1. Jane Eyre By Charlote Bronte

2. Why Were Novels So Popular in the 19 th Century ? Appeal to “young, ignorant, and idle” Appeal to “young, ignorant, and idle” Appeal to newly-literate audiences (working classes, middle class, women)—leads to “highbrow” and “lowbrow” notions of writing Appeal to newly-literate audiences (working classes, middle class, women)—leads to “highbrow” and “lowbrow” notions of writing Economically feasible (subscription publishing, libraries, serials) Economically feasible (subscription publishing, libraries, serials)

3. 3 Schooling During the early 19 th century, it became fashionable to educate females. During the early 19 th century, it became fashionable to educate females. However, free education was not yet available for either sex. However, free education was not yet available for either sex. Only the very rich could send their daughters to elegant girls’ schools Only the very rich could send their daughters to elegant girls’ schools

4. What does the 19 th C British novel emphasize? Questions of social identity (class, inheritance, gender roles) Questions of social identity (class, inheritance, gender roles) Moral values (faith, ethics, courage, dignity) Moral values (faith, ethics, courage, dignity) Realism in subject, tone, description Realism in subject, tone, description Mood, sensation, feeling (e.g. “gothic”) Mood, sensation, feeling (e.g. “gothic”)

5. Charlotte Bronte Was born of Irish ancestry in 1816 Was born of Irish ancestry in 1816 Lived at Haworth, a parsonage Mother died of cancer when Charlotte was 5 years old.

6. Charlotte’s Religious Views Father, Patrick Bronte, was an Anglican clergyman Father, Patrick Bronte, was an Anglican clergyman Due to her upbringing, she often wrote about religious hypocrisy— those who preach one doctrine but live by another Due to her upbringing, she often wrote about religious hypocrisy— those who preach one doctrine but live by another

7. The Bronte Sisters Charlotte had four sisters and one brother. Charlotte had four sisters and one brother. After their mother’s death, Brontë and her sisters were sent to the Clergy Daughters’ School. The food was bad Discipline was harsh Disease was rampant Bronte’s two older sisters (Maria & Elizabeth) died of tuberculosis. Bronte’s two older sisters (Maria & Elizabeth) died of tuberculosis.

8. Tuberculosis 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.

9. All in the Family The Clergy Daughter’s School at Cowan Bridge would became the model for Lowood, the fictitious girls’ school in Jane Eyre. The Clergy Daughter’s School at Cowan Bridge would became the model for Lowood, the fictitious girls’ school in Jane Eyre. Charlote’s sisters Anne and Emily Bronte both became successful writers. Charlote’s sisters Anne and Emily Bronte both became successful writers. In 1846, Charlotte & her sisters started publishing poems and began writing novels: In 1846, Charlotte & her sisters started publishing poems and began writing novels: The Professor was Charlotte’s attempt to fictionalize her love for a college professor she had met at Brussels. The Professor was Charlotte’s attempt to fictionalize her love for a college professor she had met at Brussels. In 1847 Wuthering Heights was sister Emily’s first success. Charlotte followed with Jane Eyre. In 1847 Wuthering Heights was sister Emily’s first success. Charlotte followed with Jane Eyre. Charlotte’s brother, Branwell, was a gifted painter. Charlotte’s brother, Branwell, was a gifted painter. Emily Bronte Anne Bronte Branwell Bronte Charlotte Bronte

10. All 3 Bronte Sisters… Used a masculine pen name because women writers were not taken seriously at that time in Victorian England. Used a masculine pen name because women writers were not taken seriously at that time in Victorian England. Charlotte used the name Currer Bell. Charlotte used the name Currer Bell.

11. Why a pseudonym? “Averse to personal publicity, we veiled our own names under those of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell; the ambiguous choice being dictated by a sort of conscientious scruple at assuming Christian names positively masculine, while we did not like to declare ourselves women, because -- without at that time suspecting that our mode of writing and thinking was not what is called 'feminine' -- we had a vague impression that authoresses are liable to be looked on with prejudice; we had noticed how critics sometimes use for their chastisement the weapon of personality, and for their reward, a flattery, which is not true praise." “Averse to personal publicity, we veiled our own names under those of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell; the ambiguous choice being dictated by a sort of conscientious scruple at assuming Christian names positively masculine, while we did not like to declare ourselves women, because -- without at that time suspecting that our mode of writing and thinking was not what is called 'feminine' -- we had a vague impression that authoresses are liable to be looked on with prejudice; we had noticed how critics sometimes use for their chastisement the weapon of personality, and for their reward, a flattery, which is not true praise."

12. Marriage Bells In 1854 Charlotte married her father's curate, Arthur Bell Nichols. In 1854 Charlotte married her father's curate, Arthur Bell Nichols. The next year, she became pregnant, then ill. The next year, she became pregnant, then ill. She died a month before her 39 th birthday. She died a month before her 39 th birthday.

13. THE NOVEL Jane Eyre was published in London in 1847.

14. Key Facts All events are told in the past from Jane’s point of view. All events are told in the past from Jane’s point of view. The setting is early 19 th Century England. The setting is early 19 th Century England. Jane Eyre is classified as both a Gothic and a Romantic novel. Jane Eyre is classified as both a Gothic and a Romantic novel.

15. Jane Eyre Our protagonist Our protagonist Orphaned as a child Orphaned as a child Becomes governess at Thornfield Becomes governess at Thornfield A feisty young child, who grows into a strong woman. A feisty young child, who grows into a strong woman. Embodies the English working-class woman. Embodies the English working-class woman. Will marry.... ? Will marry.... ?

16. Edward Rochester Jane’s boss at Thornfield Jane’s boss at Thornfield Gruff and rude Gruff and rude Made wealthy by family money Made wealthy by family money Benefactor to Adèle Varens Benefactor to Adèle Varens Very secretive and sometimes deceitful Very secretive and sometimes deceitful

17. Reed Family Jane’s family on her father’s side Jane’s family on her father’s side Mrs. Reed is Jane’s cruel aunt who sends Jane to Lowood; she locks Jane in the “Red Room” for punishment Mrs. Reed is Jane’s cruel aunt who sends Jane to Lowood; she locks Jane in the “Red Room” for punishment John, Eliza, and Georgiana are Jane’s spoiled cousins; they are rude and selfish; they either torment Jane or ignore her John, Eliza, and Georgiana are Jane’s spoiled cousins; they are rude and selfish; they either torment Jane or ignore her

18. Rivers Family Jane’s caretakers when she leaves Thornfield – are her cousins on her mother’s side. Jane’s caretakers when she leaves Thornfield – are her cousins on her mother’s side. St. John – Minister at Morton, tries to get Jane to be his missionary wife St. John – Minister at Morton, tries to get Jane to be his missionary wife Diana and Mary – kind and independent women, serve as role models for Jane (we only see one of the sisters [Mary] in the movie) Diana and Mary – kind and independent women, serve as role models for Jane (we only see one of the sisters [Mary] in the movie) St. John Rivers

19. Mysterious character Exotic, sensual personification of the Orient Exotic, sensual personification of the Orient Why is she at Thornfield? Why is she at Thornfield?

20. Mrs. Fairfax Housekeeper at Thornfield Housekeeper at Thornfield Serves as a mother figure/role model for Jane Serves as a mother figure/role model for Jane Tells Jane about secrets of Thornfield and the Rochesters. Tells Jane about secrets of Thornfield and the Rochesters. Thornfield Manor

21. Other Characters Helen Burns – Jane’s friend at Lowood, teaches her character, dies in Jane’s arms Helen Burns – Jane’s friend at Lowood, teaches her character, dies in Jane’s arms Mr. Brocklehurst – cruel and dishonest master of Lowood School Mr. Brocklehurst – cruel and dishonest master of Lowood School Miss Temple – Jane’s favorite teacher, positive female role model/mother figure Miss Temple – Jane’s favorite teacher, positive female role model/mother figure Helen Mr. Brocklehurst Miss Temple

22. Other Characters (Cont.) Grace Poole – Bertha’s mysterious keeper, serves as Bertha’s scapegoat Grace Poole – Bertha’s mysterious keeper, serves as Bertha’s scapegoat Adèle Varens – Jane’s pupil, daughter of Rochester’s old mistress, Celene Adèle Varens – Jane’s pupil, daughter of Rochester’s old mistress, Celene Blanche Ingram – socialite after Rochester’s money, opposite of Jane Blanche Ingram – socialite after Rochester’s money, opposite of Jane Ad è le Blanche Ingram

23. Charlotte’s Gothic Influence Jane Eyre displays some characteristics of the gothic novel: Jane Eyre displays some characteristics of the gothic novel: Imprisoned women Imprisoned women A heroine who faces danger A heroine who faces danger Supernatural interventions at crucial moments in the plot Supernatural interventions at crucial moments in the plot A romantic reconciliation A romantic reconciliation

24. Jane Eyre’s Romantic Heritage The Romantic Movement The Romantic Movement Came into play in at the end of the 18 th Century. Championed for the rights of the individual over the demands of society. Believed that humans were inherently good Valued imagination over reason Inspired by nature

25. Introduction Jane Eyre is an orphan in 1800s England. Jane’s parents died of typhus when she was a baby. Jane’s parents died of typhus when she was a baby. treat Jane cruelly. Mrs. Reed, her aunt, has agreed to raise her, but she and her three children treat Jane cruelly. Yet, Mrs. Reed expects Jane to be thankful.

26. Jane 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.

27. Jane 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.

28. Typhus Jane Eyre’s Lowood suffers an outbreak of typhus, a disease that is spread by fleas, ticks, and lice causes headaches, chills, rashes, and fevers that last up to three weeks Both tuberculosis and typhus are diseases associated with crowded, unsanitary conditions. The threat of catching one of these diseases is a major concern for the characters in Jane Eyre.

29. Life at Lowood The superintendent of The superintendent of Lowood School is Mr. Brocklehurst. Lowood School is Mr. Brocklehurst. Jane immediately makes friend with a girl called Helen Burns. Jane immediately makes friend with a girl called Helen Burns. She also admires her head teacher Miss. Temple. She also admires her head teacher Miss. Temple. As a consequence of bad conditions, typhus breaks out. Many girls die, including Helen, Jane’s best friend As a consequence of bad conditions, typhus breaks out. Many girls die, including Helen, Jane’s best friend Jane stays at Lowood eight years as a pupil and then two years as a teacher. Jane stays at Lowood eight years as a pupil and then two years as a teacher.

30. Thornfield Hall After posting an advertisement in a local paper, Jane becomes the private governess at Thornfield Hall. After posting an advertisement in a local paper, Jane becomes the private governess at Thornfield Hall. Her pupil is a young French girl named Adele. Her pupil is a young French girl named Adele. Thornfield Hall belongs to a Mr. Rochester Thornfield Hall belongs to a Mr. Rochester Jane does not meet him for months. Jane does not meet him for months. Finally, Mr. Rochester returns home and stays longer than usual at Thornfield Hall Finally, Mr. Rochester returns home and stays longer than usual at Thornfield Hall

31. Role of the Governess o With the new stress on female education, governesses were in demand. o Pay was poor, but it was one of the only jobs available to educated, yet impoverished young women. o Employers & other servants often shunned the governess because they felt they were “putting on airs.” o Their employers would often ignore them, too, because they had a superior education, which intimidated many people – especially men.

32. Mysteries... One night at Thornfield, Jane wakes up and hears evil laughter... One night at Thornfield, Jane wakes up and hears evil laughter... Who could this be? Who could this be? What is going on in Mr. Rochester’s bedroom? What is going on in Mr. Rochester’s bedroom? One day Mr. Rochester gives a party for some fine guests. In attendance is a Miss. Ingram, a beautiful woman, who adores Mr. Rochester. During the party a Mr. Mason arrives. One day Mr. Rochester gives a party for some fine guests. In attendance is a Miss. Ingram, a beautiful woman, who adores Mr. Rochester. During the party a Mr. Mason arrives. Who is this mysterious man? Who is this mysterious man? What is he doing at Thornfield? What is he doing at Thornfield? What will happen to him? What will happen to him? One day Jane receives a letter regarding Mrs. Reed, her wicked aunt. Mrs. Reed is dying and wants to see Jane again. One day Jane receives a letter regarding Mrs. Reed, her wicked aunt. Mrs. Reed is dying and wants to see Jane again. Why would she want to see Jane again? Why would she want to see Jane again? What secret does she possess? What secret does she possess? When Jane comes back to Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester is very happy to see her again. He gives Jane the news that he has decided to marry. When Jane comes back to Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester is very happy to see her again. He gives Jane the news that he has decided to marry. Who will he marry? Who will he marry? Will the wedding actually take place? Will the wedding actually take place?

33. Jane Eyre: A Ground Breaking Novel The heroine is small, plain, & poor The heroine is the first female character to claim the right to feel strongly about her emotions and act on her convictions This romantic ground had previously been reserved for males Such a psychologically complex heroine had never been created before

34. Byronic Hero This term is created by the famous poet George Gordon, Lord Byron. This term is created by the famous poet George Gordon, Lord Byron. Characteristics are… Characteristics are… Proud Gloomy Mysterious Passionate *Mr. Rochester is an example of this type

35. Love Jane is constantly in a search for love. She is searches for romantic love in Rochester, motherly love through Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax, and friendship through the Rivers siblings, Helen Burns, and Rochester. Jane’s search for love might stem from the scorn she felt as a child Jane’s search for love might stem from the scorn she felt as a child

36. Social Class Jane often feels inadequate compared to many of the other main characters in the novel. Jane feels that her love for Rochester is wrong because she isn’t from the same class. Class segregates Jane from her cousins on both sides, although it is more obvious on the Reed side. Blanche Ingram is the class opposite of Jane.

37. Religion Religion plays a huge role in this novel. Helen Burns taught Jane a view of faith and God that she could understand. Mr. Brocklehurst’s Evangelical view had negative effects on Jane, as did St. John River’s Empirical view. Even the once cruel Eliza Reed joins a French convent.

38. Mother Figures In her search for love, Jane also looks for the mother figure that she missed as a child. Jane finds the characteristics she is looking for in: Miss Temple Miss Temple Mrs. Fairfax Mrs. Fairfax Rivers sisters Rivers sisters

39. Red Room The room at Gateshead where Uncle Reed died, and where Jane was locked up to be punished. This punishment haunted Jane for the rest of her life. Memories of the night in the Red Room occur when Jane is at a crossroads in her life.

40. Patterns of Repetition Signal Importance Landscapes and viewpoints Landscapes and viewpoints Words and synonyms (rebel, liberty) Words and synonyms (rebel, liberty) Episodes (Jane being singled out) Episodes (Jane being singled out) Characters (kindly female supporters: Bessie, Mrs. Fairfax, the Rivers sisters) Characters (kindly female supporters: Bessie, Mrs. Fairfax, the Rivers sisters) Actions (e.g. painting pictures, “taking likenesses,” etc.) Actions (e.g. painting pictures, “taking likenesses,” etc.)

41. 19 th Century Gothic

42. What Is Literary Gothic? In 19 th century, “irregular”, “wild,” “supernatural,” “uncivilized” In 19 th century, “irregular”, “wild,” “supernatural,” “uncivilized” Some indicator words: mad, wild, free, authentic, natural, dark, exotic, ancient, spooky, brooding… Some indicator words: mad, wild, free, authentic, natural, dark, exotic, ancient, spooky, brooding… General tone is dark, brooding, creepy, mysterious, malevolent…think Tim Burton General tone is dark, brooding, creepy, mysterious, malevolent…think Tim Burton Mysterious house, broodingly handsome hero, madwoman in attic—all Gothic conventions Mysterious house, broodingly handsome hero, madwoman in attic—all Gothic conventions

43. Characterization “Round” characters: fully-developed, three-dimensional “Round” characters: fully-developed, three-dimensional “Flat” characters: not fully-developed, often stereotyped “Flat” characters: not fully-developed, often stereotyped Implicit vs. explicit characterization Implicit vs. explicit characterization Think about how characterization is conveyed to us (description, other characters’ reactions, etc.) Think about how characterization is conveyed to us (description, other characters’ reactions, etc.)

44. Dialogue Voice Voice Word choice Word choice Rhythm Rhythm

45. Theme Idea or point being put forward by a work Idea or point being put forward by a work May or may not be synonymous with “message” May or may not be synonymous with “message” May be explicitly or implicitly conveyed and reinforced May be explicitly or implicitly conveyed and reinforced

46. Point of View First person (“I”) First person (“I”) Protagonist Protagonist Observer Observer Third person omniscient (“He, she, They”) Third person omniscient (“He, she, They”) Third person limited (through the consciousness of one character) Third person limited (through the consciousness of one character) Third person objective (scientific description) Third person objective (scientific description)

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