Wild Sargasso Sea Part 1
After reading Wild Sargasso Sea I found that it was a much easier read in comparison to Jane Eyre. I found it less of a struggle to get into the book, whereas with Jane Eyre it took time. Although the plot and general story line of Jane Eyre were interesting, I found that this particular style of writing was more suited to my tastes. I particularly liked the way that Rhys does not write long descriptive passages of emotion and instead gets straight to the point. I feel that this is what helps to give the book a rather quicker pace and allows the reader to be less bias towards the characters as we are not given such a deep view. However Jean Rhys certainly presents us with a good use of imagery and creates a good sense of place throughout the bulk of part one.
I have also observed that the writing style is modern especially in the way that the sentences are structured. I find it most interesting as the lengths of the sentences are varied as is Rhys’ use of punctuation. For example- “The scent was very sweet and strong. I never went near it.” It is as if she wrote the second sentence as an afterthought. Also I have noticed that Rhys will often follow a long sentence by a short one.
A Passage that I found to be of particular interest to me was the description of the garden. It picks up many of themes of which are key to Jane Eyre such as isolation, mystery and the supernatural. It is seems that much like Jane, Antoinette is using her imagination to create her own world in which she can escape. I particularly found “drop by drop of blood” interesting as it is dramatic and has elements of the gothic and symbolism. It links with the gothic imagery typical of Jane Eyre.
Most interesting to me in this beginning part of the novel were the links that ran with Jane Eyre. Antoinette’s time at the convent school is perhaps the most obvious but also the ideas of social class and themes of religion and the supernatural. Overall I have enjoyed the first part of the novel and found it to be quite an interesting read thus far.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Chapters 28-38
Chapters 33-38
Summary
Jane continues to enjoy the company of her newfound family. St John is distant with Jane. Rosamond is engaged. St John asks Jane to study Hindustani with him; he begins to influence Jane more and more, making Jane feel sad. He asks her to become his wife and go to India with him in order to be a missionary. She refuses to go as his wife as they do not love each other. Jane is further pressured to Mary St John and she continually and politely refuses. Jane seems to be under his influence more than ever when she is in awe of him when he prays for her at dinner. Jane hears Rochester’s voice and thinks that something awful has taken place. Jane leaves for Thornfield in the morning and finds a burnt-out ruin. She learnt that Bertha had set the house on fire and in attempting to save both the servants and Bertha he had become blind and lost a hand and was now residing in a house called Ferndean in a forest. At a distance from Ferndean Jane makes out Rochester’s figure and sees him testing to see if it raining. She knocks on the door to which Mary answers. When Jane enters the room to find Rochester he believes her to be a spirit. Consequently she promises never to leave him again and the next day she recounts all of what has happened to her since she left Thornfield. He proposes again to which she accepts and Rochester confides that a few nights since he had called out to her and thought that he had heard a response. Jane and Edward are married. Jane remains in contact with Diana and Mary and visits Adele. Jane lives a number of happy years with Rochester and after two years, slight vision in one eye returns to him. They have their first child-a baby boy and learn that Mary and Diana are both happily married.
Characters
Jane feels trapped, the power and influence that St John holds over Jane is almost like a spell. Jane returns to Rochester feeling very much his equal now that she has money, she feels that she is worthy of him. With this we also see a change in Jane, she has grown more confident.
Themes & Motifs
The theme of religion through St John becomes yet more prominent, with his talks about being a missionary. Again Jane has a mother figure in the form of Diana. Status and class are key; we see this with the equality now between Rochester and Jane. Love is definitely a theme as Jane proves just how much she really must love him if she is willing to care for him for the rest of her life.
Personal Response
Overall I have enjoyed the book. The last chapters have really kept me involved. I particularly took pleasure in finally seeing Jane happy after a long and miserable struggle. I now can see that not just wealth but religion had a big impact on Jane’s life. After attending Lowood and meeting Helen Burns, Jane learnt about God and it’s exactly this which seemed to help her through some of the harshest times.
Summary
Jane continues to enjoy the company of her newfound family. St John is distant with Jane. Rosamond is engaged. St John asks Jane to study Hindustani with him; he begins to influence Jane more and more, making Jane feel sad. He asks her to become his wife and go to India with him in order to be a missionary. She refuses to go as his wife as they do not love each other. Jane is further pressured to Mary St John and she continually and politely refuses. Jane seems to be under his influence more than ever when she is in awe of him when he prays for her at dinner. Jane hears Rochester’s voice and thinks that something awful has taken place. Jane leaves for Thornfield in the morning and finds a burnt-out ruin. She learnt that Bertha had set the house on fire and in attempting to save both the servants and Bertha he had become blind and lost a hand and was now residing in a house called Ferndean in a forest. At a distance from Ferndean Jane makes out Rochester’s figure and sees him testing to see if it raining. She knocks on the door to which Mary answers. When Jane enters the room to find Rochester he believes her to be a spirit. Consequently she promises never to leave him again and the next day she recounts all of what has happened to her since she left Thornfield. He proposes again to which she accepts and Rochester confides that a few nights since he had called out to her and thought that he had heard a response. Jane and Edward are married. Jane remains in contact with Diana and Mary and visits Adele. Jane lives a number of happy years with Rochester and after two years, slight vision in one eye returns to him. They have their first child-a baby boy and learn that Mary and Diana are both happily married.
Characters
Jane feels trapped, the power and influence that St John holds over Jane is almost like a spell. Jane returns to Rochester feeling very much his equal now that she has money, she feels that she is worthy of him. With this we also see a change in Jane, she has grown more confident.
Themes & Motifs
The theme of religion through St John becomes yet more prominent, with his talks about being a missionary. Again Jane has a mother figure in the form of Diana. Status and class are key; we see this with the equality now between Rochester and Jane. Love is definitely a theme as Jane proves just how much she really must love him if she is willing to care for him for the rest of her life.
Personal Response
Overall I have enjoyed the book. The last chapters have really kept me involved. I particularly took pleasure in finally seeing Jane happy after a long and miserable struggle. I now can see that not just wealth but religion had a big impact on Jane’s life. After attending Lowood and meeting Helen Burns, Jane learnt about God and it’s exactly this which seemed to help her through some of the harshest times.
Chapters 28-38
Chapters 28-38
Summary 28-33
Jane has been taken in by the Rivers and spends a number of days recovering, four days pass and Jane is much better, she talks to Hannah who tells her all about Mr. Rivers. Jane tells some of her story and concludes that her name isn’t really Jane Elliott and St John says that he will look for a job for her. Jane becomes friends with Mary and Diana who both dote on her. St John is completely the opposite. St John found a job for Jane in a town named Morton, managing a school. Jane learns about Uncle John. Jane meets a wealthy lady named Rosamond Oliver who accommodates Jane is a cottage. Jane begins to feel that teaching is rather a disappointment and St John explains to Jane that he felt the same and relays his plans of becoming a missionary. Jane begins to have strange and unnerving dreams about Rochester. Jane keeps a continual eye on the relationship between Rosamond and St John and in turn suggests that he should marry her. St John makes it clear that his holy duties are what are important, he then notices a piece of paper tears a piece off and dashes off without explanation. One evening Jane receives the unexpected arrival of St John who proceeds to tell her the story of an orphan who was governess at Thornfield and whom strangely disappeared after almost marrying Mr Rochester. It is obvious to Jane that St John suspects her, especially as he reveals that he has a letter from a solicitor as Jane has been left twenty thousand pounds by an uncle. Jane decides to split the money between herself, St John, Mary and Diana after discovering that they are cousins.
Characters
In the beginning of these chapters Jane is once again isolated and alone in the world. Jane becomes manipulated and in trying to escape from her problems is soon under the control in part by St John, who is a devout Christian but also emotionless and distant. Jane is once again sad and unhappy for the best part of these chapters. However after discovering that Diana and Mary are her cousins she becomes a great deal happier as she finally has real family that loves her.
Themes & Motifs
Religion has become a motif. St John relies strongly in his belief in God and in his plan to become a missionary. Jane is miserable because she realises what she has lost- Mr Rochester. Jane’s misery is again revisited; it seems once again to catch up with her as her real identity is proven. Sense of place is recreated. Jane’s emotions seem to reflect upon this.
Personal Response
Throughout these chapters Jane seems to hold back and suppress her feelings and I find this interesting as usually she isn’t scared to be honest; however I think that the power St John has over her suppresses her true character during these chapters as he tries to manipulate her. I cannot decide whether or not I like St John, he seems to me to be too wrapped up in his own ideas about God and religion to take much notice of how the people around him feel.
Summary 28-33
Jane has been taken in by the Rivers and spends a number of days recovering, four days pass and Jane is much better, she talks to Hannah who tells her all about Mr. Rivers. Jane tells some of her story and concludes that her name isn’t really Jane Elliott and St John says that he will look for a job for her. Jane becomes friends with Mary and Diana who both dote on her. St John is completely the opposite. St John found a job for Jane in a town named Morton, managing a school. Jane learns about Uncle John. Jane meets a wealthy lady named Rosamond Oliver who accommodates Jane is a cottage. Jane begins to feel that teaching is rather a disappointment and St John explains to Jane that he felt the same and relays his plans of becoming a missionary. Jane begins to have strange and unnerving dreams about Rochester. Jane keeps a continual eye on the relationship between Rosamond and St John and in turn suggests that he should marry her. St John makes it clear that his holy duties are what are important, he then notices a piece of paper tears a piece off and dashes off without explanation. One evening Jane receives the unexpected arrival of St John who proceeds to tell her the story of an orphan who was governess at Thornfield and whom strangely disappeared after almost marrying Mr Rochester. It is obvious to Jane that St John suspects her, especially as he reveals that he has a letter from a solicitor as Jane has been left twenty thousand pounds by an uncle. Jane decides to split the money between herself, St John, Mary and Diana after discovering that they are cousins.
Characters
In the beginning of these chapters Jane is once again isolated and alone in the world. Jane becomes manipulated and in trying to escape from her problems is soon under the control in part by St John, who is a devout Christian but also emotionless and distant. Jane is once again sad and unhappy for the best part of these chapters. However after discovering that Diana and Mary are her cousins she becomes a great deal happier as she finally has real family that loves her.
Themes & Motifs
Religion has become a motif. St John relies strongly in his belief in God and in his plan to become a missionary. Jane is miserable because she realises what she has lost- Mr Rochester. Jane’s misery is again revisited; it seems once again to catch up with her as her real identity is proven. Sense of place is recreated. Jane’s emotions seem to reflect upon this.
Personal Response
Throughout these chapters Jane seems to hold back and suppress her feelings and I find this interesting as usually she isn’t scared to be honest; however I think that the power St John has over her suppresses her true character during these chapters as he tries to manipulate her. I cannot decide whether or not I like St John, he seems to me to be too wrapped up in his own ideas about God and religion to take much notice of how the people around him feel.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Chapters 22-27
Chapters 22-27
Summary
Jane stays for a further month at Gateshead as Georgiana insists she cannot live alone with Eliza, whom later moves to her chosen convent and eventually, becomes Mother Superior. Georgiana marries a rich man. On returning to Thornfield Jane unexpectedly meets Mr Rochester who tells Jane of his new carriage for ‘Mrs Rochester’. Although Jane already knew about this, it succeeds only in deepening her belief that Rochester is to be married relatively soon to Blanche Ingram. She surprises herself when she announces how she is happy to be once again in his presence. After two weeks Jane is again walking I the orchard when she randomly meets Mr Rochester. He tells her of his plans for her too take up a new post and suggests Ireland of which Jane appears to be upset, angry and confused. Jane eventually confesses her love for Rochester and he asks her to marry him. At first reluctant to say yes, she accepts just as it begins to pour with rain. Rochester kisses Jane and when they reach the house he takes of her soaking coat and kisses her again but this time in the presence of Mrs Fairfax who is then cold towards Jane. The plans for the wedding are then made and Jane is having second-thoughts as she becomes increasingly aware that she is not financially equal and therefore inadequate to Rochester. Jane then tells him of a strange dream she had. This turns out to be half real, with Grace Poole apparently ripping Jane’s’ veil in two. The next day the wedding is abruptly stopped by a solicitor and Mr Mason who explain that Rochester is married to Mason’s sister Bertha. Rochester admits it is true, but also continues to say that Bertha is mad and he has kept her all the time in the attic, which thus explains all the strange events. Rochester led the wedding party to the house in order to show them Bertha and where he had been hiding her. After they leave Jane goes to her room where she cries in great misery and prays for God to be with her. Jane awakes in the morning and despite Rochester’s honesty and best efforts she leaves Thornfield.
Characters
Eliza is surprisingly kind to Jane. Finally we believe Jane is truly content yet she is also confused as Rochester used Blanche to almost deliberately trick her into deepening her feelings for him. Mrs Fairfax is motherly when she tries to make Jane see sense about getting married so quickly. Bertha is a key turning point in the novel as it is the discovery of her and the link between her and Rochester which causes Jane to leave
Themes & Motifs
The common theme of grief and despair has returned by the end of these chapters which is expected as with Jane we have come to expect nothing less. Love once again is prominent as Jane shows us how much she wishes to be loved. . Dreams and omens become a motif as we have seen them previously mentioned and Jane seems to suffer from very vivid and disturbing dreams.
Personal Response
The novel continues in much the same way as I left it in chapter seventeen- fast paced. However the constant contrast between Jane’s emotions is beginning to tire me. Bronte obviously created the character of Jane this way for a reason but I have found that I am becoming increasingly less fond of her once again. On the other hand I have found the general plot and storyline of these chapters most enjoyable to read.
Summary
Jane stays for a further month at Gateshead as Georgiana insists she cannot live alone with Eliza, whom later moves to her chosen convent and eventually, becomes Mother Superior. Georgiana marries a rich man. On returning to Thornfield Jane unexpectedly meets Mr Rochester who tells Jane of his new carriage for ‘Mrs Rochester’. Although Jane already knew about this, it succeeds only in deepening her belief that Rochester is to be married relatively soon to Blanche Ingram. She surprises herself when she announces how she is happy to be once again in his presence. After two weeks Jane is again walking I the orchard when she randomly meets Mr Rochester. He tells her of his plans for her too take up a new post and suggests Ireland of which Jane appears to be upset, angry and confused. Jane eventually confesses her love for Rochester and he asks her to marry him. At first reluctant to say yes, she accepts just as it begins to pour with rain. Rochester kisses Jane and when they reach the house he takes of her soaking coat and kisses her again but this time in the presence of Mrs Fairfax who is then cold towards Jane. The plans for the wedding are then made and Jane is having second-thoughts as she becomes increasingly aware that she is not financially equal and therefore inadequate to Rochester. Jane then tells him of a strange dream she had. This turns out to be half real, with Grace Poole apparently ripping Jane’s’ veil in two. The next day the wedding is abruptly stopped by a solicitor and Mr Mason who explain that Rochester is married to Mason’s sister Bertha. Rochester admits it is true, but also continues to say that Bertha is mad and he has kept her all the time in the attic, which thus explains all the strange events. Rochester led the wedding party to the house in order to show them Bertha and where he had been hiding her. After they leave Jane goes to her room where she cries in great misery and prays for God to be with her. Jane awakes in the morning and despite Rochester’s honesty and best efforts she leaves Thornfield.
Characters
Eliza is surprisingly kind to Jane. Finally we believe Jane is truly content yet she is also confused as Rochester used Blanche to almost deliberately trick her into deepening her feelings for him. Mrs Fairfax is motherly when she tries to make Jane see sense about getting married so quickly. Bertha is a key turning point in the novel as it is the discovery of her and the link between her and Rochester which causes Jane to leave
Themes & Motifs
The common theme of grief and despair has returned by the end of these chapters which is expected as with Jane we have come to expect nothing less. Love once again is prominent as Jane shows us how much she wishes to be loved. . Dreams and omens become a motif as we have seen them previously mentioned and Jane seems to suffer from very vivid and disturbing dreams.
Personal Response
The novel continues in much the same way as I left it in chapter seventeen- fast paced. However the constant contrast between Jane’s emotions is beginning to tire me. Bronte obviously created the character of Jane this way for a reason but I have found that I am becoming increasingly less fond of her once again. On the other hand I have found the general plot and storyline of these chapters most enjoyable to read.
Chapters 17-21
Chapter 17-21
Summary
A number of key events take place during these four chapters. Jane is lead to believe that Mr Rochester is to leave for continental Europe; however he instead brings a number of guests including Blanche Ingram and her mother back to Thornfield. Jane reluctantly is encouraged by Rochester to join the party where she is presented with little civility and rudeness by both Blanche and her mother. Eventually Rochester allows her to leave after she wells up with tears; however he tells her she must sit with them in the drawing room every evening. He also almost revealed his true feelings when he says “Good-night, my—”, before biting his lip.
Jane’s belief that Mr Rochester and Blanche Ingram are to be married is reinforced. A new guest named Mr Mason arrives at Thornfield and a strange gypsy woman calls by one evening. Blanche is first to see her but returns looking sullen and disappointed, Jane is asked for and strangely the gypsy seems to know many truth’s about Jane, however she guesses it is Mr Rochester. He looks concerned to learn that Mr Mason has turned up unexpectedly.
That night a strange screaming is again heard and the guests are reassured that it was merely one of the servants suffering from a rather severe nightmare. Rochester asks Jane if she can stand the sight of blood and on replying ‘yes’ he informs her that Mr Mason has been stabbed, Jane is asked to sit with him in silence whilst he fetches the surgeon. On returning he leads Jane away into the orchard where he proceeds to confide in her a ‘hypothetical’ story which is clearly about him, but he quickly exits before Jane has a chance to reply.
Presently Jane learns that her cousin John Reed has committed suicide and that after suffering a stroke Mrs Reed is on her deathbed. She is reunited with Bessie after she immediately hurries back to Gateshead, where she finds that Eliza and Georgiana have grown apart over the years. Mrs Reed is as stubborn and hostile and refuses Jane’s attempts to patch things up between them and at midnight dies.
Characters
Lady Ingram is rude to Jane. Mr Rochester seems very insecure, mainly towards his feelings towards Jane which is strange considering he is a man of great wealth and grandeur. On the other hand Rochester flirts with Blanche. Rochester tasks Jane for her opinion on him marrying Blanche, yet he hurries off without waiting for a reply, perhaps he is afraid of the truth and the answer and playing more mind games with Jane. We begin to sympathise with Jane as she is made out to be a fool by Blanche. Lady Ingram states- 'She looks to stupid for any game of the sort.' We once again are reminded of how Georgiana is a self-centred, immature, spoilt girl.
Themes and Motifs
Jane’s suspicions. She is wary of meeting new people and continues to be pessimistic especially in view of her life and the bad things that continue to pass. Religion is an obvious theme as Eliza hopes to move to a convent and shows great faith. Relationships are also a definite theme as the relationship between Rochester and Jane seem to grow stronger throughout each chapter. Class and status are also key as we see a clear divide drawn between Jane and the wealthy guests at Thornfield. Gothic elements are also apparent and the re-occurring pattern of Jane’s’ unhappiness and loss of self-worth. Love could also be seen as a strong theme as Jane attempts to hide her love for Rochester and we see the way that he and Blanche interact with one another. Isolation is a motif as Jane prefers to be alone rather than be in the drawing room with the guests, but perhaps she has good reason. Religion is clearly a theme as Jane shows her faith in God when talking to Rochester.
Personal Response
These chapters for me have been by far the most interesting and fast paced of the book. Up till now we have had one bad thing after another for Jane but now things are looking up and becoming progressively more intense and exciting as Jane attempts to suppress her feelings for Rochester. As the reader I am back on Jane’s side, by this I mean that I no longer wish for her to stop whining as I just want to see her happy. The events which take place in chapter eighteen/nineteen with the gypsy is one of my favourite parts of the novel as it is so strange to think that Mr Rochester usually such a stubborn, well mannered man dresses up as a gypsy in order to find out how Jane feels about him, an event which surely would not have taken place at the time in real life. This just shows Bronte’s writing at its best as it is written with such a sense of excitement and imagination.
Summary
A number of key events take place during these four chapters. Jane is lead to believe that Mr Rochester is to leave for continental Europe; however he instead brings a number of guests including Blanche Ingram and her mother back to Thornfield. Jane reluctantly is encouraged by Rochester to join the party where she is presented with little civility and rudeness by both Blanche and her mother. Eventually Rochester allows her to leave after she wells up with tears; however he tells her she must sit with them in the drawing room every evening. He also almost revealed his true feelings when he says “Good-night, my—”, before biting his lip.
Jane’s belief that Mr Rochester and Blanche Ingram are to be married is reinforced. A new guest named Mr Mason arrives at Thornfield and a strange gypsy woman calls by one evening. Blanche is first to see her but returns looking sullen and disappointed, Jane is asked for and strangely the gypsy seems to know many truth’s about Jane, however she guesses it is Mr Rochester. He looks concerned to learn that Mr Mason has turned up unexpectedly.
That night a strange screaming is again heard and the guests are reassured that it was merely one of the servants suffering from a rather severe nightmare. Rochester asks Jane if she can stand the sight of blood and on replying ‘yes’ he informs her that Mr Mason has been stabbed, Jane is asked to sit with him in silence whilst he fetches the surgeon. On returning he leads Jane away into the orchard where he proceeds to confide in her a ‘hypothetical’ story which is clearly about him, but he quickly exits before Jane has a chance to reply.
Presently Jane learns that her cousin John Reed has committed suicide and that after suffering a stroke Mrs Reed is on her deathbed. She is reunited with Bessie after she immediately hurries back to Gateshead, where she finds that Eliza and Georgiana have grown apart over the years. Mrs Reed is as stubborn and hostile and refuses Jane’s attempts to patch things up between them and at midnight dies.
Characters
Lady Ingram is rude to Jane. Mr Rochester seems very insecure, mainly towards his feelings towards Jane which is strange considering he is a man of great wealth and grandeur. On the other hand Rochester flirts with Blanche. Rochester tasks Jane for her opinion on him marrying Blanche, yet he hurries off without waiting for a reply, perhaps he is afraid of the truth and the answer and playing more mind games with Jane. We begin to sympathise with Jane as she is made out to be a fool by Blanche. Lady Ingram states- 'She looks to stupid for any game of the sort.' We once again are reminded of how Georgiana is a self-centred, immature, spoilt girl.
Themes and Motifs
Jane’s suspicions. She is wary of meeting new people and continues to be pessimistic especially in view of her life and the bad things that continue to pass. Religion is an obvious theme as Eliza hopes to move to a convent and shows great faith. Relationships are also a definite theme as the relationship between Rochester and Jane seem to grow stronger throughout each chapter. Class and status are also key as we see a clear divide drawn between Jane and the wealthy guests at Thornfield. Gothic elements are also apparent and the re-occurring pattern of Jane’s’ unhappiness and loss of self-worth. Love could also be seen as a strong theme as Jane attempts to hide her love for Rochester and we see the way that he and Blanche interact with one another. Isolation is a motif as Jane prefers to be alone rather than be in the drawing room with the guests, but perhaps she has good reason. Religion is clearly a theme as Jane shows her faith in God when talking to Rochester.
Personal Response
These chapters for me have been by far the most interesting and fast paced of the book. Up till now we have had one bad thing after another for Jane but now things are looking up and becoming progressively more intense and exciting as Jane attempts to suppress her feelings for Rochester. As the reader I am back on Jane’s side, by this I mean that I no longer wish for her to stop whining as I just want to see her happy. The events which take place in chapter eighteen/nineteen with the gypsy is one of my favourite parts of the novel as it is so strange to think that Mr Rochester usually such a stubborn, well mannered man dresses up as a gypsy in order to find out how Jane feels about him, an event which surely would not have taken place at the time in real life. This just shows Bronte’s writing at its best as it is written with such a sense of excitement and imagination.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Chapter 11-16
Chapters 11-16
Summary
Jane arrives at Thornfield to meet Mrs Fairfax who Jane has supposed to be the owner, but who was really the housekeeper. As Mrs Fairfax and Jane are talking, there is a strange laughter, and it seems a woman named grace is too blame. Jane meets Adele and has settled into life at Thornfield. Jane unexpectedly meets Mr Rochester after he falls from his horse. Jane and Adele have tea with Mr Rochester and after Jane learns the reasons why Mr Rochester is ‘changeful and abrupt’ from Mrs Fairfax. Rochester sends for Adele and Jane one evening and is strangely talkative. Mr Rochester tells Jane of Adele’s mother- Celine Varens. Whilst lying awake in bed Jane once again hears the strange laughter this time much closer in the hallway, she leaves her room to find smoke and on entering Rochester’s room finds that his bed curtains are on fire. She saves his life by throwing water upon the flames. They discover it is Grace Poole the seamstress. Jane is confused when she discovers that the staff believes Mr Rochester caused the fire himself. Jane is sad to learn that Rochester is to go away for a few days and consequently realises she has feelings for him.
Characters
Jane has developed as character. Her time at Lowood has greatly benefited her. Jane seems to be reformed in her behaviour; she is more reserved and seems to holdback, although she is still as wild as ever in her thoughts, she now knows how to control her ever colourful imagination. Mrs Fairfax is introduced as a kind old woman who Jane immediately warms too and who seems to almost answer the reader’s questions as well as Jane’s. Adele is introduced as a lively young girl whom Jane teaches. Mr Rochester is also introduced as Jane meets him unexpectedly as she is on a moonlit walk. He appears to be a humble, fair and passionate man, much like Jane herself. At first he seems to be rather abrupt and at first a rather disagreeable character, however as the story progresses we warm to him as does Jane. We also meet Grace Poole the unruly seamstress who carries an aura of mystery about her, she adds more depth to the plot as the reader becomes intrigued in her story.
Themes
We see a clearly present theme of Freedom and new beginnings. Jane is free from her troublesome childhood and is now able to begin her new life at Thornfield where she can develop yet further in a social, emotional and intellectual context. Passion is also a key theme as both Jane and the newly introduced Mr Rochester seem to exude this quality also followed by love and friendship. Classes are also apparent as Jane learns of Blanche Ingram and social society.
Motifs & symbols
Mystery is a motif in these chapters as it appears on several occasions. The most obvious being the evening in which Jane saves Mr Rochester from the fire, also Grace Poole is a very mysterious character. The reasons that Rochester is allowing Adele to stay at Thornfield even whilst he believes her not to be her daughter is a mystery.
Personal Response
Jane is progressing on an emotional level and as the reader I begin to warm to her as she leaves her troubles in the past and begins to be content or at least for the time being. I feel that I am really starting to get an understanding of Jane and she seems to me to be much more likeable. As the new characters also develop so does the plot and I am much more involved than I have been thus far.
Summary
Jane arrives at Thornfield to meet Mrs Fairfax who Jane has supposed to be the owner, but who was really the housekeeper. As Mrs Fairfax and Jane are talking, there is a strange laughter, and it seems a woman named grace is too blame. Jane meets Adele and has settled into life at Thornfield. Jane unexpectedly meets Mr Rochester after he falls from his horse. Jane and Adele have tea with Mr Rochester and after Jane learns the reasons why Mr Rochester is ‘changeful and abrupt’ from Mrs Fairfax. Rochester sends for Adele and Jane one evening and is strangely talkative. Mr Rochester tells Jane of Adele’s mother- Celine Varens. Whilst lying awake in bed Jane once again hears the strange laughter this time much closer in the hallway, she leaves her room to find smoke and on entering Rochester’s room finds that his bed curtains are on fire. She saves his life by throwing water upon the flames. They discover it is Grace Poole the seamstress. Jane is confused when she discovers that the staff believes Mr Rochester caused the fire himself. Jane is sad to learn that Rochester is to go away for a few days and consequently realises she has feelings for him.
Characters
Jane has developed as character. Her time at Lowood has greatly benefited her. Jane seems to be reformed in her behaviour; she is more reserved and seems to holdback, although she is still as wild as ever in her thoughts, she now knows how to control her ever colourful imagination. Mrs Fairfax is introduced as a kind old woman who Jane immediately warms too and who seems to almost answer the reader’s questions as well as Jane’s. Adele is introduced as a lively young girl whom Jane teaches. Mr Rochester is also introduced as Jane meets him unexpectedly as she is on a moonlit walk. He appears to be a humble, fair and passionate man, much like Jane herself. At first he seems to be rather abrupt and at first a rather disagreeable character, however as the story progresses we warm to him as does Jane. We also meet Grace Poole the unruly seamstress who carries an aura of mystery about her, she adds more depth to the plot as the reader becomes intrigued in her story.
Themes
We see a clearly present theme of Freedom and new beginnings. Jane is free from her troublesome childhood and is now able to begin her new life at Thornfield where she can develop yet further in a social, emotional and intellectual context. Passion is also a key theme as both Jane and the newly introduced Mr Rochester seem to exude this quality also followed by love and friendship. Classes are also apparent as Jane learns of Blanche Ingram and social society.
Motifs & symbols
Mystery is a motif in these chapters as it appears on several occasions. The most obvious being the evening in which Jane saves Mr Rochester from the fire, also Grace Poole is a very mysterious character. The reasons that Rochester is allowing Adele to stay at Thornfield even whilst he believes her not to be her daughter is a mystery.
Personal Response
Jane is progressing on an emotional level and as the reader I begin to warm to her as she leaves her troubles in the past and begins to be content or at least for the time being. I feel that I am really starting to get an understanding of Jane and she seems to me to be much more likeable. As the new characters also develop so does the plot and I am much more involved than I have been thus far.
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