"I am no bird" Flashcards
1
Q
finish this quote: “I am no bird;”
A
“and no net ensnares me;I am a free human being with an independant will which i now exert to leave you.”
2
Q
what is happening in the quote?
A
- Jane refuses to stay at Thornfield as misteress
- Mr Rochester compares her to “a wild frantic bird that is rendering its own plumage in desperation”
- displays pro-feminist attitude
- refuses to be dependant on R
- loss of liberty
3
Q
what is the effect of the bird imagery?
A
- describes to reader how Jane is trapped like a caged bird
- first arrival at thornfield as Governess: nervous, shy, caged feels confined Thornfield
- develops strength and bravery to take flight on her own and eventually returns to her “summer home”
- repeated bird motif echoes Jane’s thoughts and feelings and is a tool to foreshadow key events in the plot
4
Q
close analysis of the word “ensnare”
A
- language of calculated imprisonment
- freedom of identity should be treated as a priority
- morally evil to seize it away
5
Q
how does this make the reader feel?
A
- strong negation
- asserts autonomy and independance
- able to do what seems impossible to her and Rochester
- proves her strength to not let her love cloud her judgement
6
Q
why is this quote unconventional?
A
- mocks Rochester directly
- states there is no illusion/excuse for her character
- contradicts similie
- zoom out: employee talking back to employer about their romantic relationship which has already been exposed to emotional intimacy
- doesn’t conform to Victorian ideals out of pride
7
Q
what was Bronte’s intentions?
A
- proudly says it without thought as she is true to herself, holds no facade with the one she loves as she is “merely telling the truth”
- promotes this by highlighting Jane putting her dignity before others
- despite shocking beliefs marriage must bloom off equality
- makes it clear that she will never trade her self-respect for the adoration of Rochester
