self control Flashcards
this links in with Helen burns messages of endurance however I haven't added that in here seeing as I wrote about it in religion
Big ideas about self control in chapter 4
Bronte shows the reader that an outburst of passion can lead to unsavourily consequences
a quote and analysis supporting the big idea
the idea of passion and controlling your emotions is associated with fire
“A ridge of lighted heath, alive,glancing, devouring”
to which Jane compares her act of retaliation. This comparison invokes the symbol of fire that occurs throughout the novel. It signifies uncontrolled passion which is one of the books themes. The idea that the heath was “alive” and “devouring” suggests the sense of euphoric freedom Jane feels after her outburst.
“the same ridge, black and blasted after the flame dead”
to which she compares her state of mind after the retaliation represents the ruin that can be result if passions are allowed to run uncontrolled. Jane learns the hard way that uncontrolled passion does not lead to happiness. She even likens the feeling to drinking wine “its after - flavour metallic and corroding, gave me a sensation as if I had been poisoned”
how is Miss Temple important
Jane’s worship of Miss Temple is immediate with her fist appearance. Her worshipful feelings is immediately shown through Miss temple’s name. Furthermore, Jane’s description of Miss Temple
“Her appearance seen now, in broad daylight she looked tall and fair and shapely; brown eyes with benignant light in their iris , and fine pencilling of long lashes round relieved the whitens of her large font”
Throughout the description Miss Temple is associated with light and whiteness. Jane’s idolization for the superintendent coupled wither her the imagery of light shows how Miss Temple is the ideal form of femininity.
how does Miss Temple effect Jane
Miss Temple positively effects Jane. Through Miss Temple’s guidance has tamed Jane’s impulsiveness and fire/passion
“I had imbibed from her something of her nature and much of her habits; more harmonious thoughts what seemed regulated feelings become inmates of my mind”
Here, the reader learns that Miss Temple becomes a positive female role model for Jane and teaches her how to be a proper English woman - a woman who can channel and control her passions and emotions.
how does Jane exhibit self control in Jane Eyre
- “listen then, Jane Eyre, to your sentence: tomorrow, place the glass before you, and draw your own picture, faithfully, without softening one defect […] write under it “Portrait of a Governess, disconnected poor, and plain”
this contracts with the portrait of Blanche Ingram that she draws “Afterward, take a piece of smooth ivory - […] mix your finest, clearest tints [..] delineate carefully the loveliest face you can imagine […] call it Blanche, an accomplished lady of rank
by doing this, Jane is able to channel her growing passions and emotions. Here Jane is using painting as an escapism like how she used imagination in her childhood.
Alternatively, clearly Jane controls her emotions by limiting her expectations demonstrating the discipline she has achieved and reflecting the theme of religion and self control.
Jane’s discipline is particularly apparent when she says “Order! No snivel!- no sentiment!- no regret! I will endure only sense and resolution” The set of exclamative phrases alludes toward the idea of endurance reminding us of Helen and the evident impact she had on Jane’s character
Big idea about self control
Throughout the novel we learn about the large amount of discipline and religious faith required in order to have self control (about religious faith look at Helen Burns flashcards )
when face with temptation how does Jane responds
Here the moon is speaking directly to Jane
“My daughter, flee temptation”
She respond with “Mother, I will”
The moon is a reoccurring symbol in Jane Eyre signifying change. This reinforces the Gothic themes of the book
Religious principles and self control triumphs over passion. As much as Jane pities and wants the best for Mr Rochester, “Reader, I forgave him”, she cannot respect herself if she flaunts the laws of God and man. This is perhaps why the moon is speaking to her directly, it highlight the severity and the immorality of the situation. Here, we see Jane’s strong sense of self: she will not succumb to passion if it means the abandonment of morality.
