Jane Eyre Flashcards
‘I am a free human being with an independent will’
Jane lives in a time where women are usually dependent on men however jane is determined to be her own person. At the end of the novel she is emotionally and financially dependent
Jane goes from ‘absolutely destitute’ to ‘quite an heiress’
She experiences both ends of the social hierarchy however her principles remain the same calling to question whether the value Victorian society put on status is misplaced and in fact character is more important.
‘Less than a servant’
How Jane is viewed when she lived with the reeds
“Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless?”
It enumerates the qualities that society may perceive as shortcomings; she lacks social class, she is physically unremarkable and diminutive in stature. These characteristics would typically marginalise her in the eyes of society during the period of time of the novel. Her rhetorical question challenged the assumption that outward appearances or social standing are indicative of a persons depth of character or capacity for emotion. Jane asserts that her worth cannot be judged solely based on external factors and she has a soul and heart regardless of her circumstances.
“Universal parent”
Helen consoling Jane before her death showing her selfless and caring nature. She explains God is their universal parent and is someone who is there for her after her death. Theme of religion.
“Gingham/silk”
Rochester tries to make Jane a woman of his class by using the juxtaposition of the two materials. He tries to give her silk, but Jane wishes to wear gingham and doesn’t want to be changed for Rochester.
“Do you think I am an automaton either no feelings?”
When Jane believes that Rochester is going to marry Blanche Ingram. Shows Jane’s passion for Rochester. Rhetorical question shows she feels she is an equal to Rochester as she isn’t afraid to stand up to him.
“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel”
Jane is saying that Rochester is not better than her because he hides his feelings as she shouldn’t be perceived as less than him and weak because she is a woman. AO3- women are not supposed to show off and express themselves.
Jane is ‘ungovernable’ and ‘savage’ and Bertha expresses herself with a ‘fierce cry’ and gazes ‘wildly’
The description of Jane has some parallels with how Bertha Mason acts. Both women are trapped in their situations and their wild mannerisms could be a response to such unfair treatment.
‘Did anybody ever see such a picture of passion’
Jane’s passion is frowned upon
‘I have faith: I am going to God’
Helen burns dies peacefully as she believes she is going to Heaven. She answers Jane’s questions and acts as a guide to her, teaching her about faith.
‘Cheerful fire’
Motif of fire used to describe Mrs Fairfax’s room. Huge contrast to Gateshead and Lowood (excluding Helen and Miss Temple). Jane is now valued.
‘for liberty I gasped, for liberty I uttered a prayer’
Jane has now received an ‘excellent education’ and without Miss Temple at Lowood feels trapped and wishes for freedom. It highlights her desire to break free from the constraints and limitations imposed on her by society, her gender and her circumstances. It emphasises her fierce spirit and determination to assert her own identity and pursue her own path despite the obstacles she faces’
St. John says ‘I am cold’ and Jane replies ‘I am hot, and fire dissolves ice’
St. John is a foil to Jane, they are both moral but have contrasting principles. However Jane is lead by passion and St. John is willing to deny himself earthly pleasures for God
‘I saw it in your eyes the first time I beheld you’
Mr Rochester talking about her eyes is a way of directly accessing his heart as it shows how he can perceive the depth of Jane’s character and her inner strength just by looking at her, something unique and compelling in Jane that draws him to her setting the stage for their complex relationship . The motif of eyes is used to show their connection and when Jane leaves mr Rochester he loses her sight
