In your comment box, revisit chapters one through sixteen by responding to another student's ideas, uncover something new to discuss, analyze, revise, observe, synthesize . . .
At home, read ahead in Jayne Eyre for next week, Chapts. 17-27.
In my opinion, I think Chapters 1-16 of Jane Eyre mainly focuses on Jane's maturation from an abused, ignored little girl to a strong, confident, independent woman. In the earlier chapters of the book, we see Jane’s unhappy life in Gateshead, being raised by her cruel Aunt Reed and bullied by her cousins. Here, we see that Jane has a fighting spirit, being able to defend herself and convince her aunt to send her away to Lowood. Also, we see her cynical attitude diminish due to Bessie’s kind treatment. Jane realizes that not all people are cruel and that there are some good people in the world. During her years at Lowood, Jane continues to endure abusive treatment from her teachers and Mr. Brocklehurst. Luckily, she has her friend, Helen Burns, to confide in. Here, Helen acts as a sort of juxtaposition to Jane, being submissive to the teachers’ unjustified punishments. When Helen dies of consumption, Bronte seems to have Jane’s submissive attitude die as well, shaping her into a more independent woman. After her years at Lowood end, Jane emerges as wiser and more confident in herself.
As Pauline has said, the first sixteen chapters focus on the maturation and growth of Jane. However everyone else in the story is rather malnourished in terms of growth and development and come across as one-dimensional. The other characters have some goal or motive set by the author that somehow shapes and influences Jane. Once that goal is achieved they are set aside either for later use or killed without any deepening of their character. John Reed's role,for example, is to be young Jane's tormentor and Helen Burns to be Jane's foil and a source of influence, but they lack any character or development besides being the cruel boy and the submissive girl with a large religious faith and who dies of consumption. Once their goal- to influence and shape Jane into being more independent, confident and able to stand her ground- is achieved, they are removed from the story aside from small mentions of them later on. The one exception is Mr. Rochester, whose character is both deepened yet blurred and distorted by both Jane and Bronte. If there was one thing that stood out to me, for some reason, it was the description of the three pictures that Jane shows Mr. Rochester when she meets him for the first time outside of the horse incident. I am not sure why- on a literal standpoint, it was because of the descriptions of a woman merged in the scenery of each painting- but perhaps they were symbolic of the three main stages of Jane's life? The first one being her life at Gateshead, the second at Lowood, and the third at Thornfield? I'm sorry if I have said anythign dumb or ignorant.
The first 16 chapters of Jane Eyre show a drastic change in the main character as her life goes on. I think one of the main points is to show how she moved from being a shy, introverted and dependent little girl to a independent, and confident woman. In the book, I agree with Katie, Bronte adds certain characters for Jane to get over or achieve some purpose. For example, Helen Burns was there to make sure gain could gain her own confidence and stand up for herself, once that was accomplished, Helen died. It's true, Mr. Rochester is there and I am not yet sure of his purpose, maybe to be her lover or to change her once again. Only time will tell what will happen there. It was a good thing that Jane had the opportunity to go to school and experience life that way. I think it had a very positive influence on her and you can see that throughout the book and even after she left Lowood and moved on with her life to a different place. Yet Lowood wasn't a completely positive thing. She still experienced abuse, verbally from some teachers and Mr. Brocklehurst. Moving past them was a milestone in her life towards normalcy. She has grown into such an independent and strong lady, it is almost hard to believe how weak and shy she was as a child. The difference is incredible.
I think Kathryn’s observations are really sharp. Bronte’s use of and depiction of minor characters in this portion of the novel appear very deliberate, but at the same time very enigmatic. It is unclear if these characters are merely isolated presentations of critical themes in the novel, or if they possess a grander purpose in Jane Eyre. Perhaps both are accurate, or partially accurate; it remains to be seen as we continue reading. I disagree with Pauline over the essence of this section of the book. I do not believe that the progression of Jane’s character is as absolute. Yes, she definitely expands her vocabulary, and becomes a more sophisticated, “refined” version of herself. But I don’t perceive eighteen-year-old Jane as independent. Jane retains an internal sense of inadequacy. She jealously compares herself to Blanche, ridiculing herself for her plain features. She seeks approval from those who detest her true nature. Helen embodied the mold that authority figures tried to force Jane into. I agree that she is a foil for Jane; the contrast between them, particularly in regard to religious beliefs, is substantial. Helen glowed with a pacifistic benevolence, forgiveness, whereas Jane smoldered with a desire for vengeance. Helen may be submissive, but her death doesn’t signify the “death” of Jane’s submissiveness. Jane isn’t submissive. Jane is volatile, rebellious. With age comes refinement, sophistication. Jane’s defiant, free spirit, which was present from the beginning, is merely subdued, liked a dammed river. These sixteen chapters trace the development of Jane’s character, but such development consists not of an absolute change in her personality, but of a reconfiguration, a restructuring, of constant character traits.
To be truthfully honest, I am not sure how I feel about Jane in Jane Eyre. I agree with Katie Withers in the fact that subconsciously, I do not feel as if she has honestly changed all that much. I believe if given the right circumstances, she still would be quick with her actions. On the other hand, it is obvious that Jane has grown in some ways especially with her manners. For me, only tell how much she has actually evolved. I really agree with what Katie Russo and Rachel said about Bronte adding certain characters into the story to simply help Jane achieve certain goals. This can especially be seen John. He acts childishly and annoys Jane only so that the eventful fight will happen. This fight causes her downward spiral, and her eventual send-away. I do not believe any character in this book is unimportant. As Nathan has said, I do not believe Jane is completely independent. Yes, it is true that she has changed her career on her own, but she still constantly looks from support and approval from others. This is especially seen when she becomes so jealous over Mr. Rochester’s leave. This can be then connected back to my initial questioning about how much she has changed. She is still not as independent as she could be, despite living on her own for the past few years. Jane is a very dynamic character, that I am excited to continue reading about.
I feel like Jane has gone through the first big moves of her life. Obviously she will continue to change and grow as the book goes on, but the years between eight and eighteen are extremely formative, and this is where we will see the biggest changes. She has a much better sense of who she is after going through Lowood, in the very least she now knows how to be alone without needing to reach to others. She acts like she prefers solitude, but in meeting Rochester we start to see the part of her that was in control when she was young, desperately wanting someone to make her feel loved. I don't think this changes how much or little Jane is independent, I see it more as a human feature, of someone who has learned to get along on her own out of necessity, but needs company just as much as the next person. Jane begins to open up more and more as she falls for Rochester, and the more she lets him see about her, the more the reader learns. I think this will be a very illuminating part of the book concerning Janes true nature.
I have to slightly disagree with those talking about the definite personality of Jane Eyre. I do not think that she has a strict personality that will always continue with her, I saw throughout the book that her personality is fluid and constantly changing. Jane, like everyone else, changes as she gets older especially in personality. Otherwise, if her personality and character were not yielding and malleable, she would have never taken a job at the same school that ridiculed her when she first got there. Helen affected Jane with her talk of forgiveness and her religious attitude. She mellowed out a bit the impetuous, out-spoken child that was a product of her aunt and cousins. This is not to say that the fiery, speak-your-mind Jane is no longer a part of her, of course not. But Jane, like every other person, molds herself partially to her environment either intentionally or unintentionally. In her childhood she could only defend herself mentally and verbally. At school, she didn’t have to defend herself because she was not under as much pressure, but when she has to live with Mr. Rochester she once again becomes outspoken because this new environment demands that she be outspoken and exude a stronger, more independent personality.
I hate to repeat what almost everyone has already said, but I agree with the general consensus that seems to have been reached; that the people, events and tragedies that Jane has faced so far have contributed to her development into a sophisticated and mature young adult. I also agree that Bronte developed certain characters, such as Helen, to define Jane and to give reason for her development into a character more sophisticated than any other in the novel, with the exception of Rochester. If Jane had not been faced with the hardships, losses and tragedies that have occurred so far, her character would lack a substantial amount of depth that only those instances could lend her. Not only have they given her character depth, they have provided a reason for her drive for self contained confidence; a state of mind that Jane seems to want to achieve in order to shelter herself from the often cruel world around her. If that world had not been cruel, Jane wouldn't have had a reason to build a wall, and Rochester would have no wall to tear down in order to get at whats inside. Its the interest in discovering what Jane is hiding that makes her so appealing to Rochester, that gets him to the brink of admitting his feelings for her. And it is the tension that Rochester's restrained emotions give to the story that has provided for most of the recent conflict.
What Kathryn mentioned has also particularly stood out to me and it is very similar to how I feel about the other characters that Jane has encountered throughout her life so far. Her idea that they are not very developed is true and I believe that this puts a focus even more so onto Jane and later also to Mr. Rochester. As for Jane’s maturing and growth throughout the book at this point, I found it very interesting when Rochester mentions the lack of experience that Jane has had in the real world and how cut off she really still is when you look at the big picture. To say that she has grown into a strong and independent young woman I do not believe is accurate because while she has certainly become educated and more sophisticated, confidence and independence are things she still lacks at this point in the novel. I would also like to mention, like I did in class, the interesting way that things believed to be supernatural continue appearing in different ways and circumstances. I believe that this directly relates to the woman we all know is in the attic and begins to give the sense to unknowing readers that there may be something up there. The superstitions are the most prominent relations I am able to make with Wide Sargasso Sea.
I have mixed feelings about what was said in the class discussions about Jane's personality not changing throughout the book, because in many ways she did change. She went from being a bitter child who kept to herself for her own protection to a more thoughtful adult who communicated with people in a better way. This would have been impossible had certain characters like Helen and Miss. Temple not been introduced. Helen in particular had a big influence on Jane. When Jane first met her, she was more of an introvert. Jane even mentions in the story that she has no idea why she even decided to talk to Helen in the first place, but she does and we discover that she's nearly the complete opposite of Jane. Rather than fighting punishment as Jane says she'd do, Helen bears it because she feels like it's somehow making her a better person. She's also much more religious than Jane is at this point in the book. Helen however has absolutely no faith in herself, and believes she does nearly everything wrong. And in the beginning Jane thinks this is silly. But when the time comes where she's made to sit on top of the stool and branded a liar she takes her punishment quietly, and everything turns out alright for her in the end. This is the part where she starts to become gradually more social and amiable around people. I say I have mixed feelings about her change because in a completely different way she doesn't. Although her demeanor has changed, inside she's the same angry, isolated person she'd always been. There's parts in the story when she's older and talking to other people, but when she's narrating what's happening she mentions how annoyed she is by talking to them. Then there's her reaction to Rochester's departure. She's angry, which is not at all like the way she's suppose to react to the situation. And then there's her suspicions about Grace Poole. Although they're justified, the way she talks about her is almost childlike, suggesting that she's still the girl she's always been.
I have to agree with everyone in saying that the first sixteen chapters in Jane Eyre are a very important part of the book. I think that they are a crucial part of the novel because in them you get to know Jane. In the beginning of the book, she is just 9 or 10 years old, but by chapter sixteen, she has grown into an adult. These are major years for her because they involve her growing and maturing from a little girl into the young woman that she becomes. You see her turn from the spirited, easily angered, and neglected child into a quieter and more patient person. I think that this major change in her personality is encouraged by two particular people. Both of them she knew after she was sent to Lowood School. These two people are Helen Burns and Miss Temple. Although they are only in the novel for a few chapters, they are largely responsible for the change in Jane. When she first arrived to the school, she was used to being neglected and treated harshly. I think that the harsh and sometimes abusive treatment she endured for the first years of her life shaped her into the angry, quick tempered girl that she was. However, once she arrived to Lowood she was introduced to both Helen and Miss Temple, who were both quiet, patient, and kind people. They were always gentle and were never quick-tempered. Although they were both eventually taken from her life - Helen by dying from consumption and Miss Temple from being married and moving away - they left a lasting impression on her. Jane herself said that she believed Miss Temple was responsible in the changes in her behavior and personality. She saw how she had changed and even inherited some of her teacher's calm and patient disposition. Because of her teacher and her friend, Jane was able to grow up a lot in the first part of the book and become the person she is when she moves to Thornfield, where most of the remaining story unfolds.
I agree with Nate’s thought that the adult Jane isn’t really independent. Though she seems to have more confidence, there is this self doubt that resurfaces as a result of Mr. Rochester which is particularly noticeable when she compares herself to Blanche. I also agree with the idea that Jane isn’t submissive. She was never completely subservient and would fight back when she saw necessary; she still challenges others and doesn't blindly obey without question. Jane sometimes gained things from her rebellion; like with Mrs. Reed, she achieved a satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. And as Elizabeth pointed out, she received some benefit when Mr. Brocklehurst made her stand on a stool as punishment. This punishment, intending to make a bad example of Jane, actually made her peers see her as a martyr. A small thing which Jane spoke about during this experience, really stood out to me as being significant. She said that the eyes of some people notice the “imperfect nature of man” and they “can only see those minute defects, and are blind to the full brightness of the orb.” I think that this idea applies to a few of the characters from the earlier chapters in the book, like Mr. Brockelhurst and Mrs. Reed. I feel as though there are fewer characters like this as the book progresses. For instance, Mr. Rochester doesn’t fixate on Jane’s flaws and actually treats her more as an equal than as an inferior. She encounters less false judgment later in the book, with the exception of Blanche.
As many have pointed out, Jane has grown in terms of academics and mental maturity however her mindset and interpretation of herself have not been altered to such an extreme. In some instances it seems that she may be gaining independence over those who have oppressed her. The passages seem to be presenting the idea of independence and a new level of confidence however as Jane's thoughts are explained it is clear that she remains meek and unsure. I was very taken with Katie Wither's interpretation of the surrounding characters. As Jane develops, those around her stay level and in most cases fade away. I wonder if any of the characters will come up again or if their appearances have come to an end. Helen Burn's character however was of the utmost importance to Jane's growth, as was Ms. temple. The opposition between the impulsive and non calculating Jane and a reserved and content Helen was a major factor in Jane's advance towards a more sophisticated and refined individual. The pattern involving desertion appears with nearly every character that becomes close with Jane. Jane was taken to school, excluding Mrs. Reed and the torments of her past from her new life, Helen was stolen by death, and Ms. Temple by marriage. Jane's constant desertion enhanced her in some ways troubled mindset.
What zoe said about Jane finding an equilibrium between passivity and ire/passion rung true with my interpretation of the book. I have to note, though, that the first scenes we saw at Gateshead Hall were out of the ordinary, making me think that she was always calm and passive in her behavior, but fiery in thought. This view is reflected in the physical manifestation of Jane’s character, which is weak and small, but with a large brow and other traits that, true to physiognomy, reflect her character. At thornfield, Rochester manipulates her and makes her passion surface by degrees.
I disagree with many of my peers that although Jane has progressed minimally she is essentially the same as a character. While she is a quieter more reserved person she experiences the same destructive thoughts and chooses not to act upon them. This type of behavior is harmful and reflects her life as she has always been externally repressed and now begins to repress herself. The author constantly places Jane in a situation where she is controlled by another person and in a type of prison internally and externally. The first two settings were very similar while the third setting she is allowed more freedom and this is where the author shows her lack of progression through her interactions with Mr. Rochester. When he leaves she finds herself resorting to similar thoughts as her former self and while she is different physically there has been little change mentally. I believe that minor changes in personality have been mistaken for major changes in Jane as a character.
In my opinion, I think Chapters 1-16 of Jane Eyre mainly focuses on Jane's maturation from an abused, ignored little girl to a strong, confident, independent woman. In the earlier chapters of the book, we see Jane’s unhappy life in Gateshead, being raised by her cruel Aunt Reed and bullied by her cousins. Here, we see that Jane has a fighting spirit, being able to defend herself and convince her aunt to send her away to Lowood. Also, we see her cynical attitude diminish due to Bessie’s kind treatment. Jane realizes that not all people are cruel and that there are some good people in the world. During her years at Lowood, Jane continues to endure abusive treatment from her teachers and Mr. Brocklehurst. Luckily, she has her friend, Helen Burns, to confide in. Here, Helen acts as a sort of juxtaposition to Jane, being submissive to the teachers’ unjustified punishments. When Helen dies of consumption, Bronte seems to have Jane’s submissive attitude die as well, shaping her into a more independent woman. After her years at Lowood end, Jane emerges as wiser and more confident in herself.
ReplyDeleteAs Pauline has said, the first sixteen chapters focus on the maturation and growth of Jane. However everyone else in the story is rather malnourished in terms of growth and development and come across as one-dimensional. The other characters have some goal or motive set by the author that somehow shapes and influences Jane. Once that goal is achieved they are set aside either for later use or killed without any deepening of their character. John Reed's role,for example, is to be young Jane's tormentor and Helen Burns to be Jane's foil and a source of influence, but they lack any character or development besides being the cruel boy and the submissive girl with a large religious faith and who dies of consumption. Once their goal- to influence and shape Jane into being more independent, confident and able to stand her ground- is achieved, they are removed from the story aside from small mentions of them later on. The one exception is Mr. Rochester, whose character is both deepened yet blurred and distorted by both Jane and Bronte. If there was one thing that stood out to me, for some reason, it was the description of the three pictures that Jane shows Mr. Rochester when she meets him for the first time outside of the horse incident. I am not sure why- on a literal standpoint, it was because of the descriptions of a woman merged in the scenery of each painting- but perhaps they were symbolic of the three main stages of Jane's life? The first one being her life at Gateshead, the second at Lowood, and the third at Thornfield? I'm sorry if I have said anythign dumb or ignorant.
ReplyDeleteThe first 16 chapters of Jane Eyre show a drastic change in the main character as her life goes on. I think one of the main points is to show how she moved from being a shy, introverted and dependent little girl to a independent, and confident woman. In the book, I agree with Katie, Bronte adds certain characters for Jane to get over or achieve some purpose. For example, Helen Burns was there to make sure gain could gain her own confidence and stand up for herself, once that was accomplished, Helen died. It's true, Mr. Rochester is there and I am not yet sure of his purpose, maybe to be her lover or to change her once again. Only time will tell what will happen there. It was a good thing that Jane had the opportunity to go to school and experience life that way. I think it had a very positive influence on her and you can see that throughout the book and even after she left Lowood and moved on with her life to a different place. Yet Lowood wasn't a completely positive thing. She still experienced abuse, verbally from some teachers and Mr. Brocklehurst. Moving past them was a milestone in her life towards normalcy. She has grown into such an independent and strong lady, it is almost hard to believe how weak and shy she was as a child. The difference is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI think Kathryn’s observations are really sharp. Bronte’s use of and depiction of minor characters in this portion of the novel appear very deliberate, but at the same time very enigmatic. It is unclear if these characters are merely isolated presentations of critical themes in the novel, or if they possess a grander purpose in Jane Eyre. Perhaps both are accurate, or partially accurate; it remains to be seen as we continue reading. I disagree with Pauline over the essence of this section of the book. I do not believe that the progression of Jane’s character is as absolute. Yes, she definitely expands her vocabulary, and becomes a more sophisticated, “refined” version of herself. But I don’t perceive eighteen-year-old Jane as independent. Jane retains an internal sense of inadequacy. She jealously compares herself to Blanche, ridiculing herself for her plain features. She seeks approval from those who detest her true nature. Helen embodied the mold that authority figures tried to force Jane into. I agree that she is a foil for Jane; the contrast between them, particularly in regard to religious beliefs, is substantial. Helen glowed with a pacifistic benevolence, forgiveness, whereas Jane smoldered with a desire for vengeance. Helen may be submissive, but her death doesn’t signify the “death” of Jane’s submissiveness. Jane isn’t submissive. Jane is volatile, rebellious. With age comes refinement, sophistication. Jane’s defiant, free spirit, which was present from the beginning, is merely subdued, liked a dammed river. These sixteen chapters trace the development of Jane’s character, but such development consists not of an absolute change in her personality, but of a reconfiguration, a restructuring, of constant character traits.
ReplyDeleteTo be truthfully honest, I am not sure how I feel about Jane in Jane Eyre. I agree with Katie Withers in the fact that subconsciously, I do not feel as if she has honestly changed all that much. I believe if given the right circumstances, she still would be quick with her actions. On the other hand, it is obvious that Jane has grown in some ways especially with her manners. For me, only tell how much she has actually evolved.
ReplyDeleteI really agree with what Katie Russo and Rachel said about Bronte adding certain characters into the story to simply help Jane achieve certain goals. This can especially be seen John. He acts childishly and annoys Jane only so that the eventful fight will happen. This fight causes her downward spiral, and her eventual send-away. I do not believe any character in this book is unimportant.
As Nathan has said, I do not believe Jane is completely independent. Yes, it is true that she has changed her career on her own, but she still constantly looks from support and approval from others. This is especially seen when she becomes so jealous over Mr. Rochester’s leave. This can be then connected back to my initial questioning about how much she has changed. She is still not as independent as she could be, despite living on her own for the past few years. Jane is a very dynamic character, that I am excited to continue reading about.
I feel like Jane has gone through the first big moves of her life. Obviously she will continue to change and grow as the book goes on, but the years between eight and eighteen are extremely formative, and this is where we will see the biggest changes. She has a much better sense of who she is after going through Lowood, in the very least she now knows how to be alone without needing to reach to others. She acts like she prefers solitude, but in meeting Rochester we start to see the part of her that was in control when she was young, desperately wanting someone to make her feel loved. I don't think this changes how much or little Jane is independent, I see it more as a human feature, of someone who has learned to get along on her own out of necessity, but needs company just as much as the next person. Jane begins to open up more and more as she falls for Rochester, and the more she lets him see about her, the more the reader learns. I think this will be a very illuminating part of the book concerning Janes true nature.
ReplyDeleteI have to slightly disagree with those talking about the definite personality of Jane Eyre. I do not think that she has a strict personality that will always continue with her, I saw throughout the book that her personality is fluid and constantly changing. Jane, like everyone else, changes as she gets older especially in personality. Otherwise, if her personality and character were not yielding and malleable, she would have never taken a job at the same school that ridiculed her when she first got there. Helen affected Jane with her talk of forgiveness and her religious attitude. She mellowed out a bit the impetuous, out-spoken child that was a product of her aunt and cousins. This is not to say that the fiery, speak-your-mind Jane is no longer a part of her, of course not. But Jane, like every other person, molds herself partially to her environment either intentionally or unintentionally. In her childhood she could only defend herself mentally and verbally. At school, she didn’t have to defend herself because she was not under as much pressure, but when she has to live with Mr. Rochester she once again becomes outspoken because this new environment demands that she be outspoken and exude a stronger, more independent personality.
ReplyDeleteI hate to repeat what almost everyone has already said, but I agree with the general consensus that seems to have been reached; that the people, events and tragedies that Jane has faced so far have contributed to her development into a sophisticated and mature young adult. I also agree that Bronte developed certain characters, such as Helen, to define Jane and to give reason for her development into a character more sophisticated than any other in the novel, with the exception of Rochester. If Jane had not been faced with the hardships, losses and tragedies that have occurred so far, her character would lack a substantial amount of depth that only those instances could lend her. Not only have they given her character depth, they have provided a reason for her drive for self contained confidence; a state of mind that Jane seems to want to achieve in order to shelter herself from the often cruel world around her. If that world had not been cruel, Jane wouldn't have had a reason to build a wall, and Rochester would have no wall to tear down in order to get at whats inside. Its the interest in discovering what Jane is hiding that makes her so appealing to Rochester, that gets him to the brink of admitting his feelings for her. And it is the tension that Rochester's restrained emotions give to the story that has provided for most of the recent conflict.
ReplyDeleteWhat Kathryn mentioned has also particularly stood out to me and it is very similar to how I feel about the other characters that Jane has encountered throughout her life so far. Her idea that they are not very developed is true and I believe that this puts a focus even more so onto Jane and later also to Mr. Rochester. As for Jane’s maturing and growth throughout the book at this point, I found it very interesting when Rochester mentions the lack of experience that Jane has had in the real world and how cut off she really still is when you look at the big picture. To say that she has grown into a strong and independent young woman I do not believe is accurate because while she has certainly become educated and more sophisticated, confidence and independence are things she still lacks at this point in the novel. I would also like to mention, like I did in class, the interesting way that things believed to be supernatural continue appearing in different ways and circumstances. I believe that this directly relates to the woman we all know is in the attic and begins to give the sense to unknowing readers that there may be something up there. The superstitions are the most prominent relations I am able to make with Wide Sargasso Sea.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about what was said in the class discussions about Jane's personality not changing throughout the book, because in many ways she did change. She went from being a bitter child who kept to herself for her own protection to a more thoughtful adult who communicated with people in a better way. This would have been impossible had certain characters like Helen and Miss. Temple not been introduced. Helen in particular had a big influence on Jane. When Jane first met her, she was more of an introvert. Jane even mentions in the story that she has no idea why she even decided to talk to Helen in the first place, but she does and we discover that she's nearly the complete opposite of Jane. Rather than fighting punishment as Jane says she'd do, Helen bears it because she feels like it's somehow making her a better person. She's also much more religious than Jane is at this point in the book. Helen however has absolutely no faith in herself, and believes she does nearly everything wrong. And in the beginning Jane thinks this is silly. But when the time comes where she's made to sit on top of the stool and branded a liar she takes her punishment quietly, and everything turns out alright for her in the end. This is the part where she starts to become gradually more social and amiable around people.
ReplyDeleteI say I have mixed feelings about her change because in a completely different way she doesn't. Although her demeanor has changed, inside she's the same angry, isolated person she'd always been. There's parts in the story when she's older and talking to other people, but when she's narrating what's happening she mentions how annoyed she is by talking to them. Then there's her reaction to Rochester's departure. She's angry, which is not at all like the way she's suppose to react to the situation. And then there's her suspicions about Grace Poole. Although they're justified, the way she talks about her is almost childlike, suggesting that she's still the girl she's always been.
I have to agree with everyone in saying that the first sixteen chapters in Jane Eyre are a very important part of the book. I think that they are a crucial part of the novel because in them you get to know Jane. In the beginning of the book, she is just 9 or 10 years old, but by chapter sixteen, she has grown into an adult. These are major years for her because they involve her growing and maturing from a little girl into the young woman that she becomes. You see her turn from the spirited, easily angered, and neglected child into a quieter and more patient person. I think that this major change in her personality is encouraged by two particular people. Both of them she knew after she was sent to Lowood School. These two people are Helen Burns and Miss Temple. Although they are only in the novel for a few chapters, they are largely responsible for the change in Jane. When she first arrived to the school, she was used to being neglected and treated harshly. I think that the harsh and sometimes abusive treatment she endured for the first years of her life shaped her into the angry, quick tempered girl that she was. However, once she arrived to Lowood she was introduced to both Helen and Miss Temple, who were both quiet, patient, and kind people. They were always gentle and were never quick-tempered. Although they were both eventually taken from her life - Helen by dying from consumption and Miss Temple from being married and moving away - they left a lasting impression on her. Jane herself said that she believed Miss Temple was responsible in the changes in her behavior and personality. She saw how she had changed and even inherited some of her teacher's calm and patient disposition. Because of her teacher and her friend, Jane was able to grow up a lot in the first part of the book and become the person she is when she moves to Thornfield, where most of the remaining story unfolds.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nate’s thought that the adult Jane isn’t really independent. Though she seems to have more confidence, there is this self doubt that resurfaces as a result of Mr. Rochester which is particularly noticeable when she compares herself to Blanche.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the idea that Jane isn’t submissive. She was never completely subservient and would fight back when she saw necessary; she still challenges others and doesn't blindly obey without question. Jane sometimes gained things from her rebellion; like with Mrs. Reed, she achieved a satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. And as Elizabeth pointed out, she received some benefit when Mr. Brocklehurst made her stand on a stool as punishment. This punishment, intending to make a bad example of Jane, actually made her peers see her as a martyr. A small thing which Jane spoke about during this experience, really stood out to me as being significant. She said that the eyes of some people notice the “imperfect nature of man” and they “can only see those minute defects, and are blind to the full brightness of the orb.” I think that this idea applies to a few of the characters from the earlier chapters in the book, like Mr. Brockelhurst and Mrs. Reed. I feel as though there are fewer characters like this as the book progresses. For instance, Mr. Rochester doesn’t fixate on Jane’s flaws and actually treats her more as an equal than as an inferior. She encounters less false judgment later in the book, with the exception of Blanche.
As many have pointed out, Jane has grown in terms of academics and mental maturity however her mindset and interpretation of herself have not been altered to such an extreme. In some instances it seems that she may be gaining independence over those who have oppressed her. The passages seem to be presenting the idea of independence and a new level of confidence however as Jane's thoughts are explained it is clear that she remains meek and unsure. I was very taken with Katie Wither's interpretation of the surrounding characters. As Jane develops, those around her stay level and in most cases fade away. I wonder if any of the characters will come up again or if their appearances have come to an end. Helen Burn's character however was of the utmost importance to Jane's growth, as was Ms. temple. The opposition between the impulsive and non calculating Jane and a reserved and content Helen was a major factor in Jane's advance towards a more sophisticated and refined individual. The pattern involving desertion appears with nearly every character that becomes close with Jane. Jane was taken to school, excluding Mrs. Reed and the torments of her past from her new life, Helen was stolen by death, and Ms. Temple by marriage. Jane's constant desertion enhanced her in some ways troubled mindset.
ReplyDeleteWhat zoe said about Jane finding an equilibrium between passivity and ire/passion rung true with my interpretation of the book. I have to note, though, that the first scenes we saw at Gateshead Hall were out of the ordinary, making me think that she was always calm and passive in her behavior, but fiery in thought. This view is reflected in the physical manifestation of Jane’s character, which is weak and small, but with a large brow and other traits that, true to physiognomy, reflect her character. At thornfield, Rochester manipulates her and makes her passion surface by degrees.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with many of my peers that although Jane has progressed minimally she is essentially the same as a character. While she is a quieter more reserved person she experiences the same destructive thoughts and chooses not to act upon them. This type of behavior is harmful and reflects her life as she has always been externally repressed and now begins to repress herself. The author constantly places Jane in a situation where she is controlled by another person and in a type of prison internally and externally. The first two settings were very similar while the third setting she is allowed more freedom and this is where the author shows her lack of progression through her interactions with Mr. Rochester. When he leaves she finds herself resorting to similar thoughts as her former self and while she is different physically there has been little change mentally. I believe that minor changes in personality have been mistaken for major changes in Jane as a character.
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