Quotes Flashcards
(29 cards)
“A bed supported on massive pillars of mahogany, hung with curtains of deep red demask… this room was chill, because it seldom had a fire; it was silent, because remote from the nursery .”
Gateshead
Jane hits john back after he hit and told her off for reading then Georgiana Reed sends her to the red room.
- Growing up - red typically represents sexuality (colour imagery), could it show her moving into sexual maturity also the repetition of the colour red symbolises passion, anger and contrasts the white(“remote from nursery..” represents how she’s growing away from a child now)
- Fire and Ice - the room is cold and “seldom had a fire” which is ice and cold and at this point she is getting no love so pathetic fallacy, ice and fire is also a extended metaphor
- Isolation and seldom - The room is described as chilly and silent, seldom having a fire and being remote from the nursery and kitchen, emphasizing its isolation and solemnity
- Close Analysis -A “pillar” is a strong, vertical support, often architectural. In the passage, it describes the physical structure of the bed, emphasizing its heaviness and solidity. Pillars are traditionally associated with buildings of importance (churches, palaces), conveying a sense of majesty or dominance. Here, the bed seems almost like a throne or an altar — intimidating rather than comforting. The word also evokes the idea of being held or constrained. The massive pillars don’t just support; they enclose, creating a prison-like effect around the bed — mirroring Jane’s feeling of entrapment. Pillars imply unchanging support — symbolic of the rigid, authoritarian values of the Reed household. They uphold not just the bed but the social order that subjugates Jane. “Massive” intensifies the word’s impact — suggesting something overbearing or crushing. Emotionally, this contributes to the claustrophobic tone of the Red Room scene.
“My soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I had ever felt. It seemed as if an invisible bond had burst, and that I had struggled for unhoped-for liberty.”
Gateshead
Months passed since red room and she meets Mr Brocklehurst and she argues with Mrs Reed.
- Identity - her speaking her mind to Mrs Reed makes her feel satisfied on a deeper level as she refers to her soul not her physical body.
- Emotional and Psychological Transformation “My soul began to expand, to exult…” “Expand” suggests growth, release, and emotional awakening — as if Jane’s inner self is no longer being confined. “Exult” conveys intense joy, not just happiness but triumph after suffering. It’s a victory that is internal and deeply personal.
- Metaphor of Bondage and Release. This metaphor powerfully captures the internalized oppression Jane has endured — social, emotional, and spiritual. The “invisible bond” might refer to societal constraints (gender, class), personal trauma, or moral conflict. The fact that it’s “invisible” emphasizes how psychological chains can feel just as real as physical ones — and how hard they are to name or confront. “Unhoped-for” underscores how bleak her prospects had seemed. She didn’t even dare to dream of this freedom — making its arrival all the more powerful. “Struggled” signals agency. Jane is not passively freed — she fought for this moment, reinforcing her independence and inner strength.
Freedom and Selfhood:
This is a key moment in Jane’s ongoing quest for autonomy and moral integrity. The language here foreshadows her later decisions — to leave Rochester rather than lose herself.
Spiritual Awakening:
The word “soul” links this to more than personal joy — this is a spiritual liberation, hinting at Brontë’s deep concern with conscience and inner truth.
Rebirth Imagery:
The feeling of release, of something “bursting,” and of newly discovered liberty evokes the idea of rebirth or resurrection — Jane is shedding an old self or old constraints and becoming something new.
- CA(Close Analysis) - “Bond” encapsulates both the invisible chains Jane has struggled under and the profound power of her release. It’s a simple word, but here it carries emotional, psychological, and symbolic weight, perfectly expressing the tension between confinement and freedom — a central theme in Jane Eyre.
“This is a sad, melancholy occasion; for it becomes my duty to warn you that this girl, who might be one of gods lambs, is a little castaway: not a member of the true flock, but evidently an interloper and an alien” Lowood
Mr Brocklehurst says this to Jane in her early days at Lowood Institution. He publicly humiliates Jane in front of the entire school after her aunt, Mrs. Reed, falsely accuses her of being a liar.
✏️ Analysis
Religious hypocrisy: Mr. Brocklehurst uses Christian language to condemn a child, illustrating how religion is misused for control and shame.
Dehumanization: Calling Jane an “interloper” and “alien” strips her of belonging and humanity, reinforcing her social and emotional isolation.
Jane’s resilience: Though humiliated, Jane does not break — this public shaming ultimately strengthens her sense of justice and self-worth.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Religion and hypocrisy, Alienation and belonging, Power and cruelty, Moral integrity and resilience
🔎 Close Analysis: “interloper”
An interloper is someone who intrudes where they are not wanted.
Mr. Brocklehurst uses the term to frame Jane as a moral outsider, despite her innocence.
The word implies invasion and disruption, suggesting Jane is not just unwelcome, but dangerous — a threat to the “true flock.”
This unjust label mirrors society’s tendency to exclude and marginalize those who don’t conform — particularly poor, outspoken women like Jane.
“I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind, faintly blowing” Thornfield
This quote comes shortly after Jane learns that Mr. Rochester plans to marry Blanche Ingram. Emotionally confined and socially powerless, Jane is caught between her deep feelings for Rochester and her role as a lowly governess. The quote captures her internal crisis — her longing for freedom, self-worth, and autonomy in a world that offers her little.
✏️ Analysis
The repetition of “for liberty” shows rising emotional intensity — Jane is not passively wishing; she is gasping, praying, pleading.
The structure mirrors a kind of desperate crescendo, followed by a collapse — the final phrase reflects disillusionment and powerlessness.
Her plea for liberty “scattered on the wind” suggests hopelessness, as if her desires are too fragile or insignificant to take root.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Freedom and confinement: Jane yearns for emotional and social freedom, but the world denies her a space to act on her desires.
Individual vs. society: Her prayer being lost “on the wind” shows how powerless she feels within the rigid class and gender expectations.
Romantic restraint: Although deeply in love, Jane values her moral independence too much to surrender it — liberty over passion.
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “prayer”
“Prayer” because jane didn’t believe in god and had a strained relationship with the idea of him as well but she still used the word prayer and this shows how desperate she is for liberty and to be free.
“Women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer” Thornfield
This quote is part of Jane’s narration and reflection, not spoken aloud to another character. It occurs during her time at Thornfield, when she is experiencing deep restlessness and emotional frustration, especially regarding her limited social role and isolation. The passage is significant because it breaks the fourth wall — Jane is addressing the reader directly, challenging Victorian gender norms.
✏️ Analysis
Jane asserts that women’s emotional and intellectual needs are equal to men’s, directly countering 19th-century ideas of female passivity. The statement critiques how women are restricted to domestic, ornamental roles, leading to frustration and emotional repression. The use of generalizations (“women feel… they need… they suffer…”) shows Jane speaking not only for herself, but for all women, making this an early feminist manifesto.
Her tone is both rational and passionate, appealing to logic (“precisely as men would suffer”) and shared humanity.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Gender equality and feminism, Freedom and self-expression, Emotional repression and isolation, Societal roles and resistance
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “stagnation”
“Stagnation” literally refers to still water that does not move — it becomes stale, lifeless, even toxic. In this context, it vividly conveys the mental and emotional decay caused by denying women meaningful activity. The word evokes a sense of being trapped and wasted, implying that enforced inactivity is not neutral — it is damaging. It also reflects Jane’s own spiritual and intellectual hunger: her desire for action, growth, and purpose.
“half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi - were they not mama” Thornfield
This line is spoken by Blanche Ingram, during a conversation at Thornfield Hall with her mother and other guests. They are mocking governesses in front of Jane, unaware (or unconcerned) that she is present and listening. Blanche speaks scornfully of governesses, revealing her class arrogance and disdain for working women.
✏️ Analysis
Blanche’s words reflect Victorian class prejudice and female rivalry. She looks down on governesses as beneath her — both socially and intellectually.
By calling them “incubi,” Blanche implies they are not just unpleasant, but oppressive, even demonic — a grotesque exaggeration.
The use of “mama” adds a tone of false innocence, as if seeking approval for her cruelty.
This moment highlights Jane’s social invisibility and vulnerability, but also her moral and intellectual superiority — she is far more reflective and dignified than those who mock her.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Class prejudice and social hierarchy, Gender and work, Superficiality vs. substance, Isolation and dignity
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “incubi”
An incubus (plural: incubi) is a male demon in folklore believed to prey on women during sleep. Blanche uses this grotesque metaphor to describe governesses as parasitic or oppressive presences — completely unfair and ironic, given that governesses like Jane are powerless and underpaid. The word’s intensity reveals Blanche’s cruelty and exaggeration, and it serves to dehumanize governesses. It also has sexual undertones, which may reflect the Victorian discomfort with unmarried women living in close proximity to men, as governesses often did. The choice of such a charged word hints at fear, rivalry, and insecurity beneath Blanche’s confidence.
“Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! I have as much soul as you, and full as much heart!” Thornfield
This quote is from Chapter 23, during a pivotal emotional confrontation between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester at Thornfield Hall. Jane believes Rochester intends to marry Blanche Ingram, and she is preparing to leave to protect herself from heartbreak. Rochester tries to provoke Jane into revealing her feelings, and she finally asserts her emotional and spiritual equality, despite her lower social status.
✏️ Analysis
Jane powerfully rejects the idea that social class, appearance, or gender diminish her inner worth.
The rhetorical question challenges Victorian norms that tied value to wealth and beauty.
The repetition of “I have as much soul… full as much heart” affirms her depth of feeling and moral dignity.
It is a declaration of emotional agency and self-respect, refusing to be pitied or patronized.
This moment foreshadows Jane’s refusal to become Rochester’s mistress — she will only love on equal, ethical terms.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Equality in love, Class and identity, Feminist self-assertion, Moral integrity, Emotional courage
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “soul”
“Soul” signifies not just spiritual life, but consciousness, value, and identity. By claiming a soul equal to Rochester’s, Jane is asserting her right to feel, to choose, and to be respected — regardless of her poverty or plainness. The word challenges the notion that only the privileged are truly human or emotionally complex. In the context of 19th-century England, Jane’s claim to a “soul” is radically democratic and feminist — insisting that human worth is not defined by class or gender.
“I am no bird and no net ensnares me, I am a free human being with an independent will” Thornfield
Spoken by Jane Eyre to Mr. Rochester, during a highly emotional moment in Chapter 23 at Thornfield Hall. Rochester has been provoking Jane’s emotions and testing her loyalty — she responds by asserting her independence before he proposes. The quote is a declaration of self-worth and spiritual freedom, delivered at a time when Jane believes she must leave.
✏️ Analysis
Jane uses powerful metaphor to reject any form of emotional or social captivity: “no bird” and “no net” represent the gendered constraints placed on women.
The quote is a bold assertion of free will, challenging the patriarchal assumption that a woman’s identity depends on a man.
By emphasizing her humanity and autonomy, Jane resists being treated as a pet, possession, or inferior.
It shows that her love for Rochester is not one of submission, but of mutual respect and equality.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Freedom vs. entrapment, Self-determination and independence, Feminist self-assertion, Love as equality, The struggle for autonomy
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “bird”
The word “bird” in Jane’s speech symbolizes both freedom and fragility, but also the potential for captivity. Birds, while free to fly, can easily be confined in cages. In Jane Eyre, the word “bird” is first used in a metaphor for another woman: Bertha Mason is described as “a bird in a cage” by Rochester in Chapter 20. She is physically and mentally imprisoned, and her tragic fate parallels the loss of freedom Jane refuses to accept. Bertha’s “bird” metaphor contrasts sharply with Jane’s own refusal to be caged. While Bertha’s life is marked by confinement and powerlessness, Jane’s declaration of independence affirms that she is not a bird who can be caught or controlled. This contrast highlights the difference between submission and autonomy, with Jane choosing to be a free woman — capable of love and connection, but only on her own terms.
“Mr Rochester flung me behind him; the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously, and laid her teeth to his cheek” Thornfield
This scene occurs in Chapter 20 during Jane’s visit to Thornfield after Mr. Rochester’s failed marriage proposal to her. Bertha Mason, Rochester’s secret wife, is revealed in a terrifying moment. She interrupts Jane and Rochester, physically attacking Rochester in a frenzied manner. Mr. Rochester had hidden Bertha’s existence from Jane, and this moment unveils not only her violent nature but also the deep secrets and mystery surrounding his life.
✏️ Analysis
The physical violence of Bertha’s attack on Rochester underscores the extreme power dynamics in their relationship. Her aggression highlights how repressed emotions can burst forth destructively, especially when compounded by social isolation and mental illness.
Rochester’s protection of Jane by flinging her behind him indicates his desire to shield her from the danger Bertha represents — yet, in doing so, he reveals his own fear and helplessness toward his wife’s uncontrollable violence.
The imagery of teeth and grazing the cheek reinforces the animalistic and dehumanizing portrayal of Bertha, stripping her of any humanity and aligning her more closely with the monstrous, the irrational, and the “other.”
This moment symbolizes the burden of secrets Rochester carries and the dangerous consequences of hiding the truth but also Bertha laying her teeth to his cheek is interesting because it is very intimate.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Secrets and deception: The revelation of Bertha as Rochester’s wife exposes the hidden truths and lies that undercut the relationships in the novel.
Freedom vs. entrapment: Bertha’s violent outbursts are a manifestation of her internal suffering and the oppression she has experienced, both physically and mentally.
Madness and the gothic: Bertha symbolizes the gothic trope of madness — the “madwoman in the attic” — and serves as a contrast to Jane’s rationality and emotional composure.
The nature of love and power: Rochester’s relationship with Bertha contrasts sharply with his feelings for Jane, highlighting the difference between genuine love and a destructive, oppressive union.
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “lunatic”
The word “lunatic” historically refers to someone whose mental health was believed to be tied to the phases of the moon, implying a lack of rationality or control. The use of “lunatic” to describe Bertha contributes to her dehumanization in the novel, reducing her to a figure of uncontrollable madness. While Bertha is indeed mentally ill, the use of this term also reflects Victorian anxieties about mental health and its portrayal in literature, where insanity often represented the disruptive forces of female emotion and the rejection of societal norms. The word further reinforces Bertha’s otherness and the fear she embodies for both Rochester and Jane.
“You are no ruin, sir—no lightning-struck tree: you are green and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots, whether you ask them or not, because they take delight in your bountiful shadow; and as they grow they will lean towards you, and wind round you, because your strength offers them so safe a prop.” Thornfield
This quote is from Chapter 23 when Jane Eyre is speaking to Mr. Rochester after his emotional and physical suffering. Jane compares him to a healthy, life-giving tree, offering him a vision of renewal and support, rather than focusing on his past mistakes or his physical and emotional scars. Rochester has just gone through significant turmoil and is dealing with the revelation of his past actions and the consequences of his secrets. Jane’s words are meant to uplift him, showing her belief in his moral and emotional vitality.
✏️ Analysis
Jane contrasts Rochester with a lightning-struck tree, a symbol of damage and desolation, implying that while he may have suffered, he is not irreparably ruined. Instead, he is a strong and resilient figure, still capable of growth and healing.
The metaphor of plants growing around his roots symbolizes Jane’s role in Rochester’s emotional recovery. Just as plants find nourishment in the roots of a tree, Jane offers nurturing love and support that allows him to heal and regain strength.
The imagery of growth and leaning towards Rochester reflects the mutual connection between him and Jane. Their bond is one of reciprocal support — as Rochester provides for Jane’s emotional and physical needs, she, in turn, helps him rebuild himself.
links back to when the struck tree foreshadowed the disruption and destruction of Jane and Rochester’s relationship. Though they become engaged the night before, this symbol suggests that their union will not proceed smoothly — and indeed, it is soon shattered by the revelation of Bertha Mason, Rochester’s secret wife. but now jane is denying this.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Healing and renewal: Jane’s belief in Rochester’s ability to recover is a theme of personal transformation, showing how love and understanding can lead to emotional regeneration.
Nature and growth: The tree and plants metaphor highlights the natural harmony between Jane and Rochester, reinforcing their mutual respect and interdependence.
Support and dependence: Unlike previous moments of tension, this quote shows a healthy, balanced relationship where both partners lean on each other for strength.
Self-worth and moral strength: Jane affirms Rochester’s moral and emotional vigor, independent of his past mistakes or physical scars.
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “vigorous”
The word “vigorous” suggests strength, health, and vitality — qualities that are central to Rochester’s character. It contrasts with ideas of weakness, decay, or ruin. By using this word, Jane emphasizes that Rochester is still capable of great things, both in terms of emotional growth and his potential for positive change. The choice of “vigorous” not only speaks to his physical health but also suggests that his moral compass and ability to love are still intact, despite his troubled past. It highlights Rochester’s inherent strength — both inward and outward — and the power of self-redemption.
“Do you think I am an automaton?—a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup?” Thornfield
This quote occurs during Chapter 23, when Jane is deeply hurt and angered by the idea that Mr. Rochester thinks she can be easily manipulated or that she lacks the capacity for deep feelings. Rochester has been testing Jane’s emotions and making assumptions about her ability to withstand hardship, but Jane vehemently defends her emotional and human integrity. This moment comes after a series of emotional challenges and near-revelations of her own desires, leading Jane to reassert her self-respect and individuality.
✏️ Analysis
Jane uses the metaphor of an automaton (a mechanical, lifeless figure) to challenge Rochester’s perception of her as someone who can endure emotional neglect or be treated as if she is insensitive to human suffering.
She demands respect for her humanity, implying that she is not a robot or object, but a real, feeling person capable of experiencing profound emotions.
The morsel of bread and drop of living water symbolize the essential emotional nourishment Jane needs — not just physical sustenance, but the right to love, to be valued, and to be treated with dignity.
By saying that these things are “snatched” and “dashed,” Jane emphasizes the violence and cruelty of Rochester’s actions, which deny her the basic human experiences of love and care.
🧠 Themes Highlighted
Human dignity and emotional integrity: Jane fights against the idea that she can be reduced to something lesser or treated as if her feelings don’t matter.
Autonomy and self-respect: The metaphor of the automaton symbolizes Jane’s refusal to allow others to control her emotions or decisions, insisting on her independence.
Love and equality: The emotional pain she expresses shows how genuine love can’t be one-sided or manipulative; it must be based on mutual respect and emotional fulfilment.
Suffering and endurance: Jane’s plea reflects her vulnerability as well as her resilience in the face of personal hardship.
🔎 Close Word Analysis: “automaton”
The term “automaton” refers to a mechanical figure or robot, often with no real emotions or consciousness — a lifeless being that can perform repetitive tasks without feeling. By using this term, Jane is rejecting the idea that she is emotionally numb or capable of enduring hardship without protest. It evokes alienation and dehumanization, suggesting that treating her like an object would strip her of the very essence of what it means to be human. The automaton metaphor highlights Jane’s self-respect and her refusal to be reduced to something less than fully human — a tool for someone else’s use or convenience.
“Her eye of ice continued to dwell freezingly on mine” Gateshead
Jane argues with Mrs Reed.
this is a metaphor referring to Mrs Reeds gaze upon Jane being icy and cold. this related to the fire and icy extended metaphor in the book as a whole where cold settings and things shows janes lack of love and isolation
CA - The word “ice” metaphorically captures emotional coldness, detachment, and even cruelty.
It suggests a gaze that is not only void of warmth or compassion, but also unmoving and inhuman, almost lifeless — evoking discomfort or intimidation.
“Are you warm, darling?” Lowood
Helen says this to jane as she dies. fire and ice imagery Helen asking jane if she’s warm symbolizes Helen asking if jane feels love as Helen passes away this is a heart-warming scene that really cements Helens character. Helen Burns serves as a foil to Jane Eyre, highlighting the differences in their approaches to life and suffering. Helen’s character embodies submissiveness, acceptance, and a strong Christian faith, which contrasts sharply with Jane’s fiery temperament and desire for justice and happiness in the present life.
Helen Burns’ role as a foil to Jane is crucial in illustrating the different ways one can face adversity and the impact of these approaches on personal growth and character development.
CA - Warmth is often associated with being alive, energetic, or spiritually present. In literature, warmth is frequently linked to romantic or familial closeness, representing genuine connection. Warmth often symbolizes emotional security, such as in warm memories or a warm embrace.
“the glance of a curious sort of bird through the close-set bars of a cage, a vivid, restless, captive”
Janes inner monologue where she’s is talking about her self as she watches Mr Rochester. Metaphor of the Caged Bird: This metaphor highlights Jane’s sense of confinement — both socially (as a governess, financially dependent and class-bound) and emotionally (as a young woman being drawn to a powerful man).
Restlessness and Vividness: Jane is not a passive or broken prisoner. The adjectives “vivid” and “restless” emphasize her intellectual energy, her independence of thought, and her spirit, despite the metaphorical cage society puts her in.
Foreshadowing: The image foreshadows her internal struggle throughout the novel — torn between her desire for love and her need for autonomy. It also connects to other bird imagery (like “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me”), reinforcing the theme of freedom vs. constraint
“I am not an angel,” I asserted; “and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.”
Mr. Rochester has been speaking to Jane in an idealized, romantic way(right after being engaged) — calling her an angel, comparing her to otherworldly beings. Jane insists on being loved as a real, grounded human, not as a fantasy or object of worship. Her words are a declaration of independence and integrity in their relationships.
Rejection of Idealization: Jane refuses to be idolized. The line “I am not an angel” directly confronts Mr. Rochester’s tendency to place her on a moral pedestal. She demands to be accepted as she is: flawed, passionate, and real.
Selfhood and Identity: The phrase “I will be myself” emphasizes Jane’s unwavering commitment to her own identity, moral code, and autonomy — a central theme of the novel. It reinforces her resistance to being shaped by male expectations.
Gender and Power: Jane asserts equality by defining herself on her own terms, not through the lens of male fantasy. This is a feminist moment, showing her desire for a relationship of mutual respect, not control
Idealization & Unreal Expectations:
The word “angel” traditionally connotes purity, perfection, and selflessness—traits often idealized in Victorian women. Jane’s rejection of this label signals her resistance to being cast in an unrealistic, saintly role that denies her complexity and autonomy.
Symbol of Gender Roles:
In Victorian society, the “angel in the house” was the model of feminine virtue: obedient, gentle, passive. Jane pushes back against this restrictive image, showing her refusal to conform to gender expectations that would require her to sacrifice her identity and voice.
Mortality & Humanity:
When she says, “I will not be one till I die,” she accepts that she’s human — capable of flaws and passions — and only in death, perhaps, can such moral perfection be reached. Until then, she claims the right to be fully herself, not someone else’s fantasy of moral purity.
“What it was, whether beast or human being… the clothed hyena rose up.”
Jane hears disturbing noises and discovers a mysterious, violent figure in the attic — later revealed to be Bertha. Jane is not yet fully aware of Bertha’s identity, but her reaction is visceral and fearful.
Animalistic Imagery: The phrase “clothed hyena” dehumanizes Bertha, aligning her with a wild predator rather than a person. The hyena, often seen as vicious and grotesque, evokes savagery and danger.
Dehumanisation and Gothic Horror: By questioning whether the figure is a “beast or human being,” the novel creates a moment of Gothic horror, tapping into fears of the monstrous feminine. It also reflects how society (and Rochester) strips Bertha of her humanity.
Symbol of Female Repression: Bertha can be read as Jane’s dark double — a manifestation of what happens when a woman is denied voice, agency, and identity. Her portrayal as a beast highlights how passion and madness, especially in women, were often treated as unnatural and threatening.
Critique or Reflection?: Some readers interpret this as Brontë critiquing how patriarchal society imprisons and labels women who don’t conform. Others argue it risks reinforcing harmful colonial and misogynistic views, as Bertha is both a foreigner and mentally ill.
The word “hyena” in this scene is not just about Bertha’s appearance but also serves to dehumanize her, turning her into something less than human, something wild and dangerous, and symbolizing the repression of female desire and the punishment for deviating from social norms. It also speaks to the deep fears surrounding both mental illness and women who do not conform to societal expectations. There are some interpretations of the use of “hyena” that link it to colonial and racial stereotypes, particularly in Victorian literature. Bertha, being Jamaican and locked away in the attic, is already marginalized, and the comparison to a hyena can evoke ideas of otherness or foreignness. In this context, it also reflects how Bertha is viewed as something alien, uncivilized, and separate from the more “refined” characters.
“I was a precocious actress in her eyes; I had to smile when repulsed, and to speak pleasantly when scorned.”
This quote from Jane Eyre is spoken by Jane when she reflects on her relationship with her Aunt Reed. The context of the quote is Jane’s time living at Gateshead.
“Precocious actress”: The phrase “precocious actress” emphasizes that Jane was forced into an unnatural role at a very young age. She is mature beyond her years because of the emotional toll placed on her by her aunt’s rejection. The word “precocious” suggests that Jane had to learn the art of deception early in life, masking her feelings to avoid conflict or rejection.
“Smile when repulsed”: The phrase “smile when repulsed” is particularly telling. Jane is being forced to hide her hurt and resentment with a smile, essentially having to suppress her genuine emotional responses. This is an example of how Jane’s emotions are repressed by societal and familial expectations, and her internal struggle is hidden behind a polite façade.
“Speak pleasantly when scorned”: Similarly, Jane is told to speak pleasantly even when she is being scorned. This reinforces the idea that women were expected to be calm, composed, and polite even when they were wronged or mistreated, particularly in a Victorian context where a woman’s outward demeanour was often valued more than her true feelings.
The use of “actress” in this quote is highly significant. In Victorian England, an actress was often viewed with suspicion and was not considered a respectable profession, as women were expected to be modest and passive. This word choice highlights the performative aspect of Jane’s life at Gateshead and can be seen as a critique of the societal roles imposed on women. By calling herself an “actress,” Jane implies that she is playing a role, not truly living authentically but rather masking her emotions to conform to external expectations.
“God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me.”
This quote from Jane Eyre is spoken by Helen Burns, a character who serves as a contrast to Jane in her approach to life and suffering. The quote is significant because it reflects Helen’s deep, unwavering religious faith and her acceptance of suffering as part of God’s will.
“I love Him; I believe He loves me”: This part of the quote reveals Helen’s reciprocal relationship with God. Her love for God is based on faith, trust, and belief in His goodness. By asserting that God loves her, Helen is not just expressing gratitude or submission, but a sense of mutual affection and connection. This is the foundation of her spiritual peace—she feels that despite the hardships she faces, God’s love is constant and reliable.
The word “father” is crucial to understanding Helen’s view of God. In the Victorian context, a father was seen as the head of the household, a figure of authority and protection. By calling God her “father,” Helen is expressing a trust in God as a figure of authority who guides her through suffering. This suggests that Helen sees her suffering as something that God, as a loving father, has permitted for her growth and ultimate good. The word also evokes the idea of nurturing care and protection, reinforcing the sense that Helen does not feel abandoned but cared for, even in her dire circumstances.
“You shall be publicly cleared from every imputation… and stand in the position of a girl well-conducted and well-trained.”
Miss Temple the kind teacher at Lowood School who is a positive influence on Jane. She represents integrity and compassion in an otherwise oppressive environment. imputation means the act of imputing or charging; attribution; ascription; also, anything imputed or charged.(Mr Brocklehurst charged her/ said she was a liar)
“You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money…”
John Reed says this to jane. this quote shows the Victorian periods view on class and social standings of an orphan with him calling her a “dependant” and saying she shouldn’t be able to reed their books (get it! bazinga). this shows how the Reeds (Victorian society) look down on jane.
“It was a woman, tall and large, with thick and dark hair hanging long down her back. […] She removed my veil from its place; she held it up, gazed at it long, and then she tore it in two.”
Bertha as Jane’s mirror: Bertha wears Jane’s bridal veil, symbolizing her role as a shadow-self or repressed double - a physical embodiment of Jane’s suppressed fears about marriage, entrapment, and loss of identity.
Gothic doubling: The scene uses classic Gothic doubling, where Bertha reflects Jane’s own passionate and rebellious nature - but unrestrained and exiled.
Split female identity: Jane is rational, composed, and socially acceptable; Bertha is emotional, sexual, and “mad” - but they represent two sides of Victorian womanhood.
“I began to experience remorse, repentance; the wish for reconcilement to my Maker. I began sometimes to pray: very brief prayers they were, but very sincere.”
Why this shows the Byronic hero type:
Dark past & inner torment: Rochester is haunted by his mistakes (Bertha, past lovers) and seeks redemption — a classic Byronic trait.
Isolated & brooding: Like many Byronic heroes (e.g., Byron’s Manfred), he is emotionally distant, morally complex, and deeply introspective.
Passionate & rebellious: He breaks social and moral codes in pursuit of love, willing to risk scandal for Jane.
(“I looked at her. She looked at me, and a sort of angry glow in her eyes made me recoil a little. She was not a woman of refined manners, yet )she was a woman of marked character, with something about her that made me feel her presence was not a comforting one.”
you don’t have to learn the part in the bracket
Mysterious aura: Grace Poole’s presence creates unease, even though she is a servant who seems harmless at first. Her anger and strange glow suggest that there is something hidden and unsettling beneath the surface.
Symbol of secrets: Grace Poole’s role as Bertha’s keeper reflects how dark secrets (like Bertha’s existence) are concealed within Thornfield. She represents the dangers lurking in the background, with her ability to maintain the façade of normalcy while something truly terrifying is happening just out of sight.
this is how Grace Poole embodies how secrets are maintained and how danger is often hidden in plain
“She is a fine woman, and I will marry her if I can. But I don’t care for her, and I don’t believe she cares for me. I would rather marry you than any woman I have ever seen.”
Social Class & Prejudice: Blanche Ingram is portrayed as a woman obsessed with wealth, beauty, and status. Her vanity is made clear through her attempts to manipulate Rochester into marriage. She represents the aristocracy’s superficiality and the social norms of the time that value outward appearance over inner qualities.
Contrast with Jane: The quote highlights Rochester’s true feelings for Jane, despite Blanche’s social superiority. Jane, unlike Blanche, has inner worth, and Rochester acknowledges that Jane’s virtue, honesty, and character are more important to him than any external qualities. Blanche’s beauty is shown to be shallow, and it is Jane’s inner qualities—her integrity, intelligence, and independence—that ultimately win Rochester’s love.
This contrast illustrates Jane’s moral and emotional superiority and the novel’s critique of social class prejudice and vanity.
