Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte

Was born of Irish Was born of Irish ancestry in 1816ancestry in 1816

•Lived at Haworth, a parsonage•Mother died of cancer when Charlotte was 5 years old.

The Bronte SistersThe Bronte Sisters

Charlotte had four sisters Charlotte had four sisters and one brother.and one brother.

After their mother’s death, Brontë and her sisters were sent to the Clergy Daughters’ School. The food was badThe food was bad Discipline was harshDiscipline was harsh Disease was rampantDisease was rampant

Bronte’s two older sisters Bronte’s two older sisters (Maria & Elizabeth) died (Maria & Elizabeth) died of tuberculosis.of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis(Tuberculosis( 肺结核）肺结核）• Tuberculosis was a common

killer during the Victorian era.• Tuberculosis often destroys

its victims’ lungs, resulting in a bloody cough.

• If untreated, sufferers may die of tuberculosis because their lungs are so badly damaged.

All in the FamilyAll in the Family The Clergy Daughter’s School at The Clergy Daughter’s School at

Cowan Bridge would became the Cowan Bridge would became the model for Lowood, the fictitious model for Lowood, the fictitious girls’ school in girls’ school in Jane Eyre.Jane Eyre.

Charlotte’s sisters Anne and Charlotte’s sisters Anne and Emily Bronte both became Emily Bronte both became successful writers. successful writers.

In 1846, Charlotte & her sisters In 1846, Charlotte & her sisters started publishing poems and started publishing poems and began writing novels:began writing novels:

Charlotte’s brother, Branwell, Charlotte’s brother, Branwell, was a gifted painter.was a gifted painter.

Emily Bronte

Anne Bronte

Branwell Bronte

Charlotte Bronte

All 3 Bronte Sisters…All 3 Bronte Sisters…

Used a masculine pen name because Used a masculine pen name because women writers were not taken women writers were not taken seriously at that time in Victorian seriously at that time in Victorian England.England.

Charlotte used the name Currer Bell.Charlotte used the name Currer Bell.

Marriage BellsMarriage Bells In 1854 Charlotte In 1854 Charlotte

married her father's married her father's curate, Arthur Bell curate, Arthur Bell Nichols.Nichols.

The next year, she The next year, she became pregnant, became pregnant, then ill.then ill.

She died a month She died a month

before her 39before her 39thth birthday.birthday.

Her LifeHer Life Their homelife was difficult. Their mother died when Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and their brother Branwell were children; the two oldest sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died young. Branwell was a drug addict and an alcoholic whom Charlotte, Emily, and Anne nursed through his collapses, his psychosis, and his final days. The devoted sisters found support and companionship in one another; at night, they read their novels and their poems to one another. Their society did not encourage women to fulfill their talents. The popular image for the ideal woman was "the Angel in the House," who was expected to be devoted and submissive to her husband. The Angel was passive and powerless, meek, charming, graceful, sympathetic, self-sacrificing, pious, and above all--pure.

Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte

Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte Born of Born of IrishIrish ancestry in 1816 ancestry in 1816

•Lived at Haworth, a parsonage

SchoolingSchooling

During the early 19During the early 19thth century, it century, it became fashionable to educate became fashionable to educate females.females.

However, free education was not However, free education was not yet available for either sex.yet available for either sex.

Only the very rich could send theirOnly the very rich could send their daughters to elegant girls’ schoolsdaughters to elegant girls’ schools

GovernessesGovernesses

1. 1. Less costly schools Less costly schools were formed by well-were formed by well-meaning benefactors meaning benefactors in order to educate in order to educate poor females.poor females.

2. Illness was common 2. Illness was common because there was not because there was not a clear understanding a clear understanding of the relationship of the relationship between dirt & between dirt & diseasedisease

3. With the new stress 3. With the new stress on female education, on female education, governesses were in governesses were in demand.demand.

4. Pay was poor, but it 4. Pay was poor, but it was one of the only was one of the only jobs available to jobs available to educated, yet educated, yet impoverished young impoverished young womenwomen

1847 Published the novel 1847 Published the novel Jane EyreJane Eyre 1849 Published the novel 1849 Published the novel ShirleyShirley, a story , a story

set during anti-industrial riots that took set during anti-industrial riots that took place in the final years of the Napoleonic place in the final years of the Napoleonic Wars Wars

1853 Published the novel 1853 Published the novel VilletteVillette, which , which she based on her experiences in Brussels she based on her experiences in Brussels

1854 Married the Reverend Arthur Bell 1854 Married the Reverend Arthur Bell NichollsNicholls

As children, Brontë and her brother, Branwell, As children, Brontë and her brother, Branwell, wrote volumes of stories set in the imaginary wrote volumes of stories set in the imaginary kingdom of Angria; sisters Emily and Anne kingdom of Angria; sisters Emily and Anne created their own imaginary kingdom of created their own imaginary kingdom of Gondal. Gondal.

The Brontë sisters' Poems by Currer, Ellis, and The Brontë sisters' Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell sold only two copies. Acton Bell sold only two copies.

Brontë's first novel, The Professor, was turned Brontë's first novel, The Professor, was turned down by numerous publishers, and she down by numerous publishers, and she eventually withdrew the book. It was finally eventually withdrew the book. It was finally published after her death in 1857. published after her death in 1857.

Brontë lost three of her siblings in a two-year Brontë lost three of her siblings in a two-year period: Anne, Emily, and Branwell died period: Anne, Emily, and Branwell died between 1847 and 1849. between 1847 and 1849.

Brontë was pregnant at the time of her death.Brontë was pregnant at the time of her death.

THE NOVELTHE NOVEL

Jane Eyre Jane Eyre was published in London in 1847.was published in London in 1847.

Jane EyreJane EyreBy By

Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte

（（ 1816-18551816-1855 ））

Published in 1847Published in 1847

Brief Introduction of Jane EyreBrief Introduction of Jane Eyre Jane EyreJane Eyre is the novel written by Charlotte is the novel written by Charlotte

Bronte according to her own experiences. And Bronte according to her own experiences. And it is the most famous works of hers. In this it is the most famous works of hers. In this novel, the author shapes a tough and novel, the author shapes a tough and independent woman who pursues true love independent woman who pursues true love and equality, and is a good example of all and equality, and is a good example of all women.women.Jane Eyre is an orphan, and is ill-treated as a Jane Eyre is an orphan, and is ill-treated as a little girl. She strives for her life, which makes little girl. She strives for her life, which makes her tough character and strong self-respect. her tough character and strong self-respect. Because of her childhood’s life environment, Because of her childhood’s life environment, she learns how to live. Also just for her she learns how to live. Also just for her growing experiences, it creates her strong growing experiences, it creates her strong personality, beautiful ideal and wisdom. personality, beautiful ideal and wisdom.

Jane Eyre is a special image out of Jane Eyre is a special image out of ordinary. She makes a life by herself, ordinary. She makes a life by herself, dares to express her own idea. Under the dares to express her own idea. Under the pressure of life, she always maintains her pressure of life, she always maintains her self-respect by hard work, intelligence and self-respect by hard work, intelligence and her tough individualism. She never gives her tough individualism. She never gives in on her way. Though she has little figure, in on her way. Though she has little figure, Jane Eyre is huge in soul. She pursues true Jane Eyre is huge in soul. She pursues true love and is loyal and steadfast to her love and is loyal and steadfast to her beloved man. Her kindness, intelligence, beloved man. Her kindness, intelligence, and independence attract the hero. At last and independence attract the hero. At last she gets a perfect love.she gets a perfect love.

Key FactsKey Facts

All events are told All events are told in the past from in the past from Jane’s point of Jane’s point of view.view.

The setting is early The setting is early 1919thth Century Century England.England.

Jane EyreJane Eyre is is classified as both a classified as both a Gothic and a Gothic and a Romantic novel.Romantic novel.

Jane EyreJane Eyre Our protagonistOur protagonist Orphaned as a childOrphaned as a child Becomes governessBecomes governess 女家庭女家庭

教师 教师 at Thornfieldat Thornfield A feisty young child, who A feisty young child, who

grows into a strong grows into a strong woman.woman.

Embodies the English Embodies the English working-class woman.working-class woman.

Edward RochesterEdward Rochester

Jane’s boss at ThornfieldJane’s boss at ThornfieldGruff and rude Gruff and rude Made wealthy by family Made wealthy by family

moneymoneyBenefactor to Adèle Benefactor to Adèle

VarensVarensVery secretive and Very secretive and

sometimes deceitfulsometimes deceitful

Reed FamilyReed Family Jane’s family on her Jane’s family on her

father’s sidefather’s side Mrs. Reed is Jane’s cruel Mrs. Reed is Jane’s cruel

aunt who sends Jane to aunt who sends Jane to Lowood; she locks Jane in Lowood; she locks Jane in the “Red Room” for the “Red Room” for punishmentpunishment

John, Eliza, and Georgiana John, Eliza, and Georgiana are Jane’s spoiled cousins; are Jane’s spoiled cousins; they are rude and selfish; they are rude and selfish; they either torment Jane they either torment Jane or ignore heror ignore her

Rivers FamilyRivers Family

Jane’s caretakers when she Jane’s caretakers when she leaves Thornfield – are her leaves Thornfield – are her cousins on her mother’s cousins on her mother’s side.side.

St. John – Minister at St. John – Minister at Morton, tries to get Jane to Morton, tries to get Jane to be his missionary wifebe his missionary wife

Diana and Mary – kind and Diana and Mary – kind and independent women, serve independent women, serve as role models for Jane as role models for Jane

St. John Rivers

Bertha MasonBertha Mason Bertha is locked in a Bertha is locked in a

secret room on the third secret room on the third story of Thorfieldstory of Thorfield

Starts the bedroom fire, Starts the bedroom fire, and eventually burns the and eventually burns the house downhouse down

Kills herself in the house Kills herself in the house firefire

Exotic, sensual Exotic, sensual personification of the personification of the OrientOrient

Why is she at Thornfield?Why is she at Thornfield?

Mrs. FairfaxMrs. Fairfax Housekeeper at ThornfieldHousekeeper at Thornfield Serves as a mother Serves as a mother

figure/role model for Janefigure/role model for Jane Tells Jane about secrets of Tells Jane about secrets of

Thornfield and the Thornfield and the Rochesters.Rochesters.

Thornfield Manor

Other CharactersOther Characters

Helen Burns – Jane’s friend at Helen Burns – Jane’s friend at Lowood, teaches her Lowood, teaches her character, dies in Jane’s armscharacter, dies in Jane’s arms

Mr. Brocklehurst – cruel and Mr. Brocklehurst – cruel and dishonest master of Lowood dishonest master of Lowood SchoolSchool

Miss Temple – Jane’s favorite Miss Temple – Jane’s favorite teacher, positive female role teacher, positive female role model/mother figuremodel/mother figure

Helen

Mr. Brocklehurst

Miss Temple

Other Characters (Cont.)Other Characters (Cont.)

Grace Poole – Bertha’s Grace Poole – Bertha’s mysterious keeper, serves mysterious keeper, serves as Bertha’s scapegoat as Bertha’s scapegoat

Adèle Varens – Jane’s pupil, Adèle Varens – Jane’s pupil, daughter of Rochester’s old daughter of Rochester’s old mistress, Celenemistress, Celene

Richard Mason – Bertha’s Richard Mason – Bertha’s brother, exposes the secret brother, exposes the secret marriagemarriage

Blanche Ingram – socialite Blanche Ingram – socialite after Rochester’s money, after Rochester’s money, opposite of Janeopposite of Jane

AdèleAdèle

Blanche Blanche IngramIngram

Charlotte’s Gothic Charlotte’s Gothic InfluenceInfluence

Jane EyreJane Eyre displays displays some characteristics some characteristics of the of the gothic novelgothic novel::Imprisoned womenImprisoned womenA heroine who faces A heroine who faces

dangerdangerSupernatural Supernatural

interventions at crucial interventions at crucial moments in the plotmoments in the plot

A romantic A romantic reconciliationreconciliation

Jane Eyre’s Romantic Jane Eyre’s Romantic HeritageHeritage

The Romantic The Romantic MovementMovement Came into play in at the Came into play in at the

end of the 18end of the 18thth Century. Century. Championed for the Championed for the

rights of the individual rights of the individual over the demands of over the demands of society.society.

Believed that humans Believed that humans were inherently goodwere inherently good

Valued imagination over Valued imagination over reasonreason

Inspired by natureInspired by nature

IntroductionIntroduction

Jane Eyre is an orphan in 1800s England. Jane’s parents died of Jane’s parents died of

typhus when she was a typhus when she was a baby. baby.

Mrs. Reed, her aunt, has agreed to raise her, but she and her three children treat treat Jane cruelJane cruellly.y.

Yet, Mrs. Reed expects Jane to be thankful.

Jane Eyre: IntroductionJane Eyre: Introduction

When Jane tries to stand up for herself, her aunt is furious.

She calls Jane an ungrateful child and sends her away to a boarding school called Lowood.

Jane Eyre: IntroductionJane Eyre: Introduction

At Lowood the girls . . .

• sleep two to a bed,

• get up before dawn,

• bathe in ice-cold water,

• get burnt porridge for breakfast,

• and are taught to suffer in silence.

Life at LowoodLife at Lowood The headmaster of The headmaster of Lowood School is Mr. Lowood School is Mr.

Brocklehurst.Brocklehurst. • Jane immediately makes Jane immediately makes

friend with a girl called friend with a girl called Helen Burns. Helen Burns.

• She also admires her She also admires her head head teacher Miss. Templeteacher Miss. Temple..

• As a consequence of bad As a consequence of bad conditions, typhus breaks conditions, typhus breaks out. Many girls die, including out. Many girls die, including Helen, Jane’s best friendHelen, Jane’s best friend

• Jane stays at Lowood eight Jane stays at Lowood eight years as a pupil and then years as a pupil and then two years as a teacher.two years as a teacher.

Thornfield HallThornfield Hall

After posting an After posting an advertisement in a local advertisement in a local paper, Jane becomes the paper, Jane becomes the private governess at private governess at Thornfield Hall.Thornfield Hall.

Her pupil is a young Her pupil is a young French girl named Adele. French girl named Adele.

Thornfield Hall belongs to Thornfield Hall belongs to Mr. RochesterMr. Rochester Jane does not meet him for Jane does not meet him for

months.months. Finally, Mr. Rochester Finally, Mr. Rochester

returns home and stays returns home and stays longer than usual at longer than usual at Thornfield HallThornfield Hall

Role of the GovernessRole of the Governesso With the new stress on With the new stress on

female education, female education, governesses were in governesses were in demand.demand.

o Pay was poor, but it was one Pay was poor, but it was one of the only jobs available to of the only jobs available to educated, yet impoverished educated, yet impoverished young women.young women.

o Employers & other servants Employers & other servants often shunned the often shunned the governess because they felt governess because they felt they were “putting on airs.”they were “putting on airs.”

o Their employers would often Their employers would often ignore them, too, because ignore them, too, because they had a superior they had a superior education, which education, which intimidated many people – intimidated many people – especially men.especially men.

Mysteries . . .Mysteries . . . One night at Thornfield, JaneOne night at Thornfield, Jane wakes up and hears wakes up and hears

evil laughterevil laughter...... One day Mr. Rochester gives a party for some fine One day Mr. Rochester gives a party for some fine

guestsguests. . In attendance is a Miss. Ingram, a In attendance is a Miss. Ingram, a beautiful woman, who adores Mr. Rochesterbeautiful woman, who adores Mr. Rochester.. During the party Mr. Mason arrives.During the party Mr. Mason arrives.

One day Jane receives a letter regarding Mrs. One day Jane receives a letter regarding Mrs. Reed, her wicked aunt. Mrs. Reed is dying and Reed, her wicked aunt. Mrs. Reed is dying and wants to see Jane againwants to see Jane again..

When Jane comes back to Thornfield Hall, Mr. When Jane comes back to Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester is very happy to see her again. He Rochester is very happy to see her again. He gives Jane the news that he has decided to marry.gives Jane the news that he has decided to marry.

Jane Eyre: Jane Eyre: A Ground Breaking NovelA Ground Breaking Novel

• The heroine is small, plain, The heroine is small, plain, & poor& poor

• The heroine is the first The heroine is the first female character to claim female character to claim the right to feel strongly the right to feel strongly about her emotions and about her emotions and act on her convictionsact on her convictions

• This romantic ground had This romantic ground had previously been reserved previously been reserved for malesfor males

• Such a psychologically Such a psychologically complex heroine had complex heroine had never been created beforenever been created before

Byronic HeroByronic Hero This term is created by This term is created by

the famous poet George the famous poet George Gordon, Lord Byron.Gordon, Lord Byron.

Characteristics are…Characteristics are…ProudProudGloomyGloomyMysteriousMysteriousPassionatePassionate*Mr. Rochester is an example of *Mr. Rochester is an example of

this typethis type

LoveLove

Jane is constantly in a search for love. Jane is constantly in a search for love.

She is searches for romantic love in She is searches for romantic love in Rochester, motherly love through Rochester, motherly love through Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax, and Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax, and friendship through the Rivers friendship through the Rivers siblings, Helen Burns, and Rochester.siblings, Helen Burns, and Rochester.

Jane’s search for love might stem Jane’s search for love might stem from the scorn she felt as a childfrom the scorn she felt as a child

Social ClassSocial Class

Jane EyreJane Eyre is critical of Victorian England’s is critical of Victorian England’s strict social hierarchy(strict social hierarchy( 等级制度等级制度 ).).

Jane remains penniless and powerless while Jane remains penniless and powerless while at Thornfield. at Thornfield.

Jane feels that her love for Rochester is wrong Jane feels that her love for Rochester is wrong because she isn’t from the same class.because she isn’t from the same class.

Intellectual but not his social equal.Intellectual but not his social equal.Jane is only able to marry Rochester as his Jane is only able to marry Rochester as his

equal because she has almost magically equal because she has almost magically come into her own inheritance from her come into her own inheritance from her uncle..uncle..

ReligionReligion

Religion plays a huge role in this novel.Religion plays a huge role in this novel.

Helen Burns taught Jane a view of faith Helen Burns taught Jane a view of faith and God that she could understand.and God that she could understand.

Mr. Brocklehurst’s Evangelical view Mr. Brocklehurst’s Evangelical view had negative effects on Jane, as did had negative effects on Jane, as did St. John River’s Empirical view. St. John River’s Empirical view.

Even the once cruel Eliza Reed joins a Even the once cruel Eliza Reed joins a French convent.French convent.

Mother FiguresMother Figures

In her search for love, Jane also looks In her search for love, Jane also looks for the mother figure that she missed for the mother figure that she missed as a child.as a child.

Jane finds the characteristics she is Jane finds the characteristics she is looking for in:looking for in:• Miss TempleMiss Temple• Mrs. FairfaxMrs. Fairfax• Rivers sistersRivers sisters

Red RoomRed Room

The room at Gateshead The room at Gateshead where Uncle Reed died, where Uncle Reed died, and where Jane was and where Jane was locked up to be locked up to be punished.punished.

This punishment haunted This punishment haunted Jane for the rest of her Jane for the rest of her life.life.

Memories of the night in Memories of the night in the Red Room occur the Red Room occur when Jane is at a when Jane is at a crossroads in her life.crossroads in her life.

CharactersCharacters

Jane EyreJane Eyre

The development of Jane Eyre’s The development of Jane Eyre’s character is central to the novel. From character is central to the novel. From the beginning, Jane possesses a sense the beginning, Jane possesses a sense of her self-worth and dignity, a of her self-worth and dignity, a commitment to justice and principle, a commitment to justice and principle, a trust in God, and a passionate trust in God, and a passionate disposition. Her integrity is continually disposition. Her integrity is continually tested over the course of the novel, tested over the course of the novel, and Jane must learn to balance the and Jane must learn to balance the frequently conflicting aspects of herself frequently conflicting aspects of herself so as to find contentment.so as to find contentment.

An orphan since early childhood, Jane feels An orphan since early childhood, Jane feels exiled and ostracized at the beginning of exiled and ostracized at the beginning of the novel, and the cruel treatment she the novel, and the cruel treatment she receives from her Aunt Reed and her receives from her Aunt Reed and her cousins only exacerbates her feeling of cousins only exacerbates her feeling of alienation. Afraid that she will never find a alienation. Afraid that she will never find a true sense of home or community, Jane true sense of home or community, Jane feels the need to belong somewhere, to find feels the need to belong somewhere, to find “kin,” or at least “kindred spirits.” This “kin,” or at least “kindred spirits.” This desire tempers her equally intense need for desire tempers her equally intense need for autonomy and freedom.autonomy and freedom.

In her search for freedom, Jane also struggles with In her search for freedom, Jane also struggles with the question of what type of freedom she wants. the question of what type of freedom she wants.

While Rochester initially offers JaneWhile Rochester initially offers Janea chance to liberate her passions, Jane comes to a chance to liberate her passions, Jane comes to

realize that such freedom could also mean realize that such freedom could also mean enslavement—by living as Rochester’s mistress, she enslavement—by living as Rochester’s mistress, she would be sacrificing her dignity and integrity for the would be sacrificing her dignity and integrity for the

sake of her feelings. St. John Rivers offers Jane sake of her feelings. St. John Rivers offers Jane another kind of freedom: the freedom to act another kind of freedom: the freedom to act

unreservedly on her principles. He opens to Jane the unreservedly on her principles. He opens to Jane the possibility of exercising her talents fully by working possibility of exercising her talents fully by working

and living with him in India. Jane eventually realizes, and living with him in India. Jane eventually realizes, though, that this freedom would also constitute a though, that this freedom would also constitute a

form of imprisonment, because she would be forced form of imprisonment, because she would be forced to keep her true feelings and her true passions to keep her true feelings and her true passions

always in check.always in check.

Charlotte Brontë may have created the Charlotte Brontë may have created the character of Jane Eyre as a means of character of Jane Eyre as a means of coming to terms with elements of her own coming to terms with elements of her own life. Much evidence suggests that Brontë, life. Much evidence suggests that Brontë, too, struggled to find a balance between too, struggled to find a balance between love and freedom and to find others who love and freedom and to find others who understood her. At many points in the understood her. At many points in the book, Jane voices the author’s then-radical book, Jane voices the author’s then-radical opinions on religion, social class, and opinions on religion, social class, and gender.gender.

RochesterRochester

Despite his stern manner and not Despite his stern manner and not particularly handsome particularly handsome

appearance, appearance, Edward Rochester wins Jane’s Edward Rochester wins Jane’s

heart, because she feels they are kindred spirits, heart, because she feels they are kindred spirits, and because he is the first person in the novel to and because he is the first person in the novel to offer Jane lasting love and a real home. Although offer Jane lasting love and a real home. Although Rochester is Jane’s social and economic superior, Rochester is Jane’s social and economic superior, and although men were widely considered to be and although men were widely considered to be naturally superior to women in the Victorian naturally superior to women in the Victorian period, Jane is Rochester’s intellectual equal. period, Jane is Rochester’s intellectual equal. Moreover, after their marriage is interrupted by Moreover, after their marriage is interrupted by the disclosure that Rochester is already married the disclosure that Rochester is already married to Bertha Mason, Jane is proven to be Rochester’s to Bertha Mason, Jane is proven to be Rochester’s moral superior.moral superior.

Love versus AutonomyLove versus Autonomy

Jane EyreJane Eyre is very much the story of a quest is very much the story of a quest to be loved. Jane searches, not just for to be loved. Jane searches, not just for romantic love, but also for a sense of romantic love, but also for a sense of being valued, of belonging. Yet, over the being valued, of belonging. Yet, over the course of the book, Jane must learn how to course of the book, Jane must learn how to gain love gain love withoutwithout sacrificing and harming sacrificing and harming herself in the process. Her fear of losing herself in the process. Her fear of losing her autonomy motivates her refusal of her autonomy motivates her refusal of Rochester’s marriage proposal. Rochester’s marriage proposal.

2. Religion2. Religion Throughout the novel, Jane Throughout the novel, Jane struggles to find the right balance struggles to find the right balance between moral duty and earthly pleasure,between moral duty and earthly pleasure, between obligation to her spirit andbetween obligation to her spirit and attention to her body. She encounters attention to her body. She encounters three main religious figures: Mr.Brocklehurstthree main religious figures: Mr.Brocklehurst Helen Burns, and St. John Rivers. EachHelen Burns, and St. John Rivers. Each represents a model of religion that Jane ultimately rejects as represents a model of religion that Jane ultimately rejects as

she forms her own ideas about faith and principle, and she forms her own ideas about faith and principle, and their practical consequences. Although Jane ends up their practical consequences. Although Jane ends up rejecting three models, she does not abandon morality, rejecting three models, she does not abandon morality, spiritualism, or a belief in a Christian God. Jane ultimately spiritualism, or a belief in a Christian God. Jane ultimately finds a comfortable middle ground. Religion helps curb finds a comfortable middle ground. Religion helps curb immoderate passions, and it spurs one on to worldly immoderate passions, and it spurs one on to worldly efforts and achievements. These achievements include full efforts and achievements. These achievements include full self-knowledge and complete faith in God.self-knowledge and complete faith in God.

3. Social Class3. Social Class

Jane EyreJane Eyre is critical of Victorian England’s is critical of Victorian England’s strict social hierarchy. Brontë’s exploration strict social hierarchy. Brontë’s exploration of the complicated social position of of the complicated social position of governesses is perhaps the novel’s most governesses is perhaps the novel’s most important treatment of this theme. important treatment of this theme. Ultimately, Jane is only able to marry Ultimately, Jane is only able to marry Rochester as his equal because she has Rochester as his equal because she has almost magically come into her own almost magically come into her own inheritance from her uncle.inheritance from her uncle.

4. Gender relations4. Gender relations Jane struggles continually to achieve equality Jane struggles continually to achieve equality and to overcome oppression. In addition to class and to overcome oppression. In addition to class

hierarchy, she must fight against patriarchal hierarchy, she must fight against patriarchal domination—against those who believe women to be domination—against those who believe women to be inferior to men and try to treat them as such. Three inferior to men and try to treat them as such. Three central male figures threaten her desire for equality central male figures threaten her desire for equality and dignity: Mr. Brocklehurst, Edward Rochester, and and dignity: Mr. Brocklehurst, Edward Rochester, and St. John Rivers. All three are misogynistic on some St. John Rivers. All three are misogynistic on some level. Each tries to keep Jane in a submissive level. Each tries to keep Jane in a submissive position, where she is unable to express her own position, where she is unable to express her own thoughts and feelings. In her quest for independence thoughts and feelings. In her quest for independence and self-knowledge, Jane must escape Brocklehurst, and self-knowledge, Jane must escape Brocklehurst, reject St. John, and come to Rochester only after reject St. John, and come to Rochester only after ensuring that they may marry as equals. ensuring that they may marry as equals.

ImagesImages 英国著名文学评论家戴维英国著名文学评论家戴维 ··洛奇用现代批评方法读解洛奇用现代批评方法读解《《简简

··爱爱》》后认为，夏洛蒂通过火、土、水、气尘世四元素，使后认为，夏洛蒂通过火、土、水、气尘世四元素，使客观的现实世界与主观的浪漫世界水乳交融；国外的评论者客观的现实世界与主观的浪漫世界水乳交融；国外的评论者本着“细读原则”伏案统计过月亮和火在作品中出现的次数，本着“细读原则”伏案统计过月亮和火在作品中出现的次数，认为它们渲染了种种情绪和氛围，牵引着主人公的命运。认为它们渲染了种种情绪和氛围，牵引着主人公的命运。

（（ 11 ）土水。土指沼泽、岩石，水指雨雾冰。选文）土水。土指沼泽、岩石，水指雨雾冰。选文的情节脉络是：当简的情节脉络是：当简 ··爱得知罗切斯特的疯妻子还爱得知罗切斯特的疯妻子还活着，她毅然从桑菲尔德庄园出走。在断壁残垣的活着，她毅然从桑菲尔德庄园出走。在断壁残垣的沼泽地中，她举目无亲，凄风苦雨，忍饥挨饿，独沼泽地中，她举目无亲，凄风苦雨，忍饥挨饿，独自坚定地摸索着自坚定地摸索着…………在这短短七、八千字的选文中在这短短七、八千字的选文中多次出现了土水意象，如“沼地幽暗”、“让苔藓多次出现了土水意象，如“沼地幽暗”、“让苔藓染黑了的花岗岩”、“巉石”、“露水降落”、染黑了的花岗岩”、“巉石”、“露水降落”、“雨下得很猛”等等。一个落寞无助、受尽折磨的“雨下得很猛”等等。一个落寞无助、受尽折磨的流浪者形象浮出水面，土水意象大多出现在主人公流浪者形象浮出水面，土水意象大多出现在主人公痛苦之时。痛苦之时。

（（ 22 ）火。据统计，）火。据统计，《《简简 ··爱爱》》中，中， 8585 次提到炉火，次提到炉火， 4747次具体描写火，次具体描写火， 44 处写地狱之火，疯女人伯莎处写地狱之火，疯女人伯莎 ··梅森两次梅森两次放火。火在表达人物心境时有“点染”之效。例如，当简放火。火在表达人物心境时有“点染”之效。例如，当简··爱渴望拥有一个温馨的家庭时，火是希望、祥和的象征，爱渴望拥有一个温馨的家庭时，火是希望、祥和的象征，她看到“一群出现在火炉旁边，一动不动地坐在炉边的一她看到“一群出现在火炉旁边，一动不动地坐在炉边的一片玫瑰色的宁静和温暖之中”（第二十八章片玫瑰色的宁静和温暖之中”（第二十八章 P.310P.310 ）。）。当罗切斯特向简表白爱意时，火又成了激情的代言物，当罗切斯特向简表白爱意时，火又成了激情的代言物，“我产生了一种炽烈、庄严的热情；它倾向于你，把你拉“我产生了一种炽烈、庄严的热情；它倾向于你，把你拉到我生命的中心和源泉，让我的生命围绕着你到我生命的中心和源泉，让我的生命围绕着你————点燃起点燃起纯洁、强大的火焰，把你我熔为一体”（第二十七章纯洁、强大的火焰，把你我熔为一体”（第二十七章P.295P.295 ）。当简）。当简 ··爱反抗意识抬头时，她“象个火神”。爱反抗意识抬头时，她“象个火神”。火还有烘托主题之功。最后罗切斯特的前妻伯莎火还有烘托主题之功。最后罗切斯特的前妻伯莎 ··梅森一梅森一把大火使男女主人公的爱情死灰复燃，揭示了历经苦痛后把大火使男女主人公的爱情死灰复燃，揭示了历经苦痛后走向幸福的主题。走向幸福的主题。

（（ 33 ）月亮。）月亮。《《简简 ··爱爱》》中，一来月亮是作为希望的象征，中，一来月亮是作为希望的象征，如“初升的月亮挂在山顶上空，虽然跟云朵一样苍白，但如“初升的月亮挂在山顶上空，虽然跟云朵一样苍白，但是每一刻都在变得更加明亮”是每一刻都在变得更加明亮” (( 第十二章第十二章 P.100)P.100) ，此时，此时的简刚到桑菲尔德庄园，这渐趋皎洁的月亮暗示着简的简刚到桑菲尔德庄园，这渐趋皎洁的月亮暗示着简 ··爱爱将时来运转。二来月亮又作为渺茫的象征，如在与罗切斯将时来运转。二来月亮又作为渺茫的象征，如在与罗切斯特结婚的前一个晚上，简跑到果园里等他归来，打算把自特结婚的前一个晚上，简跑到果园里等他归来，打算把自己做的一些恶梦告诉他，这时她看到：月亮的“圆盘象血己做的一些恶梦告诉他，这时她看到：月亮的“圆盘象血一样红，一半被遮住；她似乎向我投来困惑和忧郁的一瞥，一样红，一半被遮住；她似乎向我投来困惑和忧郁的一瞥，随即又埋到云堆里去了”（第二十五章随即又埋到云堆里去了”（第二十五章 P.258P.258 ），预示），预示着主人公的命运将再一次跌入低谷。着主人公的命运将再一次跌入低谷。

Gothic elementsGothic elements

Jane EyreJane Eyre displays some characteristics displays some characteristics

of the of the gothic novelgothic novel:: Imprisoned womenImprisoned women A heroine who faces dangerA heroine who faces danger Supernatural interventions at Supernatural interventions at

crucial moments in the plotcrucial moments in the plot A romantic reconciliationA romantic reconciliation

Allusion to the Allusion to the BibleBible 化用化用《《圣经圣经》》典故：夏洛蒂熟谙典故：夏洛蒂熟谙《《圣经圣经》》，，《《圣经圣经》 》 的思想和哲理已深深渗透到她的创作意识之中。选文中，的思想和哲理已深深渗透到她的创作意识之中。选文中，

落难之中的简一次次地感到“上帝的伟大和力量”，“他的无落难之中的简一次次地感到“上帝的伟大和力量”，“他的无限，他的全能，他的无所不在”。作品中，作者让主人公直接限，他的全能，他的无所不在”。作品中，作者让主人公直接援引援引《《圣经圣经》》中语句或人名作为表达思想的媒介。如罗切斯特中语句或人名作为表达思想的媒介。如罗切斯特向简向简 ··爱求婚时，把自己比作爱求婚时，把自己比作《《圣经圣经》》中的亚当，把简中的亚当，把简 ··爱比爱比作用亚当身上的一根肋骨造出的夏娃，意指女人附属于男人；作用亚当身上的一根肋骨造出的夏娃，意指女人附属于男人；简有异议，也引用简有异议，也引用《《圣经圣经》》中男人和女人都是上帝用泥土造出中男人和女人都是上帝用泥土造出的来表达男女平等的思想。其实，的来表达男女平等的思想。其实，《《简简 ··爱爱》“》“主要情节的构主要情节的构思都包含了思都包含了《《圣经圣经》》故事的隐喻”。尤其是结尾部分，经过耶故事的隐喻”。尤其是结尾部分，经过耶稣用火施洗后的罗切斯特，灵魂得到了彻底地净化。稣用火施洗后的罗切斯特，灵魂得到了彻底地净化。《《简简 ··爱爱》》中凸现着报复主题，“这种报复手段表现在对桑菲尔德的中凸现着报复主题，“这种报复手段表现在对桑菲尔德的报复报复————烧掉；对罗切斯特的报复烧掉；对罗切斯特的报复————掉手和瞎眼；对伯莎的掉手和瞎眼；对伯莎的报复报复————烧死；对舅妈一家的报复等等”，这种报复与烧死；对舅妈一家的报复等等”，这种报复与《《圣圣经经》》中“罪与罚”的宗教思想休戚相关。中“罪与罚”的宗教思想休戚相关。

SymbolsSymbolsBertha Mason:Bertha Mason: Bertha Mason is a complex presence in Bertha Mason is a complex presence in Jane Jane

EyreEyre. She impedes Jane’s happiness, but she also catalyses the . She impedes Jane’s happiness, but she also catalyses the growth of Jane’s self-understanding. The mystery surrounding growth of Jane’s self-understanding. The mystery surrounding

Bertha establishes suspense and terror to the plot and the Bertha establishes suspense and terror to the plot and the atmosphere. Further, Bertha serves as a remnant and reminder atmosphere. Further, Bertha serves as a remnant and reminder

of Rochester’s youthful libertinism.of Rochester’s youthful libertinism.Yet Bertha can also be interpreted as a symbol. Some critics Yet Bertha can also be interpreted as a symbol. Some critics

have read her as a statement about the way Britain feared and have read her as a statement about the way Britain feared and psychologically “locked away” the other cultures it encountered psychologically “locked away” the other cultures it encountered

at the height of its imperialism. Others have seen her as a at the height of its imperialism. Others have seen her as a symbolic representation of the “trapped” Victorian wife, who is symbolic representation of the “trapped” Victorian wife, who is

expected never to travel or work outside the house and becomes expected never to travel or work outside the house and becomes ever more frenzied as she finds no outlet for her frustration and ever more frenzied as she finds no outlet for her frustration and

anxiety. Within the story, then, Bertha’s insanity could serve as a anxiety. Within the story, then, Bertha’s insanity could serve as a warning to Jane of what complete surrender to Rochester could warning to Jane of what complete surrender to Rochester could

bring about.bring about.

One could also see Bertha as a manifestation of Jane’s One could also see Bertha as a manifestation of Jane’s subconscious feelings—specifically, of her rage against subconscious feelings—specifically, of her rage against

oppressive social and gender norms. Jane declares her love oppressive social and gender norms. Jane declares her love for Rochester, but she also secretly fears marriage to him for Rochester, but she also secretly fears marriage to him

and feels the need to rage against the imprisonment it and feels the need to rage against the imprisonment it could become for her. Jane never manifests this fear or could become for her. Jane never manifests this fear or

anger, but Bertha does. Thus Bertha tears up the bridal veil, anger, but Bertha does. Thus Bertha tears up the bridal veil, and it is Bertha’s existence that indeed stops the wedding and it is Bertha’s existence that indeed stops the wedding from going forth. And, when Thornfield comes to represent from going forth. And, when Thornfield comes to represent a state of servitude and submission for Jane, Bertha burns it a state of servitude and submission for Jane, Bertha burns it

to the ground. Throughout the novel, Jane describes her to the ground. Throughout the novel, Jane describes her inner spirit as fiery, her inner landscape as a “ridge of inner spirit as fiery, her inner landscape as a “ridge of

lighted heath” (Chapter 4). Bertha seems to be the outward lighted heath” (Chapter 4). Bertha seems to be the outward manifestation of Jane’s interior fire. Bertha expresses the manifestation of Jane’s interior fire. Bertha expresses the

feelings that Jane must keep in check.feelings that Jane must keep in check.

The Red-RoomThe Red-RoomThe red-room can be viewed as a symbol The red-room can be viewed as a symbol

of what Jane must overcome of what Jane must overcome in her struggles to find freedom, in her struggles to find freedom,

happiness, and a sense of belonging. happiness, and a sense of belonging. In the red-room, Jane’s position of In the red-room, Jane’s position of

exile and imprisonment first exile and imprisonment first becomes clear. Although Jane is becomes clear. Although Jane is

eventually freed from the room, she eventually freed from the room, she continues to be socially ostracized, continues to be socially ostracized, financially trapped, and excluded from financially trapped, and excluded from love; her sense of independence and her love; her sense of independence and her freedom of self-expression are constantly freedom of self-expression are constantly threatened.threatened.

The red-room’s importance as a symbol continues The red-room’s importance as a symbol continues throughout the novel. It reappears as a memory throughout the novel. It reappears as a memory whenever Jane makes a connection between her whenever Jane makes a connection between her current situation and that first feeling of being current situation and that first feeling of being ridiculed. Thus she recalls the room when she is ridiculed. Thus she recalls the room when she is humiliated at Lowood. She also thinks of the room humiliated at Lowood. She also thinks of the room on the night that she decides to leave Thornfield on the night that she decides to leave Thornfield after Rochester has tried to convince her to become after Rochester has tried to convince her to become an undignified mistress. Her destitute condition upon an undignified mistress. Her destitute condition upon her departure from Thornfield also threatens her departure from Thornfield also threatens emotional and intellectual imprisonment, as does St. emotional and intellectual imprisonment, as does St. John’s marriage proposal. Only after Jane has John’s marriage proposal. Only after Jane has asserted herself, gained financial independence, and asserted herself, gained financial independence, and found a spiritual family—which turns out to be her found a spiritual family—which turns out to be her real family—can she wed Rochester and find real family—can she wed Rochester and find freedom in and through marriage.freedom in and through marriage.