Jane Eyre Critics

Question 1

Joyce Carol Oates

Answer 1

Jane Rejects St John because it is merely spiritual
Rochester is a remnant of the children’s sensational world, poetic antithesis of the dull and dreary

Question 2

George Henry Lewes

Answer 2

Jane Eyre is antipode to lady like
Jane full of suffering, struggle, fascinatination, Jane characterised by “reality”

Question 2

Elizabeth Rigby

Answer 2

“anti Christian” novel
Mr Rochester - “coarse and brutal”

Question 3

Gilbert and Gubar

Answer 3

Bertha is the novel’s true heroine, represents Jane’s alter ego and enacts Jane’s deepest desires, victim of patriarchy

Question 4

Elisabeth Jay

Answer 4

Jane rejects ascetic religion of Helen and St John at beginning and end - [refers wounded Rochester making her first serious steps as a Christian

Question 5

Jean Rhys

Answer 5

Rochester portrayed as colonial exploiter afraid of Caribbean sexuality

Question 6

Karen Chase

Answer 6

“Enclosure is the penalty for passion” - female desire and how both Jane and Bertha are locked away for their passion

Question 7

Elaine Showalter

Answer 7

Bertha’s dehumanisation is a result of her confinement as a punishment for her sexual passion