Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte

Facts and background Written in 1854 Charlotte Bronte – daughter of a clergyman, imaginative, educated, some parallels with Jane’s life. First published in the name Currer Bell, as women did not often write in those days.

Structure First person narrative. Five sections: Gateshead Lowood Thornfield Hall With the Rivers family Back at (a changed) Thornfield

Themes Love and relationships Money Class Childhood The role of women Religion Family Supernatural?

A Byronic Hero The poet Lord Byron was described as being “mad, bad and dangerous to know” by an ex- lover. Some characteristics of Lord Byron have since been attributed to characters in novels – and in real life! Rochester is often described as a ‘Byronic hero’.

Facets of a Byronic Hero Arrogant Cunning and able to adapt Cynical Disrespectful of rank and privilege Emotionally conflicted, bipolar or moody Having a distaste for social institutions and norms Having a troubled past or suffering from an unnamed crime Intelligent and perceptive Jaded, world-weary Mysterious, magnetic and charismatic Seductive and sexually attractive Self-critical and introspective Self-destructive Socially and sexually dominant Sophisticated and educated Struggling with integrity Treated as an exile, outcast or outlaw

Edward Fairfax Rochester Jane says: “ I had not intended to love him…He made me love him without looking at me.“ Chapter 17

Is Rochester a Byronic hero? Secrets, moods, darkness, passion, intelligence, pride, arrogance… “I love you as my own flesh…” “I have spent the last fifteen years in TORMENT! ” “Then judge me, priest on the gospel and man of the law, and remember with what judgment ye judge, ye... Off with you now” (Jaaaaaaaaane)