:: reader response..chapter 11-21

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.

Gothic Fiction is its own sinister genre of literature combining elements of romance and horror. Although Jane Eyre is not a gothic novel, as stated above, the tale includes many elements of gothic fiction such as darkness, madness & secrets. These elements used in the novel create vibrant suspense and drama, always leaving the reader in anticipation. From the mysterious eerie laugh belonging to Grace “and is she possessed with a devil?” (chapter 15, page 151) to the supernatural red-room containing the ghost of the late Mr. Reed “any sign of violent grief might waken a preternatural voice”, (chapter 2, page 16) this novel has incorporated dreadfully dark and complex themes.

In regards to the gothic elements, the main focus and the primary complication is Mr. Rochester. Even though he is very passionate and attentive, and also the key to Jane’s romance, Mr. Rochester hides a terrible secret. Any trace from his past could threaten his happiness and any future relationship.

Due to the recent events taking place at Thornfield, I feel that Jane has become quite accustomed to the traditions; however, her life could be in severe danger. She may have grown and developed as a character, especially now that she has a new life and new responsibilities, but by falling in love and being entranced by her new affection her emotional and even physical state could be at risk.

As the novel begins to progress and advance, there are many new and unforeseen twists occurring. Overall, these dark elements are adding an increasing amount of essence to the story. 

Discuss the role of art in Jane’s life with specific reference to the text, especially in her artwork.

Art plays an essential role in Jane’s life. To her, art is an escape that truly gives her a reason to live for. In reference to the text the reader finds that Miss. Eyre is truly talented in the course of art, “it is as fine a picture as any Miss Reed’s drawing-master could paint, let alone the young ladies themselves,” (Chapter 10, pg 93).

In chapter 13, Mr. Rochester is greatly immersed in Jane’s art portfolio. It is on page 127 when she goes into detail about describing her various pictures. ‘I must premise as they are nothing wonderful…As I saw them with the spiritual eye, before I attempted to embody them, they were striking; but my hand would not second my fancy, and in each case it had wrought out but a pale portrait of the thing I had conceived,” (chapter 13, page 127) I find this excerpt very inspiring, due to the fact that I admire how Jane is so humble about her own artwork.

Jane tends to work on her art when she is living in the moment “The subjects had, indeed, risen vividly on my mind” (chapter 13, page 127) and is very focused, “I was absorbed, sir: yes, and I was happy” (chapter 13, page 128). 

The reason I have chosen this image is to portray the fact that Jane fancies to sometimes live in her artwork. Jane’s artwork many times reflects happiness that she wished would occur in her daily life and she longs to impress Mr. Rochester and prove to him her capabilities. I truly believe that this impassioned pictured is masked with many uncovered secrets and possibilities.