from this that Jane is for the first time optimistic. She is stronger too than in previous chapters. This can be proved by firstly her courage to move to Thornfield and also her knowledge that should she not like it there, she has the power to leave. Jane describes herself as “unbound”. However, though Jane has progressed somewhat in her self-confidence her self deprecation remains. She later describes her physical appearance extremely negatively.
Themes/Motifs:
A definite recurring element of these chapters is mistaken identity. Examples of this are; Jane’s belief that Mrs Fairfax was indeed the owner of Thornfield Manor as opposed to the housekeeper. Another is Jane’s belief that Miss Adele is Mrs’Fairfax’s daughter. Lastly, Jane does not recognize the man who had fallen off his horse as her new master, Mr Rochester but thought him to be an ordinary man. This mistaken identity was however encouraged by Mr Rochester.
New Beginnings is a theme, Jane describes in detail the grandeur of Thornfield and everything is new to her. She has traveled from Lowood to which she was resident for eight years. Her move to Thornfield Is a monumental change in her life and it is in fact a new beginning.
Chapters 9-10
Summary:
There is a typhus breakout in Lowood, however Jane remains perfectly healthy. She befriends Mary Ann Wilson. Helen, who suffers from consumption dies one night after Jane sneaks in to be with her. Mr Brocklehurst leaves the school and new overseers arrive. Standards improve and Jane is finally happy and does well at Lowood. After finishing, Jane remains at Lowood for two years as a teacher. Following Miss Temple’s marriage, she leaves Lowood and Jane looses motivation at Lowood and applies for a position as a governess. Before leaving for Thornfield, she is visited by Bessie who informs her that her Georgiana attempted to run away with a man but was thwarted by Eliza who exposed her sister to Mrs Reed, also Jane discovers that her uncle went to Gateshead looking for Jane. However he left to Portugal looking to become rich.
Characters:
There is a typhus breakout in Lowood, however Jane remains perfectly healthy. She befriends Mary Ann Wilson. Helen, who suffers from consumption dies one night after Jane sneaks in to be with her. Mr Brocklehurst leaves the school and new overseers arrive. Standards improve and Jane is finally happy and does well at Lowood. After finishing, Jane remains at Lowood for two years as a teacher. Following Miss Temple’s marriage, she leaves Lowood and Jane looses motivation at Lowood and applies for a position as a governess. Before leaving for Thornfield, she is visited by Bessie who informs her that her Georgiana attempted to run away with a man but was thwarted by Eliza who exposed her sister to Mrs Reed, also Jane discovers that her uncle went to Gateshead looking for Jane. However he left to Portugal looking to become rich.
Characters:
Helen Burns is removed from the story after dying of consumption in Jane's arms. Until the end Helen remains much the same character, not fearful of death but embracing her new "home" she is positive, and full of reassurance for Jane. Mary Ann Wilson is introduced as Jane's new playmate. Mary entertained her with her knowledge and experience, further broadening Jane's mindset. Mr Brocklehurst reaps what he sows after being "discharged of his duties" at Lowood. He is shown to be cowardly man who keeps clear of Typhus disregarding his duties. Miss Temple remains to be a kind a deserving woman, Jane describes Miss Temple as her "mother, governess and companion". Jane's cousins enter the story once more and they are found to be in a bad way. Bessie, still frank, is warmhearted and has done well for herself, she appears happy.
Jane continues to develop, she remains dependent and desperate for affection and for the first time actually receives it. Her dependence on Helen is removed after her death and Jane's dependence on Miss Temple is lost when she leaves. Left to herself, Jane exceeds her own expectations and bravely advertises and accepts a governess job at Thornfield manor.
Themes/Motifs:
Departure is a theme of these chapters; whether it be departure by death or by other, happier motivations. Helen and many others die in chapter nine and Miss Temple marries and moves away. Chapter 10 end in Jane's departure to Thornfield manor. However, in contradiction, another theme could be arrivals. Bessie arrives in Lowood to see Jane and talks of the arrival of Jane's uncle.
Chapters 5-7
Summary:
Jane moves to Lowood and befriends Helen Burns who also endures unfair treatment. Jane quickly learns that life in Lowood is difficult. At first opportunity Mr Brocklehurst fufills his promise of publicly accusing Jane of deceitfulness. Jane is heartbroken and the girls are forbidden to speak to her.
Jane moves to Lowood and befriends Helen Burns who also endures unfair treatment. Jane quickly learns that life in Lowood is difficult. At first opportunity Mr Brocklehurst fufills his promise of publicly accusing Jane of deceitfulness. Jane is heartbroken and the girls are forbidden to speak to her.
Characters:
Upon Jane's arrival in Lowood, she meets Miss Temple, a kind woman who is in charge of Lowood. We are also introduced to Jane's teacher Miss Scatchard, a cruel and unfair woman who mistreats Jane's new friend Helen. Helen Burns, is a kind, christian girl who is disciplined in her studies and does comforts Jane in her humiliation. Mr Brocklehurst is further developed as a cruel man after subjecting Jane to unfair treatment. Unfair treatment seems to follow Jane wherever she may be. Her character remains pitiful and whiny however how can one blame her for complaining when she is put through so much. She remains feeble and weak and her insecurities are constantly on display.
Themes and motifs:
There is the theme of new beginnings. Jane has just left gateshead and is anticipating her new beginning in Lowood. These chapters are the transitional chapters that take Jane to her new home. Jane's misfortune and desperation is another theme. Even though she has left her oppressive home at Gateshead, her misfortune has followed her to Lowood where she is humiliated and desperate. There is the constant moral placement. The reader is always affected by the characters and their moral placements. For example Mr Brocklehurst and his hipocracy. Helen Burns' moral beliefs also place a large a affect on the story. Another recurring element is the way in which Bronte describes Jane's surroundings and the clinical imagery in the description of Lowood.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Chapter 8
Summary:
Following Jane's public humiliation concerning the accusation of deceitfulness , chapter eight begins with a melodramatic reaction to the events from the previous chapter. She fears she has no friends and that no ojn ewill talk to her. She is soon proven wrong as Helen proceeds to comfort her. They are then invited to have tea with Miss Temple. The chapter ends with Jane's name cleared.
Characters:
There are no new characters introduced in chapter eight, however much development can be seen with the already existing characters.
We learn more of Helen's character- we discover that she is loyal and kind, not only does she continue to be friendly towards Jane after hearing the accusations made against her but Helen comforts her, assuring Jane that her reputation is not damaged. Helen's advice is wise for so young a person. Helen's wisdom and compassion demonstrated in chapter eight prove to the reader Jane's good judge of character. Helen proves to be a good friend, unafraid to constructively criticize Jane.
Mr Brocklehurst's character is ridiculed by Helen. "He is little liked here" is said in an attempt to reassure Jane. His character is developed as an unpopular and pitiless man.
Miss Temple whom Jane already admires is shown to be a fair woman. Her willingness to hear demonstrates this. Jane Miss Temple's late night meeting with Helen and Jane show her to be a reasonable woman who is kind and caring.
Miss Scatchard continues to persecute Helen showing her to be an unjust person.
Mr Lloyd re-enters the story and reaffirms Jane's claims. Again helping Jane's unfortunate situation. Mr Lloyd remains to be a man of integrity his kindness and caring nature is developed in chapter eight
Jane's character continues to develop. The reader has further proof of her insecurities as shown by her dependence on her friend Helen; "Helen Burns was not here, nothing sustained me" and her belief that all of Lowood believes her to be liar. It becomes obvious that Jane is desperate for affection; "…if others don't love me I would rather die than live- I cannot bear to be solitary and hated"
Jane regards physical pain as insignificant in comparison with emotional pain, as she compares the pain of both and finds emotional anguish to be more difficult to face. Chapter eight shows Jane's character through the eyes of another, Jane's friend Helen Burns. This analysis of Jane from Helen's opinion is interesting to read. Helen describes Jane as feeble, vehement and impulsive.
Narrative Voice:
Incredibly over embellished and over emotional 'overwhelming was the grief that seized me' – regarding Mr Brocklehursts slander
The description of Miss Temples apartments becomes far more embellished once Janes emotions are soothed- from 'it contained a good fire and looked cheerful' to 'We feasted that evening as on nectar and ambrosia'
Always over embellished as seen by the child Janes eyes of her emotional context- goes from overly dramatic woes to utter awe and amazement (bland and grieving-exotic language)
This reveals to the reader that although Jane is highly intelligent she does over exaggerate and has very childish and wild emotions still at this point. The context with which we read the situation, however, tells us that Jane is being over dramatic, whereas at Gateshead one was more disposed to feel pity for Jane as we knew her treatment was despicable and that her emotions of her treatment were understandable.
Theme
Emotion and emotional development of Jane 'overwhelming….' 'Hush Jane!...you are too impulsive, too vehement' ' I infused into the narrative far less of gall and wormwood than ordinary'
Hipocracy- you see that authority and goodness are not one and the same at all times
Bland vs exotic- ' I sank…' ' ventured to descend' 'fading fires' 'long, vacant room' VS 'silent as an indian' (description of Helen) ' fragrant' 'delicious' 'feasted' 'delight'
In the themes of this chapter we see Jane starting to become more aware of the world around her. She begins to realise that there are other perspectives other than hers and that she tends to over dramatise her life, it is when Jane realises this that the reader becomes more aware of this also. Jane goes through an awakening where she realises that authority figures such as Mr Brocklehurst do not know everything and are not the pinnacle of goodness but are flawed. The use of negative bland words and positive exotic and wild words suggests that Jane inwardly considers suppressed characteristics to be negative and exotic characteristics to be positive.
Response:
The reader receives an outsider's opinion of Jane; that of Helen. Until this time, the story's opinions have been those of Jane's. It is a refreshing outlook. Helen calling Jane "too impulsive, too vehement" gives the reader a feel for the era in which they were living. Those characteristics which would be acceptable for a women in present day times were out of the ordinary for young ladies at the time.This chapter also gives insight into the compassion, wisdom and fairness of Helen and Miss Temple. It is interesting also that Jane's misfortune follows her to Lowood. It envokes further sympathy from the reader.
Following Jane's public humiliation concerning the accusation of deceitfulness , chapter eight begins with a melodramatic reaction to the events from the previous chapter. She fears she has no friends and that no ojn ewill talk to her. She is soon proven wrong as Helen proceeds to comfort her. They are then invited to have tea with Miss Temple. The chapter ends with Jane's name cleared.
Characters:
There are no new characters introduced in chapter eight, however much development can be seen with the already existing characters.
We learn more of Helen's character- we discover that she is loyal and kind, not only does she continue to be friendly towards Jane after hearing the accusations made against her but Helen comforts her, assuring Jane that her reputation is not damaged. Helen's advice is wise for so young a person. Helen's wisdom and compassion demonstrated in chapter eight prove to the reader Jane's good judge of character. Helen proves to be a good friend, unafraid to constructively criticize Jane.
Mr Brocklehurst's character is ridiculed by Helen. "He is little liked here" is said in an attempt to reassure Jane. His character is developed as an unpopular and pitiless man.
Miss Temple whom Jane already admires is shown to be a fair woman. Her willingness to hear demonstrates this. Jane Miss Temple's late night meeting with Helen and Jane show her to be a reasonable woman who is kind and caring.
Miss Scatchard continues to persecute Helen showing her to be an unjust person.
Mr Lloyd re-enters the story and reaffirms Jane's claims. Again helping Jane's unfortunate situation. Mr Lloyd remains to be a man of integrity his kindness and caring nature is developed in chapter eight
Jane's character continues to develop. The reader has further proof of her insecurities as shown by her dependence on her friend Helen; "Helen Burns was not here, nothing sustained me" and her belief that all of Lowood believes her to be liar. It becomes obvious that Jane is desperate for affection; "…if others don't love me I would rather die than live- I cannot bear to be solitary and hated"
Jane regards physical pain as insignificant in comparison with emotional pain, as she compares the pain of both and finds emotional anguish to be more difficult to face. Chapter eight shows Jane's character through the eyes of another, Jane's friend Helen Burns. This analysis of Jane from Helen's opinion is interesting to read. Helen describes Jane as feeble, vehement and impulsive.
Narrative Voice:
Incredibly over embellished and over emotional 'overwhelming was the grief that seized me' – regarding Mr Brocklehursts slander
The description of Miss Temples apartments becomes far more embellished once Janes emotions are soothed- from 'it contained a good fire and looked cheerful' to 'We feasted that evening as on nectar and ambrosia'
Always over embellished as seen by the child Janes eyes of her emotional context- goes from overly dramatic woes to utter awe and amazement (bland and grieving-exotic language)
This reveals to the reader that although Jane is highly intelligent she does over exaggerate and has very childish and wild emotions still at this point. The context with which we read the situation, however, tells us that Jane is being over dramatic, whereas at Gateshead one was more disposed to feel pity for Jane as we knew her treatment was despicable and that her emotions of her treatment were understandable.
Theme
Emotion and emotional development of Jane 'overwhelming….' 'Hush Jane!...you are too impulsive, too vehement' ' I infused into the narrative far less of gall and wormwood than ordinary'
Hipocracy- you see that authority and goodness are not one and the same at all times
Bland vs exotic- ' I sank…' ' ventured to descend' 'fading fires' 'long, vacant room' VS 'silent as an indian' (description of Helen) ' fragrant' 'delicious' 'feasted' 'delight'
In the themes of this chapter we see Jane starting to become more aware of the world around her. She begins to realise that there are other perspectives other than hers and that she tends to over dramatise her life, it is when Jane realises this that the reader becomes more aware of this also. Jane goes through an awakening where she realises that authority figures such as Mr Brocklehurst do not know everything and are not the pinnacle of goodness but are flawed. The use of negative bland words and positive exotic and wild words suggests that Jane inwardly considers suppressed characteristics to be negative and exotic characteristics to be positive.
Response:
The reader receives an outsider's opinion of Jane; that of Helen. Until this time, the story's opinions have been those of Jane's. It is a refreshing outlook. Helen calling Jane "too impulsive, too vehement" gives the reader a feel for the era in which they were living. Those characteristics which would be acceptable for a women in present day times were out of the ordinary for young ladies at the time.This chapter also gives insight into the compassion, wisdom and fairness of Helen and Miss Temple. It is interesting also that Jane's misfortune follows her to Lowood. It envokes further sympathy from the reader.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Chapters 2-4
Summary: Jane is led to the red room, the room in which her uncle reed had died, and reminisces, after thinking of her uncle and the part he played in her life at Gateshead, she believes his ghost is in the room, she cries out and is ignored. She is scolded for attempting to escape punishment and later faints. When she has regained consciousness she finds herself in her bed, waited on by Mr Lloyd the Reed’s apothecary. Mr Lloyd suggests to Mrs Reed that Jane be sent to school. Jane then overhears a conversation between Bessie and Ms Abbot and learns that her father had been a poor clergyman and that her mother had married without blessing and had been cut off. She learns too that they were married only a year before they died. Jane endures further cruel treatment at Gateshead in the weeks before she is sent to Lowood School. Jane meets with Mr Brocklehurst, during this time Mrs Reed accuses Jane of being deceitful. Mr Brocklehurst promises to publisize this in Lowood. After he has left, Jane defends herself against her aunt and her aunt concedes. Before Jane leaves for Lowood Bessie tells her that she prefers her to the Reed children.
The first four chapters take place in Gatehead and are written from Jane’s viewpoint looking back on her life. We are introduced to the Reeds; Mrs Reed, Eliza, John, and Georgiana. We see that she endures unfair treatment form all the Reeds as well as physical harm from John Reed. It is clear that Jane feels inferior to her cousins and it is clear also that Mrs Reed does not care for her niece; as is demonstrated by her accusations. Bessie and Ms Abbot are servants of Gateshead and we become aware that Bessie sympathizes with Jane. We are also introduced to Mr Lloyd- a kind man and a positive influence in Jane’s life and Mr Brocklehurst who runs Lowood and questions Jane on her religious opinion. One of the themes running throughout the four chapters is the unfair treatment of Jane. The reader immediately sympathises with Jane and becomes involved in her life. The reader is pleased to know that Jane will leave Gateshead and start afresh in Lowood. This sympathetic feeling towards Jane is achieved due to the fact that we are looking at Jane’s life through Jane’s own eyes. We feel what she feels. The descriptive writing also aids the readers feeling that the reader is indeed involved in the story.
The first four chapters take place in Gatehead and are written from Jane’s viewpoint looking back on her life. We are introduced to the Reeds; Mrs Reed, Eliza, John, and Georgiana. We see that she endures unfair treatment form all the Reeds as well as physical harm from John Reed. It is clear that Jane feels inferior to her cousins and it is clear also that Mrs Reed does not care for her niece; as is demonstrated by her accusations. Bessie and Ms Abbot are servants of Gateshead and we become aware that Bessie sympathizes with Jane. We are also introduced to Mr Lloyd- a kind man and a positive influence in Jane’s life and Mr Brocklehurst who runs Lowood and questions Jane on her religious opinion. One of the themes running throughout the four chapters is the unfair treatment of Jane. The reader immediately sympathises with Jane and becomes involved in her life. The reader is pleased to know that Jane will leave Gateshead and start afresh in Lowood. This sympathetic feeling towards Jane is achieved due to the fact that we are looking at Jane’s life through Jane’s own eyes. We feel what she feels. The descriptive writing also aids the readers feeling that the reader is indeed involved in the story.
Friday, September 14, 2007
reading journal-first chapter of jane eyre.
I appreciated the way in which the book was begun. The negativity was a refreshing change to the usual happy-go-lucky feel of books that are meant to entice. The writing style and the sense of movement within the story gives one an immediate feel for her everyday life. When Jane moves away from the description of the dreary english day on towards her hidden reading; Bronte builds on her character showing her as imaginative but yet still realistic. "protecting, but not seperating me from the drear November day". By the end of the chapter the reader is aware of much of Jane Eyre's history. The reader is also introduced to many characters from an early stage, one is meant to feel for Jane from the beginning- her tragic childhood and unfair circumstances in life both displayed by john.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)