Independence Flashcards
Interpret : “A more sociable and childlike disposition, a more attractive and sprightly manner - something lighter, franker, more natural, as it were - she really must exclude me from privileges intended for contended, happy little children”
Mrs Reed claims she has dismissed Jane so that Jane can learn a valuable life lesson and become a better child. The reader quickly learns this is not the case.
Techniques: “A more sociable and childlike disposition, a more attractive and sprightly manner - something lighter, franker, more natural, as it were - she really must exclude me from privileges intended for contended, happy little children”
Techniques: Irony, Tri-colon, tone
“Sprightly”, “lighter”
Irony and hypocrisy is evident in Bronte’s word choices. “Sprightly” And “lighter” suggests freedom- they actually mean conforming to society’s ideals.
“Contented, happy little children” “natural” “franker”
“Contented, happy little children” actually refers to those who do as they are told - they are in no way “natural” or “franker”
“Lighter, franker, more natural”
Creates an impression of children who speak their mind and behave freely. The sarcastic tone of “as it were” suggests Jane thinks this is only true if their behaviour is socially acceptable.
Interpret: “I was conscious that a moment’s mutiny had already rendered me liable to strange penalties, and , like any other rebel slave, I felt resolved, in my desperation, to go all lengths”.
Whilst Jane is clearly rebellious, her punishment is often unjustly severe and creates further passion within her. She links to Bertha Mason for the first time.
Techniques: “I was conscious that a moment’s mutiny had already rendered me liable to strange penalties, and , like any other rebel slave, I felt resolved, in my desperation, to go all lengths”.
Alliteration; language; allusion
“Moment’s mutiny”
The alliterative stresses how even a “moment’s” rebellion is crushed by Mrs Reed. “Mutiny” highlights Jane’s natural independence.
“Rebel Slave”
By alluding to this, Jane evokes idea of unjust captivity, horrific mistreatment, and oppression of the most violent and disturbing kind.
“Strange penalties”
Emphasises the freedom Mrs Reed has to act however she wishes, without fear of being punished. As Jane feels “desperation” and goes “all lengths” we see and explicit link to Bertha Mason and her desperate actions.
