The Ending of Jane Eyre

The ending of Jane Eyre did not make me upset but somewhat disappointed. Charlotte Bronte has put many surprises and unpredictable situations into this novel, I think I was expecting a little more. I felt that it was safe and acceptable, but maybe just a final mystery or a different future for one of characters could have left an imprint on me. Having this happy ending becomes too cliche and reminds me of Disney movies. It bores me and it feels incomplete like its missing a final element from Bronte.

Jane Eyre-Gothic Novel

So, we just learned that Jane Eyre is a gothic novel because the elements that make one are portrayed. Jane is the lonely protagonist, Bertha is the villain, Thornefield is an example of gothic architecture, and the supernatural events that occurred all create the gothic novel. Jane is the lonely protagonist because we are told that she is an orphan but she is able to overcome that and many other challenges that come her way. Bertha is seen as the villain because of the way that she makes Mr. Rochester's life horrible, basically making it impossible for him to marry Jane since he is practically married to her, and she nearly  kills him when she burns down Thornefield causing him to lose a hand and become blind. Thornefield represents gothic architecture from the way it is described to us by Charlotte Bronte as a tall castle like edifice. And the several supernatural events that occur such as when Jane encounters a specter of what she believes is her uncle when she is locked in the "red room",and when Mr. Rochester and Jane somehow hear each other towards the end of the novel. There is know way that i would have believed this novel to be a gothic novel, but reading about the elements that create a gothic novel give me a clear perspective that it definitely is.

Jane's New Inheritance

In Chapter 33, we find out that Jane is now in possession of a large amount of money. Not only that but she finds out the St.John and the rest of them are all her long lost cousins!! This is another of Charlotte Bronte's great twist. I didn't mind that they became her cousins, but I felt very suspicious about Jane. Her character is quite clear for sure, but somehow I can't get over how easily she shared her profit. It was more than enough and it was the right thing to do, but I don't think I've ever seen Jane this giving before. This new side of Jane is questionable to me.

St. John Rivers' Calling

The proposal may be a surprise, but the impulse is good, right? Or is it? Do you think that the missionary zeal that St. John shows gives a positive view of Christianity? Is he an admirable character, a positive religious model?

Jane's Decision

As we discussed in class, Jane refused to marry Mr. Rochester when she found out that he was already married to Bertha, because she felt that she was betrayed by him, again! Most of us felt that Jane had made an appropriate decision by choosing not to marry him, because it wouldn't be fair if they got married, and she got lied to again. Or if he did the same thing to her as he did to Bertha and fell in love with another girl. The only difference was, he wasn't in love with Bertha. Mr. Rochester said that even if she was mad and crazy like Bertha, that he would be willing to stay with her, because he is actually in love with her, and wants to marry her. This was a different feeling for him since the marriage that he had with Bertha was an arranged marriage, and HE was lied to by her, kind of the way that he lied to Jane, but his lies were more to protect her rather than harm her.

Jane Eyre and The Romantic Movement

Chapter 27 is a great one in many ways. I'm sure you'll want to blog about the moral dilemma Jane faces and the "debate". However, please also take a few minutes to comment on how this chapter adds to our view of Bronte as a writer of the Romantic Movement. Imagination, nature, symbolism, myth, emotion, individualism, the everyday and the exotic - what shows up here?

The Proposal

Rochester proposes to Jane in an unorderly fashion, also showing his devious side in trying to make Jane jealous first. This can relate to many affairs that young adults/adults often do to catch a significant others' eye. But did Rochester do the right thing? He's speeding up the transition of marriage, which can either lead to happiness or destruction of relationships.. And although Jane surprisingly accepts his offer, was the saying of Rochester of God sanctifying them to marry genuine or merely a deceitful act? He claims that he won't care about the people's opinions but due to great age difference I predict that people are bound to say something.

Jane's Independence

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will..." -Jane to Mr. Rochester 


This quote is from chapter 23, when Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane and she denies him. She keeps insisting that it is not the right thing to do since he says he's already engaged to Blanche to make her jealous, although he keeps pushing that he will give her his hand, his heart, and share all of his possessions. She wants to leave to Ireland, but he holds her tight while she is still struggling to escape from his clutches. Through her jerky movements trying to get away from him, he says, "Jane, be still; don't struggle so, like a wild frantic bird that is rending its own plumage in its desperation." This is when she clearly explains to him that she is NOT a bird, caught and trapped in some net. Basically, she is saying she doesn't want to be caught up in his problems and the things that he wants. She then explains to him how she is a free human being with an independent will, meaning that she should be able to do anything that she feels without anyone interfering with her decisions. This can relate to anybody, how they should not be forced into anything that they don't want to do and that they should have free will to do anything that they please. Should she marry him?

Jane Eyre- Mr. Rochester: WHO IS HE?!?!?!

Mr. Rochester is one of the most complex characters of the story. Somehow, Charlotte Bronte has this magical ability to show Mr. Rochester having double faces. He is a nice guy one side but has a secret life hidden on the other. This is why Jane must be so confused because everything we know is through Jane's eyes and we don't know whether to like him or not either! Even with double faces, Mr. Rochester is my favorite character because he is the mystery. He is the one who makes me want to read more and want to know what's happening. Mr. Rochester creates the atmosphere that something else is going on in every unusual situation. This makes Jane Eyre and overall exciting and captivating story to read. Who is Mr. Rochester though?

Jane Eyre's Path to Righteousness - Religious Connection

Throughout the chapters we have read,  Jane seems to have encountered many religious models in her life. Although she continues to try and accept the religious views and teachings from her surroundings, her old friend Helen Burns, and etc.. Do you think that Jane will be successful in reaching her ultimate goal in obligating herself to God and his words or will she merely reject those that may have influenced her life one way or another?

Writer of Conscience

Jane may not be as overtly Christian as Helen Burns, but she has a strong sense of morality. She is concerned about character. She comments also on Mr. Rochester's warning, "Beware remorse." Let's keep an eye on Jane's inner struggle with conscience, and I'd like to hear from all of you about the values that she considers important.

Jane Eyre- Typhus Epidemic at Lowood

In chapter 10, we learn that Lowood school is a breeding-ground for typhus. More than half of the girls that go there are affected with this disease, but Jane stays healthy. We also find out that Jane's good friend, Helen Burns is sick, but not with typhus, she is dying of consumption. The epidemic of the spread of typhus all throughout Lowood and nearly affecting more than half of the people that attend the school can relate closely to the Black Death, caused by the bubonic plague that swept through Central Asia being carried on to the Mediterranean and Europe, killing many people. So, in a way, Lowood school and typhus affecting many people there is like the Black Death affecting many people in Europe.

Jane Eyre- Mr. Rochester and Jane: A Personal Connection

During Chapters of 15-17, Mr. Rochester enters affecting the whole household's silent atmosphere and especially affects Jane. At this time I have scrutinized his character and noticed his sudden admiration for Jane while he is staying. This strange feeling also comes upon Jane as well, saying that he is "her kind" because of some type of connection between them. I wonder if this connection will work when he is master and she is a common orphan. This also reminds me of how Mr. Darcy feelings suddenly arose for Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. Will this connection last?-Marnelle Mac Dula

Jane Eyre- Too Good to be True?

 If Helen Burns seems "too good to be true" to you, how does that reflect on either the narrator's perception or the author's development of character? Are there other characters in the first 8 chapters that seem too "flat" to you? What expectations do you have of the balance of the novel, given the characters you've met so far?

 Jane's perception of Helen Burns is clear. Jane sees Helen to be an odd character without rebellion inside of her. Instead, Jane views Helen as the most obedient and good person she knows, and yet, Helen reflects upon herself as a monster without control. The development of this character, Helen, is only a first impression. I predict we will see Helen's darker side through more of the story. Another character who seems to be similar is Miss Scatcherd who seems too mean! I believe that she has a nice side, but it is probably buried by some past hate or regret about someone or something. - Marnelle Mac Dula

I agree with Marnelle's statement about Helen viewing herself as a monster because Jane judges Helen as weird from the fact that she accepts their vicious teacher, Miss Scatcherd's criticism. Miss Temple, the kind superintendent of Lowood School treats Jane, Helen, and others with respect. It could be said that Helen and Miss Temple have the same sort of personality. In this case, if Helen is "too good to be true", then Miss Temple could possibly be the same. As the story goes on, if we see the other, darker side of Helen, then we will see the darker side of Miss Temple. - Andre Pautin 


Based on what Marnelle and Andre said, different views throughout characters are stated. Helen and Jane seem to be on different pages when it comes to their personal opinion of each other. Burns seems to be that obedient, Christ driven girl, but may have some evil thought burning within the inside. A person may be able to show happiness on the outside, but no one really knows their true feelings. Like what Andre quoted, " As the story goes on, if we see the other, darker side of Helen, then we will see the darker side of Miss Temple. " The saying " Don't judge a book by it's cover " addresses this situation because once you get to know a person, they will surprise you by showing the real side of them. - Ila Sahagun