Key quote: “You are like a murderer — you are like a slave-driver — you are like the Roman emperors!"
Jane Eyre, Chapter 1
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Key quote: “You are like a murderer — you are like a slave-driver — you are like the Roman emperors!"
Jane Eyre, Chapter 1
Analysis
Jane's comparison of John Reed to figures of oppression and cruelty highlights her defiance against injustice and oppression. It showcases her moral integrity and resistance to mistreatment.
Key quote: “Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel;”
Jane Eyre, Chapter 12
Analysis
Through Jane, Brontë challenges societal expectations of women, advocating for equality in opportunities and recognition of women's emotional depth and intellectual capabilities.
Key quote: “Revenge never worries my heart, degradation never too deeply disgusts me, injustice never crushes me too low”
Helen Burns, Chapter 6
Analysis
Helen's acceptance of injustice contrasts with Jane's refusal to tolerate mistreatment, highlighting different approaches to adversity. It illustrates the influence of religious ideology on an individual's responses to injustice.
Key quote: “Most things free-born will submit to anything for a salary”
Mr Rochester, Chapter 14
Analysis
Rochester's assertion reflects the exploitation of lower social classes by the privileged, exposing the injustice embedded in societal hierarchies. It underscores the power dynamics and exploitation prevalent in Victorian society.
Key quote: “Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!”
Jane Eyre, Chapter 23
Analysis
Jane confronts Rochester's prejudice against her social status and appearance, asserting her intrinsic worth and humanity irrespective of her class or physical attributes. She challenges societal stereotypes.
Key quote: “I should wish her to be brought up in a manner suiting her prospects”
Mrs Reed, Chapter 4
Analysis
Mrs Reed's disdainful attitude towards Jane based on her social status highlights the prejudice and discrimination prevalent in Victorian society.
Key quote: “Mary and I have had, I should think, a dozen at least in our day; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi”
Blanche Ingram, Chapter 17
Analysis
Blanche's derogatory remarks about governesses reveal the elitist attitudes towards individuals from lower social classes, emphasizing the disdain and exploitation experienced by governesses. It exposes the arrogance and cruelty of the aristocratic class.
Key quote: “It was as if a martyr, a hero, had passed a slave or victim, and imparted strength”
Jane Eyre, Chapter 7
Analysis
Helen's influence on Jane symbolises the transformative power of platonic love and friendship in overcoming adversity, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Key quote: “My soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I ever felt”
Jane Eyre, Chapter 4
Analysis
Jane's defiance against injustice empowers her with a sense of liberation and triumph, highlighting the transformative effect of standing up for one's principles. It underscores the importance of moral integrity in overcoming adversity.
Key quote: “Reader, though I look very comfortably accommodated, I am not very tranquil in my mind”
Jane Eyre, Chapter 11
Analysis
Jane's direct address to the reader emphasises her narrative authority and invites readers into her subjective experiences, adding empathy for her character. It highlights the intimacy and authencitiy of the first-person narrative.