18. Jane Eyre: (pg. 378)
“ ‘My spirit,” I answered mentally, “is willing to do what is right; and my flesh, I hope, is strong enough to accomplish the will of Heaven, when once that will is distinctly know to me.’”
Religion played a strong role in Charlotte Bronte’s life. Her father was a minister and Jane attended a school called the Clergy Daughter’s School at Cowan Bridge. The person Charlotte Bronte married was her father’s religious assistant. Religion and references to religious thought is written throughout Jane Eyre. One of the main characters, St. John Rivers, is a minister who helps to save Jane when she is in trouble and eventually wants to marry her. In this quote, Jane is thinking spiritually about what she is going to do. Bronte used religious ideas in developing Jane’s character, and she may have used Jane’s character to explore her own views about religion.
“Charlotte Bronte, A Brief Biography.” The Victorian Web. Literature, history and culture in the age of Victoria. 1987. 25 November 2009. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/brontbio.html
“Charlotte Bronte.” The Literature Network. Jalic, Inc. 2000-2009. 25 November 2009.
http://www.online-literature.com/brontec/.
Erlich, Julie. Afterword. Jane Eyre. By Charolotte Bronte. The Reader’s Digest Association. September 1984. 25 November 2009.
Jackson, Mark. Tone and Context in Tennyson's "Tithonus" (1833) and Brontë's Jane Eyre. The Victorian Web. 1996. 27 November 2009. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/73tone.html.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
17. Jane Eyre: (pg. 378)
17. Jane Eyre: (pg. 378)
“It was my time to assume ascendancy. My powers were in play and in force, I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone.”
Jane Eyre was and continues to be a very popular book. Bronte created a strong, female character that could overcome obstacles and find happiness. People admire this in a character and Jane gave people something to be hopeful for – love, personal strength, and strong convictions. Victorian women traditionally belonged in the home but mission work that women began doing led to a changing role for women. Bronte took these moved these changes forward with her portrayal of Jane.
Abrams, Lynn. “Ideals of womanhood in Victorian Britain.” History Trails Victorian Britain. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 August 2001. 25 November 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/victorian_britain/women_home/ideals_womanhood_01.shtml
“It was my time to assume ascendancy. My powers were in play and in force, I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone.”
Jane Eyre was and continues to be a very popular book. Bronte created a strong, female character that could overcome obstacles and find happiness. People admire this in a character and Jane gave people something to be hopeful for – love, personal strength, and strong convictions. Victorian women traditionally belonged in the home but mission work that women began doing led to a changing role for women. Bronte took these moved these changes forward with her portrayal of Jane.
Abrams, Lynn. “Ideals of womanhood in Victorian Britain.” History Trails Victorian Britain. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 August 2001. 25 November 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/victorian_britain/women_home/ideals_womanhood_01.shtml
16. Jane Eyre: (pg. 377)
16. Jane Eyre: (pg. 377)
“ ‘Jane! Jane! Jane!’ – nothing more.”… “ ‘Where are you?’ I exclaimed.”…The hills beyond Marsh Glen sent the answer faintly back. ‘Where are you?’ I listened. The wind sighed low in the firs: all was moorland loneliness and midnight hush.”
A moor is a large land area where most things cannot grow because of poor soil quality. Moors are boggy areas. It is interesting that Bronte would have the voice of Jane’s love coming to her from a moor; you would think that a character who hears a voice coming out of a barren wasteland would think the voice was bad or evil (popular creepy tone again). Instead, Jane recognizes hearing the voice as a good sign. This falls in line with the romantic tone that Bronte develops in the novel and her theme of finding love. Jane’s character believes in love and recognizes love even when it calls to her from strange places.
"Moor." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 1 December 2009 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Moor
“ ‘Jane! Jane! Jane!’ – nothing more.”… “ ‘Where are you?’ I exclaimed.”…The hills beyond Marsh Glen sent the answer faintly back. ‘Where are you?’ I listened. The wind sighed low in the firs: all was moorland loneliness and midnight hush.”
A moor is a large land area where most things cannot grow because of poor soil quality. Moors are boggy areas. It is interesting that Bronte would have the voice of Jane’s love coming to her from a moor; you would think that a character who hears a voice coming out of a barren wasteland would think the voice was bad or evil (popular creepy tone again). Instead, Jane recognizes hearing the voice as a good sign. This falls in line with the romantic tone that Bronte develops in the novel and her theme of finding love. Jane’s character believes in love and recognizes love even when it calls to her from strange places.
"Moor." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 1 December 2009 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Moor
15. Jane Eyre (pg. 235)
15. Jane Eyre (pg. 235)
"I was thinking, sir (you will excuse the idea; it was involuntary), I was thinking of Hercules and Samson with their charmers--"
This is a reference to Hercules (who is of Greek mythology) and Samson (who is from the Bible). Both of these men are know from their strength and both were hurt by women. Jane says this when Mr. Rochester speaks of the “thrill up my (his) arm to my (his) heart.” Using character development, Bronte shows that Jane seeing it as comical to think that she can have power over a man and to give a man these sensations. This serves to make Jane a character that the reader can relate to and want to be like.
“The Life and Times of Hercules.” Hercules Greece’s Greatest Hero. Persues Project Digital Library. 2 September 2008. 29 November 2009. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/bio.html
“The Sampson Bible Story.” The Bible Stories Library. 2009. 29 November 2009.
http://www.bible-stories-library.com/samson-bible-story.shtml.
"I was thinking, sir (you will excuse the idea; it was involuntary), I was thinking of Hercules and Samson with their charmers--"
This is a reference to Hercules (who is of Greek mythology) and Samson (who is from the Bible). Both of these men are know from their strength and both were hurt by women. Jane says this when Mr. Rochester speaks of the “thrill up my (his) arm to my (his) heart.” Using character development, Bronte shows that Jane seeing it as comical to think that she can have power over a man and to give a man these sensations. This serves to make Jane a character that the reader can relate to and want to be like.
“The Life and Times of Hercules.” Hercules Greece’s Greatest Hero. Persues Project Digital Library. 2 September 2008. 29 November 2009. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/bio.html
“The Sampson Bible Story.” The Bible Stories Library. 2009. 29 November 2009.
http://www.bible-stories-library.com/samson-bible-story.shtml.
14. Jane Eyre (pg. 235)
14. Jane Eyre (pg. 235)
“I might as well ‘gild refined gold’ I know it; your request is granted, then—for the time. I will remand the order I dispatched to my banker.”
Gild refined gold is an expression derived from "gild of lily." This phrase is referring to something that has unneeded decoration or is extravagant or to cover something already lovely with extra. It also symbolizes trying to improve an object that does not need to be improved. Bronte is showing that Mr. Rochester understands Jane’s desire not to “crowned with roses.” All Jane desires is Mr. Rochester's love; she wants to be treated as an equal in the relationship and for Mr. Rochester to show her his love for her through this treatment rather than gifts. "Crowned with roses" may be another tie in to the religious theme. Catholics recite the rosary as prayer; the holy rosary is known as Mary's "crown of roses." Throughout the book, Jane is trying to figure out her own religious beliefs. Ties to the theme of religion are seen as Jane meets and interacts with different characters and sorts out what she believes and what she doesn't believe about religion.
“Gild refined gold, paint the lily.” The Phrase Finder. 29 November 2009.
"The Holy Rosary." The Congregation of the Apostolic Carmel. 17 Jan. 2010. 17 Jan. 2010. http://www.catholic-church.org/apcarmel/rosary.htm
“I might as well ‘gild refined gold’ I know it; your request is granted, then—for the time. I will remand the order I dispatched to my banker.”
Gild refined gold is an expression derived from "gild of lily." This phrase is referring to something that has unneeded decoration or is extravagant or to cover something already lovely with extra. It also symbolizes trying to improve an object that does not need to be improved. Bronte is showing that Mr. Rochester understands Jane’s desire not to “crowned with roses.” All Jane desires is Mr. Rochester's love; she wants to be treated as an equal in the relationship and for Mr. Rochester to show her his love for her through this treatment rather than gifts. "Crowned with roses" may be another tie in to the religious theme. Catholics recite the rosary as prayer; the holy rosary is known as Mary's "crown of roses." Throughout the book, Jane is trying to figure out her own religious beliefs. Ties to the theme of religion are seen as Jane meets and interacts with different characters and sorts out what she believes and what she doesn't believe about religion.
“Gild refined gold, paint the lily.” The Phrase Finder. 29 November 2009.
"The Holy Rosary." The Congregation of the Apostolic Carmel. 17 Jan. 2010. 17 Jan. 2010. http://www.catholic-church.org/apcarmel/rosary.htm
13. Jane Eyre
13. "Now, King Ahasuerus! What do I want with half your estate? Do you think I am a Jew-usurer, seeking good investment in land?”
King Ahasuerus is a biblical king named in the book of Esther (Bible). He ruled Persia, Media and Babylonia. He reined over these kingdoms for 20 years and invaded Greece. This invasion was stopped at the Pass of Thermopylae by Leonidas and the famous “300.” After Ahasueus was defeated by Themistocles at Salamis he returned home and took Esther as his Queen. Jew- userer is a derogatory term as a person who overcharged interest when lending money. In this case, Jews took advantage of other people. Bronte is expressing Jane’s desire to not be treated special by Mr. Rochester. Bronte describes Jane as not wanting to be given lavish or expensive gifts but to be considered and treated as an equal.
Ahasuerus. Bible Encyclopedia. Films for Christ. 1995-2009. ChristianAnswersNet. 29 November 2009.
Book of Esther. Bible Encyclopedia. Films for
Christ. 1995-2009. 29 November 2009. ChristianAnswersNet. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/estherbookof.html
King Ahasuerus is a biblical king named in the book of Esther (Bible). He ruled Persia, Media and Babylonia. He reined over these kingdoms for 20 years and invaded Greece. This invasion was stopped at the Pass of Thermopylae by Leonidas and the famous “300.” After Ahasueus was defeated by Themistocles at Salamis he returned home and took Esther as his Queen. Jew- userer is a derogatory term as a person who overcharged interest when lending money. In this case, Jews took advantage of other people. Bronte is expressing Jane’s desire to not be treated special by Mr. Rochester. Bronte describes Jane as not wanting to be given lavish or expensive gifts but to be considered and treated as an equal.
Ahasuerus. Bible Encyclopedia. Films for Christ. 1995-2009. ChristianAnswersNet. 29 November 2009.
Book of Esther. Bible Encyclopedia. Films for
Christ. 1995-2009. 29 November 2009. ChristianAnswersNet. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/estherbookof.html
12. Jane Eyre: (pg. 234)
12. Jane Eyre: (pg. 234)
“...Wherever I stamped my hoof, your sylph's foot shall step also.”
A sylph is a mythological creature that inhabits the air. Saying someone is a sylph is representing them to be a beautiful and slim woman. In this passage, Bronte depicts Jane Eyre as a beautiful, mythological person rather than the short, plain character she has previously been portrayed as. Bronte perhaps makes these changes because it is Mr. Rochester describing Jane. Do not all lovers see their significant other beautiful in someway?
"Sylph." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 29 November 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sylph
“...Wherever I stamped my hoof, your sylph's foot shall step also.”
A sylph is a mythological creature that inhabits the air. Saying someone is a sylph is representing them to be a beautiful and slim woman. In this passage, Bronte depicts Jane Eyre as a beautiful, mythological person rather than the short, plain character she has previously been portrayed as. Bronte perhaps makes these changes because it is Mr. Rochester describing Jane. Do not all lovers see their significant other beautiful in someway?
"Sylph." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 29 November 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sylph
11. Jane Eyre (pg. 221)
11. Jane Eyre (pg. 221)
“No nook in the grounds more sheltered and more Eden-like; it was full of trees, it bloomed with flowers: a very high wall shut it out from the court on one side; on the other, a beech avenue screened it from the lawn.”
Eden is the first garden described in Western religious literature. Eden is described as a beautiful place; the place where man and woman should have been completely satisified though it had its temptations. Bronte describes the grounds of Thornfield as a truly beautiful place. Eden is said to mean “delight.” Bronte shows the reader that Jane finds true delight in the beauty of the grounds of Thornfield and finds then peaceful and safe. Jane is also tempted by her attraction to Mr. Rochester while she is at Thornfield.
Brickner, Rabbi Balrour. “Eden: The First Garden.” Excerpted from Finding God in the Garden: Backyard Reflections on Life, Love, and Compost . eNotAlone.com. 2009. 29 November 2009. http://www.enotalone.com/article/3888.html.
“No nook in the grounds more sheltered and more Eden-like; it was full of trees, it bloomed with flowers: a very high wall shut it out from the court on one side; on the other, a beech avenue screened it from the lawn.”
Eden is the first garden described in Western religious literature. Eden is described as a beautiful place; the place where man and woman should have been completely satisified though it had its temptations. Bronte describes the grounds of Thornfield as a truly beautiful place. Eden is said to mean “delight.” Bronte shows the reader that Jane finds true delight in the beauty of the grounds of Thornfield and finds then peaceful and safe. Jane is also tempted by her attraction to Mr. Rochester while she is at Thornfield.
Brickner, Rabbi Balrour. “Eden: The First Garden.” Excerpted from Finding God in the Garden: Backyard Reflections on Life, Love, and Compost . eNotAlone.com. 2009. 29 November 2009. http://www.enotalone.com/article/3888.html.
10. Jane Eyre (pg. 219)
10. Jane Eyre (pg. 219)
“You must see the carriage, Jane, and tell me if you don't think it will suit Mrs. Rochester exactly; and whether she won't look like Queen Boadicea leaning back against those purple cushions.”
Queen Boadicea lived during the first century A.D. During this the time, Britain was overrun by the Roman Empire. Boadicea is widely known for leading the English people to rebel against the Romans during Nero's reign. She is described as “tall, strong boned, scowling creatures with long red hair” and often “mannish.” Bronte describes Mr. Rochester thinking of Blanche as Queen Boadicea showing the reader that Mr. Rochester finds Blanche to be a strong-willed person not necessarily to be remembered by her looks but rather her personality and strength. Bronte most likely describes Blanche in this negative and (almost) ugly reference to show the reader that this would be an ugly marriage. They are not right for each other. At the time that Jane Eyre was published, women had certain acceptable roles in life. The female character that Bronte created in Jane was unusual. Jane was an independent thinker. She explored religious thought and found ways to be as self supporting as she could in the time. She struggled but she persevered. Queen Boadicea was definitely an unusal woman. Bronte may be using these references to encourage the development of woman's minds to not accept the roles that society put upon them.
Boudica - Britain's Warrior Queen. Welcome to History UK. History of England. November 2009. 28 November 2009. http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/Boudica.htm
Grant, Vallkyrie. Iceni Queen Boadicea. March 2009. 28 November 2009. http://fanzone50.com/Tales/Boadicea1.html
“You must see the carriage, Jane, and tell me if you don't think it will suit Mrs. Rochester exactly; and whether she won't look like Queen Boadicea leaning back against those purple cushions.”
Queen Boadicea lived during the first century A.D. During this the time, Britain was overrun by the Roman Empire. Boadicea is widely known for leading the English people to rebel against the Romans during Nero's reign. She is described as “tall, strong boned, scowling creatures with long red hair” and often “mannish.” Bronte describes Mr. Rochester thinking of Blanche as Queen Boadicea showing the reader that Mr. Rochester finds Blanche to be a strong-willed person not necessarily to be remembered by her looks but rather her personality and strength. Bronte most likely describes Blanche in this negative and (almost) ugly reference to show the reader that this would be an ugly marriage. They are not right for each other. At the time that Jane Eyre was published, women had certain acceptable roles in life. The female character that Bronte created in Jane was unusual. Jane was an independent thinker. She explored religious thought and found ways to be as self supporting as she could in the time. She struggled but she persevered. Queen Boadicea was definitely an unusal woman. Bronte may be using these references to encourage the development of woman's minds to not accept the roles that society put upon them.
Boudica - Britain's Warrior Queen. Welcome to History UK. History of England. November 2009. 28 November 2009. http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/Boudica.htm
Grant, Vallkyrie. Iceni Queen Boadicea. March 2009. 28 November 2009. http://fanzone50.com/Tales/Boadicea1.html
9. Jane Eyre: (pg. 210)
9. Jane Eyre: (pg. 210)
Three times a day she studied a little book, which I found, on inspection, was a Common Prayer Book. I asked her once what was the great attraction of that volume, and she said, "the Rubric."
The Common Prayer Book is “the foundational prayer book of the Church of England which was one of the instruments of the Protestant Reformation in England.” Bronte is depicting Eliza to be a woman who is very faithful to her religion and beliefs but who also questions it. The rubric was part of the Book of Common Prayer that was put in to make sure that people understood the representation of the bread during communion and the symbolism of kneeling to receive it. The bread was just a representation and the action of kneeling was not about worshiping the bread (the host) or the action of receiving communion but about the symbolism of the bread. The bread symbolizes the broken body of Christ who sacrificed his life to save people from their own sins. Jane, like Eliza, often finds herself questioning religion. Even though religion does not play a constant role in her life she is religious. Bronte finds ways to develop her religious theme by showing her characters in common relious practices and then having Jane assess the interactions with the characters.
Book of Common Prayer - History, Prayer books in other Anglican churches, Religious influence, Secular influence, Copyright status, Footnotes and references
http://encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com/pages/3062/Book-Common-Prayer.html#ixzz0YT3ULuTd.
Castelli, Jorge. “Book of Common Prayer.” Tudor Place.com. 27 November 2009. http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Documents/book_of_common_prayer.htm.
Three times a day she studied a little book, which I found, on inspection, was a Common Prayer Book. I asked her once what was the great attraction of that volume, and she said, "the Rubric."
The Common Prayer Book is “the foundational prayer book of the Church of England which was one of the instruments of the Protestant Reformation in England.” Bronte is depicting Eliza to be a woman who is very faithful to her religion and beliefs but who also questions it. The rubric was part of the Book of Common Prayer that was put in to make sure that people understood the representation of the bread during communion and the symbolism of kneeling to receive it. The bread was just a representation and the action of kneeling was not about worshiping the bread (the host) or the action of receiving communion but about the symbolism of the bread. The bread symbolizes the broken body of Christ who sacrificed his life to save people from their own sins. Jane, like Eliza, often finds herself questioning religion. Even though religion does not play a constant role in her life she is religious. Bronte finds ways to develop her religious theme by showing her characters in common relious practices and then having Jane assess the interactions with the characters.
Book of Common Prayer - History, Prayer books in other Anglican churches, Religious influence, Secular influence, Copyright status, Footnotes and references
http://encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com/pages/3062/Book-Common-Prayer.html#ixzz0YT3ULuTd.
Castelli, Jorge. “Book of Common Prayer.” Tudor Place.com. 27 November 2009. http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Documents/book_of_common_prayer.htm.
8. Jane Eyre (pg. 189)
8. Jane Eyre (pg. 189)
“And this man I bent over—this commonplace, quiet stranger—how had he become involved in the web of horror? and why had the Fury flown at him?”
Bronte makes a reference to three goddesses from Greek mythology: Alecto, Tipiphone, and Megaera. They are the goddesses of revenge; they hunt and punish sinners. Bronte uses this reference creates a vivid image of the angry and violent woman that attacked Mr. Mason. The Furies were angry, vengeful goddesses. Mr. Mason's sister is like someone possessed. She is crazy. Mr. Mason tries to do what is right for his sister, but he is attacked as if he is the one who is wrong. By continuing to force the reader to think about right and wrong, good and evil, Bronte is developing the theme of religion and the women's roles in the time.
“The Furies.” Megara.org. 30 November 2009. http://www.megaera.org/Megaera/fury.html
"Megaera" created on 22 April 1997; last modified on 15 May 1998 (Revision 2). 30 November 2009.
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/megaera.html.
“And this man I bent over—this commonplace, quiet stranger—how had he become involved in the web of horror? and why had the Fury flown at him?”
Bronte makes a reference to three goddesses from Greek mythology: Alecto, Tipiphone, and Megaera. They are the goddesses of revenge; they hunt and punish sinners. Bronte uses this reference creates a vivid image of the angry and violent woman that attacked Mr. Mason. The Furies were angry, vengeful goddesses. Mr. Mason's sister is like someone possessed. She is crazy. Mr. Mason tries to do what is right for his sister, but he is attacked as if he is the one who is wrong. By continuing to force the reader to think about right and wrong, good and evil, Bronte is developing the theme of religion and the women's roles in the time.
“The Furies.” Megara.org. 30 November 2009. http://www.megaera.org/Megaera/fury.html
"Megaera" created on 22 April 1997; last modified on 15 May 1998 (Revision 2). 30 November 2009.
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/megaera.html.
7. Jane Eyre (pg. 185)
7. Jane Eyre (pg. 185)
“All's right!—all's right!” he cried. “It's a mere rehearsal of ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ Ladies, keep off, or I shall wax dangerous.”
In this quote Bronte makes an allusion to the Shakespeare play “Much Ado about Nothing”; this is a generally happy play ending in the union of four lovers. In this play, nothing “wrong” ever actually happens, however, fusses are made over many minor details or tricks. Bronte makes this allusion to show the reader that Rochester feels as if too much fuss is being made of non- important things. He is being clung to and it annoys him deeply.
SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Much Ado About Nothing.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.
“All's right!—all's right!” he cried. “It's a mere rehearsal of ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ Ladies, keep off, or I shall wax dangerous.”
In this quote Bronte makes an allusion to the Shakespeare play “Much Ado about Nothing”; this is a generally happy play ending in the union of four lovers. In this play, nothing “wrong” ever actually happens, however, fusses are made over many minor details or tricks. Bronte makes this allusion to show the reader that Rochester feels as if too much fuss is being made of non- important things. He is being clung to and it annoys him deeply.
SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Much Ado About Nothing.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.
6. Jane Eyre (pg. 184)
6. Jane Eyre (pg. 184)
“The consequence was, that when the moon, which was full and bright (for the night was fine), came in her course to that space in the sky opposite my casement, and looked in at me through the unveiled panes, her glorious gaze roused me. Awaking in the dead of night, I opened my eyes on her disk--silver- white and crystal clear. It was beautiful, but too solemn...”
Bronte is using the moon and the color, silver-white, referencing the moon. Silver symbolizes desire and the harms that desire may cause. Furthermore, the moon is a symbol of shapes that change and then reform. White symbolizes innocence or enlightenment. Bronte is foreshadowing a change in atmosphere for Jane Eyre. Bronte describes the moon as a “silver- white” representing an innocent desire that Jane Eyre possess for Mr. Rochester. Will this desire harm Jane or someone else?
“Symbolism in Literature.” Scribd. 10 September 2008. 23 August 2009.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6472314/Symbolism-in-Literature.
“The consequence was, that when the moon, which was full and bright (for the night was fine), came in her course to that space in the sky opposite my casement, and looked in at me through the unveiled panes, her glorious gaze roused me. Awaking in the dead of night, I opened my eyes on her disk--silver- white and crystal clear. It was beautiful, but too solemn...”
Bronte is using the moon and the color, silver-white, referencing the moon. Silver symbolizes desire and the harms that desire may cause. Furthermore, the moon is a symbol of shapes that change and then reform. White symbolizes innocence or enlightenment. Bronte is foreshadowing a change in atmosphere for Jane Eyre. Bronte describes the moon as a “silver- white” representing an innocent desire that Jane Eyre possess for Mr. Rochester. Will this desire harm Jane or someone else?
“Symbolism in Literature.” Scribd. 10 September 2008. 23 August 2009.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6472314/Symbolism-in-Literature.
5. Jane Eyre: (pg. 125)
5. Jane Eyre: (pg. 125)
"You are afraid of me, because I talk like a Sphynx."
The word sphynx means “strangler”. The Greeks first used this word to describe a “fabulous creature which had the head of a woman, the body of a lion and the wings of a bird.” Bronte uses the word “sphynx” to describe the way Mr. Rochester is speaking to Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester is very abrupt and bewildering; Bronte is saying that his words are nearly strangling Jane Eyre. He is saying that he is mysterious to Jane. The sphynx would be a truly terrifying create to stumble upon (through appearances). However, Jane replies to this comment by stating “Your language is enigmatical, sir: but though I am bewildered, I am certainly not afraid." Bronte develops Jane’s character as straightforward, strong and independent.
"Sphinx." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 01 Dec. 2009. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Sphinx.
Winston, Allen. “The Great Sphinx of Giza.” Tour Egypt. InterCityOz. Inc. 1999-2003. 27 November 2009. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/sphinx1.htm
"You are afraid of me, because I talk like a Sphynx."
The word sphynx means “strangler”. The Greeks first used this word to describe a “fabulous creature which had the head of a woman, the body of a lion and the wings of a bird.” Bronte uses the word “sphynx” to describe the way Mr. Rochester is speaking to Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester is very abrupt and bewildering; Bronte is saying that his words are nearly strangling Jane Eyre. He is saying that he is mysterious to Jane. The sphynx would be a truly terrifying create to stumble upon (through appearances). However, Jane replies to this comment by stating “Your language is enigmatical, sir: but though I am bewildered, I am certainly not afraid." Bronte develops Jane’s character as straightforward, strong and independent.
"Sphinx." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 01 Dec. 2009. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Sphinx.
Winston, Allen. “The Great Sphinx of Giza.” Tour Egypt. InterCityOz. Inc. 1999-2003. 27 November 2009. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/sphinx1.htm
4. Jane Eyre: (pg. 175)
4. Jane Eyre: (pg. 175)
“The library looked tranquil enough as I entered it, and the Sibyl-- if Sibyl she were--was seated snugly enough in an easy-chair at the chimney-corner.”
A Sibyl is a woman who is assumed to have powers of prophecy or divination. Bronte is showing expressing Jane Eyre’s disbelief in the gypsy that is here to tell her of her future. Jane questions the powers of this lady, “if sibyl she were”, Jane is only seeing the gypsy for fun. Bronte uses the gypsy to further reveal Jane’s nature – skeptic and realist. The story is told from Jane’s point-of-view (writer’s tool). Bronte also uses the Sibyl to create sinister and supernatural tone which was popular at the time.
Erlich, Julie. Afterword. Jane Eyre. By Charolotte Bronte. The Reader’s Digest Association. September 1984. 25 November 2009.
"SIBYL." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 26 November 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SIBYL
Steinberg, Briel. The supernatural element in Jane Eyre. The Victorian Web. 1993. 26 November 2009. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/steinberg1.html.
“The library looked tranquil enough as I entered it, and the Sibyl-- if Sibyl she were--was seated snugly enough in an easy-chair at the chimney-corner.”
A Sibyl is a woman who is assumed to have powers of prophecy or divination. Bronte is showing expressing Jane Eyre’s disbelief in the gypsy that is here to tell her of her future. Jane questions the powers of this lady, “if sibyl she were”, Jane is only seeing the gypsy for fun. Bronte uses the gypsy to further reveal Jane’s nature – skeptic and realist. The story is told from Jane’s point-of-view (writer’s tool). Bronte also uses the Sibyl to create sinister and supernatural tone which was popular at the time.
Erlich, Julie. Afterword. Jane Eyre. By Charolotte Bronte. The Reader’s Digest Association. September 1984. 25 November 2009.
"SIBYL." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 26 November 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SIBYL
Steinberg, Briel. The supernatural element in Jane Eyre. The Victorian Web. 1993. 26 November 2009. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/steinberg1.html.
3. Jane Eyre: (pg. 144)
3. Jane Eyre: (pg. 144)
“...the Grecian neck and bust...”
Bronte is referencing the ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks are known for their appearances and style of dress; Greek men had flat, figured abs. Grecian dress was less modest than Christian dress. Bronte compares Blanche’s neck and bust to that of a Grecian. Bronte is showing that Blanche is a very beautiful woman. By referring to the neck and bust, Bronte also develops imagery of desire and lust.
“The Christian’s Appearance.” Bible Views. 8 October 2008. 25 November 2009. http://www.bibleviews.com/Dress.html
"grecian." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 Dec. 2009. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grecian.
“Greek Physique.” Urban Dictionary. 1999-2009. 25 November 2009.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Greek%20physique
“...the Grecian neck and bust...”
Bronte is referencing the ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks are known for their appearances and style of dress; Greek men had flat, figured abs. Grecian dress was less modest than Christian dress. Bronte compares Blanche’s neck and bust to that of a Grecian. Bronte is showing that Blanche is a very beautiful woman. By referring to the neck and bust, Bronte also develops imagery of desire and lust.
“The Christian’s Appearance.” Bible Views. 8 October 2008. 25 November 2009. http://www.bibleviews.com/Dress.html
"grecian." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 Dec. 2009. Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grecian.
“Greek Physique.” Urban Dictionary. 1999-2009. 25 November 2009.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Greek%20physique
2. Jane Eyre: (pg. 84)
2. Jane Eyre: (pg. 84)
“... including a portrait of George the Third, and another of the Prince of Wales, and a representation of the death of Wolfe.”
George the Third was named the Prince of Wales in 1751 when he was 12 and began to serve as King in 1760. The Prince of Wales was George III’s son since the Prince of Wales is the title given to the son of the King of England who is supposed to become the King. “The death of Wolfe” references the death of General James Wolfe in the battle of Quebec. There are many artistic representations of General Wolfe’s death. Bronte is using imagery to describe the current setting of the story and to show Jane’s feelings. She is anxious, alone, and surrounded by paintings of these powerful men. Bronte is creating the stage for the next part of Jane’s life. She will be surrounded by things she is not used to. This may make Jane feel isolated but it also develops her character.
“The Battle of Quebec 1759.” British Battles.com. 2007. 25 November 2009. http://www.britishbattles.com/battle-of-quebec.htm
“King George the Third.” Evisum, Inc. 2000. 25 November 2009. http://www.kinggeorgeiii.com/
McNeil, Keith and Rusty. “Information: The Death of General Wolfe.” Colonial and Revolution Songbook. WEM Records, Riverside, CA. 1996. 25 November 2009. http://www.contemplator.com/america/wolfe.html
“Previous Princes of Wales.” The Prince of Wales. 2009. 25 November 2009. http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/theprinceofwales/abouttheprince/previousprincesofwales/
“... including a portrait of George the Third, and another of the Prince of Wales, and a representation of the death of Wolfe.”
George the Third was named the Prince of Wales in 1751 when he was 12 and began to serve as King in 1760. The Prince of Wales was George III’s son since the Prince of Wales is the title given to the son of the King of England who is supposed to become the King. “The death of Wolfe” references the death of General James Wolfe in the battle of Quebec. There are many artistic representations of General Wolfe’s death. Bronte is using imagery to describe the current setting of the story and to show Jane’s feelings. She is anxious, alone, and surrounded by paintings of these powerful men. Bronte is creating the stage for the next part of Jane’s life. She will be surrounded by things she is not used to. This may make Jane feel isolated but it also develops her character.
“The Battle of Quebec 1759.” British Battles.com. 2007. 25 November 2009. http://www.britishbattles.com/battle-of-quebec.htm
“King George the Third.” Evisum, Inc. 2000. 25 November 2009. http://www.kinggeorgeiii.com/
McNeil, Keith and Rusty. “Information: The Death of General Wolfe.” Colonial and Revolution Songbook. WEM Records, Riverside, CA. 1996. 25 November 2009. http://www.contemplator.com/america/wolfe.html
“Previous Princes of Wales.” The Prince of Wales. 2009. 25 November 2009. http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/theprinceofwales/abouttheprince/previousprincesofwales/
1. Jane Eyre: (pg. 8)
1. Jane Eyre: (pg. 8)
“Where the Northern Ocean, in vast whirls,
Boils round the naked, melancholy isles,
Of farthest Thule; and the Atlantic surge
Pours in among the stormy Hebridges.”
Bronte is describing the North Cape which her character, Jane Eyre, is reading about. According to the Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, Thule may be Iceland; Ancient Romans knew it as the most faraway known place to the north. Thule may be connected to “Gothic Tiule” which means the “most remote land.” Thule also may be connected to Greek “telos ”meaning “the end.” Bronte uses this reference to highlight the cold and bleak conditions that Jane grew up in (orphaned and living with an aunt that resented her) and that formed the basis for her childhood life and that influenced the way she thought and felt about relationships, religion, independence and what she thinks is right and wrong. Jane felt isolated and alone growing up and spends her life looking to belong but without giving up who she is.
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. Great Books on Line. Bartleby.com: Great Books online. 2009. 25 November 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/81/16480.html
“Where the Northern Ocean, in vast whirls,
Boils round the naked, melancholy isles,
Of farthest Thule; and the Atlantic surge
Pours in among the stormy Hebridges.”
Bronte is describing the North Cape which her character, Jane Eyre, is reading about. According to the Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, Thule may be Iceland; Ancient Romans knew it as the most faraway known place to the north. Thule may be connected to “Gothic Tiule” which means the “most remote land.” Thule also may be connected to Greek “telos ”meaning “the end.” Bronte uses this reference to highlight the cold and bleak conditions that Jane grew up in (orphaned and living with an aunt that resented her) and that formed the basis for her childhood life and that influenced the way she thought and felt about relationships, religion, independence and what she thinks is right and wrong. Jane felt isolated and alone growing up and spends her life looking to belong but without giving up who she is.
E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. Great Books on Line. Bartleby.com: Great Books online. 2009. 25 November 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/81/16480.html
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