Josue, Anais, and Joshua Period 2

A bildungsroman, or coming of age novel, recounts the psychological or moral development of its protagonist from youth to maturity, when the character recognizes her place in the world. PROMPT

A type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist. DEFINITION OF BILDUNGSROMAN

The evolution from a naughty, rebellious girl to a caring grown woman who has learned from her experiences with multiple hardships. The people that she had interactions with over the course of her lifetime had a tremendous role to play in the education, development, and sophistication of her life. HOW JANE EYRE ILLUSTRATES BILDUNGSROMAN

“I dreaded being discovered and sent back; for I MUST see Helen,-I must embrace her before she died,-I must give her one last kiss, exchanged with her one last word.” EXAMPLE #1

Since early age, Jane was not seen as a compassionate person. However, in this quote we’re able to witness how Helen has made a significant impact in Jane’s life. Jane makes a clear transition from a naughty little girl to a compassionate and caring person. SIGNIFICANT MOMENT #1 (LOWOOD)

“ ‘I do love you,’ I said, “more than ever: but I must not show or indulge the feeling; and this is the last time I must express it.” “ ‘Sir, your wife is living: that is a fact acknowledged this morning by yourself. If I lived with you as you desire- I should then be your mistress: to say otherwise is sophistical- is false.’ ” EXAMPLE #2

During Jane’s transition into womanhood she just wants to be loved and as time goes on at Thornfield Rochester and Jane create a relationship unto which Rochester acts out by proposing to Jane. However as the preparations continue for the big day and the wedding day approaches, Jane draws away from Rochester setting her own rules thus giving Jane independence and confidence letting her not have to rely on another person to be content. When Rochester’s secret comes out Jane reacts calmly but because of her self-respect, that has come to her from moving from place to place in the novel, this kept her from marrying a man who was already married giving her the strength to keep her idea that she couldn’t ignore her personal value just for a man who could give her an easy and pleasant life. SIGNIFICANT MOMENT #2 (THORNSFIELD)

“I thought of Helen Burns, recalled her dying words—her faith—her doctrine of the equality of disembodied souls.” …. “ ‘Dear Mrs. Reed,’ said I, as I offered her the draught she required, ‘think no more of all this, let it pass away from your mind. Forgive me for my passionate language: I was a child then; eight, nine years have passed since that day.’” EXAMPLE #3

Although Jane Eyre was treated unkindly by her aunt when she was young, she still decided to go visit her. Jane decided to show compassion to the one person he hated the most as a child. This moment can be classified as significant because it proves that Jane has in fact developed, matured, and learned throughout the novel. SIGNIFICANT MOMENT #3 (MOORSHEAD)

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Bantam Dell, 1987 CITATIONS