Context Flashcards
(10 cards)
How does the Victorian era influence the themes of gender roles in Jane Eyre?
The Victorian era had strict ideas about gender roles, with women expected to be submissive, domestic, and dependent on men. Jane Eyre challenges these roles by presenting Jane as an independent, strong-willed character who asserts her right to equality and self-respect, defying traditional Victorian expectations of women.
How does the theme of social class in Jane Eyre reflect the class divisions of Victorian England?
The rigid class structure of Victorian England is evident throughout Jane Eyre. Jane’s journey from an orphan with no wealth to a self-sufficient woman challenges the strict class distinctions of the time. The novel critiques the class system, showing how it restricts personal freedom and moral development, particularly through Jane’s relationships with characters of different social standings.
How does Jane Eyre reflect the Victorian preoccupation with morality and religion?
Religion and morality were central to Victorian life, with an emphasis on personal virtue, duty, and self-discipline. In Jane Eyre, characters like St. John Rivers represent the more austere, duty-bound approach to religion, while Jane’s more personal, emotional faith contrasts with this, showing the tension between social expectations and individual spiritual experience.
How does the concept of “the Byronic hero” influence the character of Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre?
The Byronic hero, a romanticized, flawed, and emotionally intense figure, was a popular archetype in the early 19th century, influenced by Lord Byron’s works. Mr. Rochester embodies this archetype—he is mysterious, morally ambiguous, and troubled by a dark past. His character reflects the Victorian fascination with complexity and internal conflict.
How does Jane Eyre address the issue of colonialism and the “Orient” in the 19th century?
The novel subtly references colonial themes through Bertha Mason, Rochester’s Creole wife, who hails from Jamaica. Bertha’s “exotic” background and her imprisonment in the attic reflect Victorian anxieties about race, colonialism, and the “other.” She symbolizes the colonial presence in England and the fears and prejudices associated with it.
How does Jane Eyre reflect the importance of education in Victorian society?
Education was a key factor in social mobility and the development of personal morality in Victorian England. Jane’s experiences at Lowood School highlight the harshness and limitations of education for poor girls. Yet, her resilience and self-education allow her to rise above her circumstances, critiquing the educational system’s shortcomings and offering a vision of personal empowerment through knowledge.
How do the Gothic elements in Jane Eyre reflect Victorian interests in the supernatural and psychological exploration?
The Gothic genre was popular during the Victorian era, characterized by mystery, darkness, and psychological complexity. Jane Eyre incorporates these elements with the mysterious, eerie atmosphere at Thornfield, Bertha Mason’s madness, and the supernatural occurrences like the strange laughter in the attic. These elements explore the human psyche and the tension between rationality and emotion.
How does Jane Eyre reflect the changing views on marriage and love in Victorian England?
In Victorian society, marriage was often viewed as a social contract, with an emphasis on duty, class, and respectability. Jane Eyre challenges this by portraying a love between Jane and Rochester that is based on mutual respect and emotional equality. Jane refuses to marry St. John Rivers without love, suggesting a more modern, progressive view of marriage as an emotional and moral partnership rather than a social obligation.
How does the novel challenge Victorian ideals of female virtue and sexuality?
Victorian society placed women on a pedestal of purity, where their sexuality was repressed. Jane Eyre challenges this by depicting Jane as a passionate and autonomous woman who refuses to submit to the expectations of passivity and silence. Her relationship with Rochester is grounded in mutual respect, and she insists on moral integrity even in her romantic life.
How does the industrial revolution inform the setting and social issues in Jane Eyre?
The industrial revolution brought about rapid social and economic changes, including the rise of factory work and the decline of agrarian life. While Jane Eyre is not set directly within an industrial context, the struggles of the working class and the harsh conditions at Lowood School highlight the social disparities that emerged during this period. Jane’s eventual rise to independence also reflects the increasing opportunities for women to work and support themselves.
