Jane Eyre Blog Post 2 [Chapters 11 - 21]

1.     Though Jane Eyre is not a gothic novel, it contains gothic elements, especially when Jane is at Thornfield.  Discuss these elements and the effect they have on both Jane’s development as a character and the novel as a whole.


Jane Eyre contains quite a few gothic elements, such as supernatural things, mystery, and dark, ominous, gloomy settings.  At the very beginning of this novel Jane is locked up in a room and she is sees this white light, which she believed to be the ghost of her uncle.  Jane then goes into a state of shock and gains a fever; never allowing herself to forget that day (as she claims).  
As the story progresses Jane makes her way to Thornfield, only to find more mystery.  The strange laughter she hears, and the unanticipated attack on Mr. Rochester.  
All of these elements aid in the development of Jane's character by showing the reader that Jane strives to come up with a conjecture as to who the culprit was. It also shows how Jane cares for Mr. Rochester.  The novel becomes an ongoing mystery as to what secrets there are in Thornfield, and why everyone but Jane is aware of them.  
I chose this picture because it reminds me of the time Jane saved Mr. Rochester's life during the fire, another mysterious aspect of Thornfield.  


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3.     Discuss the development of Rochester.  Is he an ideal romantic interest for Jane?  Why or why not?  What do we know about him that appeals to Jane?  Is there anything we know or do not know about that might not be appropriate for Jane?  Is he trustworthy?


Mr. Rochester is portrayed as a very moody person, who at times can be very critical.  Once the novel progresses the reader discovers that he is actually a very kind man who has seen much of the world.  The only problem is he has this mysterious aura that surrounds him, never allowing Jane to penetrate through it and discover his secrets.  I wouldn't have thought that Jane would fall in love with a man more than twice her age, but as far as an "ideal romantic interest" goes, I believe that Mr. Rochester is suitable due to his maturity.  Jane is a very mature young lady who hasn't seen much of the world and because of this is extremely attracted to Rochester.  The thing she likes most about Rochester is how talkative he is.  He confides in her and tells her all sorts of stories and speaks to her that makes her feel comfortable.  This causes Jane to look forward to seeing him everyday.  
Well, speaking of things that might not be appropriate for Jane, I would definitely say Mr. Rochester is old enough to be her father, as Rochester himself states.  But that is not the only thing, Rochester is very mysterious and has secrets that he hides from Jane.  Why is it that he was attacked? Why is Thornfield enriched with mystery?  All of these things must be examined.  Overall, I do think that Mr. Rochester is trustworthy.  He cares a lot about Jane and I don't think he would do anything to harm her or bring her misery.  This is what is important, but the mystery must stop!



My comment is posted here:
http://englishlovee.blogspot.com/2010/09/jane-eyre-chapters-11-21.html


Yours Truly, yummyichigo;)