Jane eyre characters Flashcards
why is mrs reed in the novel?
she is the first person to treat Jane like a social pariah which is carried on throughout her life becoming an obstacle Jane must overcome. She gives Jane the chance to grow when Jane forgives her.
big idea for mrs reed
her treatment towards Jane highlights the fact she is a social outcast. Bronte does this to dismantle the myth that those of a higher status hold moral superiority as she is an oppressive figure.
big idea for John reed
johns use of brutality towards Jane highlights the unfair treatment of orphans and the poor as she is isolated due to her social class. In victorian England Jane was seen as beneath the family that took her in.
why is John reed in the novel
he brings out janes uncontrollable passion that she won’t be able to survive without in victorian England
why are Eliza and georgiana reed in the novel
shows that even high class women have limited opportunities. Jane marrying for love was unconventional.
big idea for Eliza and Georgiana reed
highlight the patriarchal inequality women face as they have 2 paths-marriage market or god.
big idea for mr brocklehurst
brocklehurst represents the religious evangelical doctrine that Jane rejects. his hypocrisy is evident in the oppression of the lowood girls - a microcosm for the hypocrisy of victorian society (they don’t live up to their own standards)
why is mr brocklehurst in the novel
he continues the harsh treatment of Jane throughout her childhood highlighting how she must fight these oppressive people with power through her life adding to her defiance.
big idea for miss temple
she’s is the first person to show Jane kindness and generosity. she is the only positive role model in janes life encouraging her to become a teacher- the next phase of her life
why is miss temple in the novel
when she leaves lowood it is the catalyst Jane needs to search for more which allows her to go on her journey of self love
big idea for Helen burns
she represents the stoicism that Jane exhibits sometimes. she is deeply religious always meekly turning the other cheek when she is singled out. she reflects the idea that only self control and surrender allows one to bear the difficulties of life.
why is helen burns in the novel
she highlights to Jane that she must control her passion and forgive sometimes helping her on her self discovery journey. however she also shows Jane that she doesn’t want to be wholly submissive.
big idea for mr Rochester
rochester is a typical byronic hero his story is one of sin and redemption. he is determined to be with Jane even if it means committing bigamy showing his questionable morals. however he never tries to woo her on a bended knee showing they are equals.
why is mr Rochester in the novel
he is symbolic of the fiery and passionate side of Jane (foil to St John) making Jane realise that she wants a passionate and equal relationship. they match each other and develop mutual respect.
big idea for bertha
bertha is the antithesis of victorian ideals of femininity. She is a very passionate woman and her depiction is problematic in a post colonial view as it includes racial stereotypes. this may be Bronte shining a light on her unfair and oppressive treatment as a powerless outcast.
