symbolism in Jane Eyre

Question 1

what are some of the symbolism in literature

Berwick’s History of Birds

Answer 1

Berwick’s History of Birds
At Gateshead the young Jane is reading Berwick’s history of birds. The reference to birds in the title refers to Jane’s desire to leave the nest and escape the Tyrannies of her family. This is supported with Bronte’s use of pathetic fallacy.

Question 2

what are some of the symbolism in literature

Gulliver’s Travels

Answer 2

Gulliver’s Travels
After the red room incident Bessie gives Jane a copy of Gulliver’s Travels to read. The story is of Gulliver who travels to far away lands here he is treated as an outsider. The story mirrors Jane’s feelings of feeling like an outsider at Gateshead. It also foreshadows Jane’s future travels to Lowood, Thornfield, Moorhouse and Ferndean. Jane like Gulliver will be an outsider in the future and the present

Question 3

what are some of the symbolism in literature

Pamela

Answer 3

Pamela
Bessie reads to the children Pamela. Pamela is about a young servant girl who’s master tries to seduce her. It was considered a daring novel of the time. Pamela resits every attempt of seduction until the master purpose marriage. This has parallels to the Thornfield chapters with Mr R being an older man trying to make Jane his mistress. Some of the events in Pamela foreshadows those in Jane Eyre