Jane Eyre Reflections

Jane Eyre Reflections
“...I was termed naughty and tiresome, sullen and sneaking, from morning to noon, and from noon to night.” ... “I could not answer the ceaseless inward question–why I thus suffered...” Pg. 17
In reading the novel, I understand that Jane is not a bad child – any rebellion in her is a reaction to unfair mistreatment. How bad could she really be at ten years old, anyway? Yet, we see that she is deemed an unwanted nuisance, and not truly through her actions or behavior, but only because her Aunt Reed simply does not feel a maternal connection to Jane. This is no excuse to treat a child poorly whether publicly or not. It would seem that sympathy toward children was much different back then as compared to now. Jane is then forced to question why she must suffer; why she of all children must be exposed to such cruel treatment. That is not a question that a child should ask. And, as people are most impressionable as young children, I am sure this will play a big part in who Jane becomes with long-term effects in her life that we will witness later on in the novel.

“I felt an inexpressible relief, a soothing conviction of protection and security, when I knew that there was a stranger in the room...” Pg 21
Here, Jane states that she feels protected and relieved when there is a stranger in the room. This is probably contrary to what most children would feel in the presence of a stranger. However, since Jane is subject to such cruel treatment by her Aunt Reed, Jane feels that she will be spared this one time as Mrs. Reed wouldn’t dare seem cruel to someone of the public. This however caught me as surprisingly similar to today’s society (in some circles). We might watch on TV a show where someone is cruel to their children save under the public eye. As TV is our common form of entertainment today, books were during the time of Charlotte Bronte; yet with the vast difference in years, some elements of our entertainment remain the same.

“I could not see how poor people had the means of being kind” Pg. 26
This statement just struck me as odd. The ten year old Jane did not believe that poor people could be nice based on that very fact, therefore did not wish to live with them. This shows the power of social class at the time. The elite of society did not associate with the poor, even to the extent in educating their children on their basic human qualities; such as “being nice.” This also adds to the notion that Jane did not have a chance to be innocent, being ruined early on in her life. In a way, her innocence made her guilty on the matter that she could only learn off of what she was exposed to, which wasn’t very nice.

“If she were a nice, pretty child, one might compassionate her forlornness; but one really cannot care for such a little toad as that.” Pg. 28
This is a statement by Mrs. Reed. This is unbelievably cruel and strange to say. That a child can only be loved if she is attractive – and one cannot receive compassion if they are ugly. In this case, Mrs. Reed cannot sympathize for Jane’s orphan situation because she does not appeal to the eye. I do not think nowadays, an adult (especially an established one) would think such a thing, let alone think it. Such a woman should not be left to care for a child. Treatment based on such thinking could not be good. Such an ill attitude toward Jane will surely affect her in her later years – to maybe be extra compassionate toward children.

Knowing that she is about to be sent of to Lowood school, Jane speaks her mind as truthful as she likes to her aunt Reed. Jane boldly tells Mrs. Reed that her parents along with her uncle watch how horribly Mrs. Reed treats her and says she will tell anyone that asks of her life at Gateshead Hall likewise. Pg. 30
This shows Jane’s maturity and independence at such an early age. Jane had practically no one, therefore feels that she shouldn’t need to really try to establish a false connection with her aunt. So Jane speaks her truthful mind about her, and very boldly so. We can be sure that Jane will grow up strong, and not only strong, but a strong woman. This is important, considering the feminist viewpoint from which this is written. Strong, independent women were not encouraged during that time, yet we can already see that Jane will become one. Will this lead to a harder life? Or will her innate stubbornness and independence make being a woman that much easier?

“...if Bessie had been kind and companionable, I should have deemed it a treat to spend the evenings quietly with her, instead of passing them under the formidable eye of Mrs. Reed, in a room full of ladies and gentlemen.” Pg. 30
Jane Eyre was born into “high society.” Even with her parents death, Jane went to live on with her Aunt Reed to almost an even higher society. Point being, she was part of that blood and lifestyle. However, Jane was outcast by her Aunt Reed. She wasn’t really allowed to live that kind of life, being shunned by all who were a part of it. In turn, she finds solace in a servant, who should be “beneath her.” It is clear, with this, that Jane does not really see herself as part of that lifestyle or social class at all. This may be a good thing, as she won’t become spoiled. However, was Jane, in a way, cheated out of a life that she should have had?
“Little girl, here is a book entitled the ‘Child’s Guide’; read it with prayer, especially that part containing ‘an account of the awfully sudden death of Martha G—, a naughty child addicted to falsehood and deceit.;’” Pg. 37
How crazy must these people have been to even make such a ‘Child’s Guide.’ And then what it contains is even more crazy. It is insane to frighten a child from lying with death, and saying that the one will be the cause of the other. Will going to this school be beneficial for Jane? If this kind of ideology is what will surround her in the school, will it be more or less bearable than Gateshead? I do not bode well with religious fanatics, and this is a reason why. I bet Mr. Brockelhurst is a huge hypocrite, just as Mrs. Reed. Again I would like to think how Jane will grow up to be.

“I saw each girl taster her food and try to swallow it, bit in most cases the effort was soon relinquished. Breakfast was over, and none had breakfasted.” Pg. 48
The condition at Lowood school are horrible. They don’t even have food to feed the children. In this quote, Jane explains how the breakfast porridge was burnt and spoiled beyond edibility, and they were left with nothing else. Nowadays, there are regulations that every establishment must accommodate, and such a thing would not happen. However, back then, they could obviously get away with it. I bet that Jane does not have high hopes for the rest of her time at Lowood if this is her first breakfast and she cannot even eat it. It is horrible what Mr. Brockelhurst thinks of children, and then in return this is what he puts them through. And it is even more ridiculous that this is quite normal to everyone else.

Burns is a quite exceptional student, yet is only seen by Miss Scatcherd by her “flaws.” (These include untidiness and not being able to pay attention for the most part). In the quote, Burns correctly answered a question and did so very thoroughly, however all Miss Scatcherd could see was that Burn did not wash her fingernails in the morning (however only so because the water was frozen). Burns just sat there and took the criticism to Jane’s surprise.

“...when you put bread and cheese, instead of burnt porridge, into these children’s mouths, you may indeed feed their vile bodies, but little you think how you starve their immortal souls!” Pg. 65
This is how we know Mr. Brockelhurst is crazy – when he relates something as tiny as bread and cheese to the eternal damnation of a soul. How could someone believe that replacing a spoiled meal with bread and cheese (which I suppose was a luxury back then) could corrupt a child? I’m also led to assume that such thinking actually took place in Bronte’s time; I do not think she would have written such a thing if it wasn’t a possible reality. This makes the statement just that much more ludicrous. This is also ironic when upon this very visit, Mr. Brockelhurst brought with him his very lavishly dressed female relatives. Obviously, these guested women live spoiled lives, however the girls in Lowood school cannot even eat some cheese without being cast into hell. I believe that Bronte was a Christian, however this is an example of her criticism of the church in Jane Eyre. However, I feel she only wished to criticize the fanatics and some of the corrupt institutions that took place under the church’s name.

“‘...This world is pleasant – it would be dreary to be called from it, and to have to go who knows where?’
And then my mind made its first earnest effort to comprehend what had been infused into it concerning heaven and hell...” Pg. 82
Most children would have the conceivably undeniable notion of God drilled into their brains from the moment they gain consciousness until they are old. Yet, it took her until she was ten years old for Jane to attempt to grasp or believe in the concept. What could be Bronte’s reason for this exceptional child to be her protagonist? Maybe it is to establish that women, even as children, can be free thinkers and judge for themselves. Or maybe it is again a criticism of the church in the sense that although the institution is corrupt in many aspects, one can find self-salvation still (ultimately being the correct path). Maybe Bronte once questioned or couldn’t put full faith into the concept of a god. And, I wonder, how would this element of the story be received during the time of its publication? It would seem to be a touchy subject.

“... I tired of routine of eight years in one afternoon. I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing.” Pg. 88
All of a sudden, out of nowhere, Jane is tired of the routine at Lowood. Not just that, but the urge to take a different path in life is overwhelming to her. Jane demands freedom – something which generally women couldn’t pursue. So, as a woman, will she find this desired liberty that she so desperately yearns for? This also leads me to question how Jane would be in marriage. As with Lowood, Jane was content with her lifestyle until “one afternoon” where routine became unbearable to her. So, if Jane was to marry, and she was pretty much forced indoors, bearing and caring for children, would she be able to last? What if, one day, she couldn’t stand the wife lifestyle any longer? Maybe Jane will never be able to conform to society.

“‘So I think: you have no ghost, then?’” Pg. 109
I just believe this to be very funny. Jane has just moved in to Thornfield Hall, and is inquiring Mrs. Fairfax about ghost stories and/or encounters concerning the house. This is obviously a question triggered by Jane’s experience with the “ghost of her uncle” in Gateshead. But, the fact that it is one of the first thing Jane brings up about her new residence, and pushes the issue so fervently as to be one hundred percent sure that there are not ghosts in the building is just hilarious. Any reader, with the above quote, can be sure that Jane has developed an irrational fear of ghosts from her childhood “encounter” with one. And if Mrs. Fairfax said there was a ghost said to be living in the hall, what would Jane do then? Not live there? I wonder if this will come up again later in the book as an issue for our protagonist.

“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do...” Pg. 112
I feel that this single, solitary quote expresses the theme of the novel. It is almost as if Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre just so that she could state this in the book; as if she had not other outlet, but was dying to cry this out to the world and found the best way she could get away with it. To me, this statement has so much passion, so much feeling behind it, like Charlotte was on the brink of feminist explosion when she wrote these words out. It also makes me wonder how well a quote like this was received by its male readers of the past. I do not know why, but I believe that Charlotte Bronte lived a very depressing, unfulfilled life, as she was a woman and therefore was limited greatly. I believe this one statement to be the gateway to Charlotte’s passion, her drive, her self. Charlotte cried for equality, but didn’t live to see it. Therefore, let us recognize those who didn’t have a chance to be recognized.

In the quote, Mr. Rochester teases Jane, saying that she is a witch who was waiting for her “little green men” and bewitched his horse so that it would fall over with him on it. Pg. 125
This is another funny quote. It’s old-fashioned flirting haha. I guess it’s like today, where a guy will teasingly insult a girl to flirt in a way. Only back then it was hilarious because the men called the women witches who were waiting for little green men. I think it is obvious that he in interested in Jane, to some degree, and she is also interested in him maybe just a little bit. Honestly, I do not think she will do much about it, especially at first, having no real experience with men let alone in a romantic way. I think it will develop into something of a relationship, though, being that the novel is a romance story. How will it work out?

“‘...since happiness is irrevocably denied me, I have a right to get pleasure out of life: and I WILL get it, cost what it may.’" Pg 139
This seems like a sort of dark statement by Mr. Rochester. Maybe he will turn out to be a narcissistic ass. When he talks like this, I would think that it would turn Jane off, however she likes to listen to him. But he seems like he would only care about himself at this point in his life. This is truly a speed bump in the novel for me; I do no know what to expect of this character. He does have strange habits and an odd character. But perhaps maybe he has just had bad experiences in his past and is emotionally overwhelmed. Then Jane would be there to console him...

“‘...you fear in the presence of a man and a brother--or father, or master, or what you will--to smile too gaily, speak too freely, or move too quickly: but, in time, I think you will learn to be natural with me, as I find it impossible to be conventional with you...’” Pg. 142
This was a nice statement. Mr. Rochester states that he realizes Jane’s fear, or conformity, in the presence of a man, and calls her out on it. He then states that she will learn to be natural with him, as that is what he hopes he can be and she will be. He is, in effect, calling her an equal; of course this is not the status quo relationship for a man and a woman. It is beautiful really, that she yearns for liberty, and here is a man that will give it to her. However, this quote is also kind of sad when it comes to Charlotte Bronte. This, perhaps, is a statement of her dream through the mouth of Mr. Rochester. In life, Charlotte probably yearned to have a companion to whom she could feel equal to, not inferior as was demanded.

“Tongues of flame darted round the bed: the curtains were on fire. In the midst of blaze and vapour, Mr. Rochester lay stretched motionless, in deep sleep.” Pg. 151
What a surprising turn of events! Such a dull book with such an interesting and mysterious loophole in its plot. Who caught the bed on fire? Mr. Rochester established that it wasn’t him, and Jane seems to think that it was the odd Grace Poole. On what grounds would Grace do such a thing? With so much of the novel left to read, and Mr. Rochester’s failure to elaborate on Grace’s story, I do not believe that this mystery will be solved anytime soon. That is a disgrace, but I suppose it will keep me reading with something to look forward to. It would have been crazy if Mr. Rochester died.

“The strangest thing of all was, that not a soul in the house, except me, noticed her habits, or seemed to marvel at them...” Pg. 166
Here, Jane is referring to Grace Poole. Jane cannot fathom how obvious Grace’s odd behavior is, yet no one else notices them but her. Now, I am forced to believe that maybe Grace’s behavior isn’t all that strange, but merely exaggerated by Jane. I think this because of one of Jane’s former notions that the distinct relationship between Grace and Mr. Rochester and the idea that maybe Grace was once pretty and maybe of interest to him. This quote would then be one out of jealousy, which is easily believable. So, I do not know how crazy Grace really is, but I will probably soon find out.

“I have told you, reader, that I had learnt to love Mr. Rochester: I could not unlove him now, merely because I found that he had ceased to notice me--because I might pass hours in his presence, and he would never once turn his eyes in my direction--because I saw all his attentions appropriated by a great lady, who scorned to touch me with the hem of her robes as she passed...” Pg. 187
Here is another sad quote. Jane realizes that she is so deeply in love with Mr. Rochester, but he doesn’t even notice her; his eye is drawn to the more beautiful Miss Ingram. In turn, Miss Ingram treats Jane like crap. It is a typical female rivalry over the attention of one male. It’s crazy that this is still ever-present today especially in forms of entertainment like TV shows or movies. I cannot say that I am sure that Jane is in the right mind here, however. I believe that she is just too self conscious to think that with Miss Ingram in the room, there is not way Mr. Rochester could be interested in her. But I do believe that is the ironic case.

“‘You could scarcely find me one. If you knew it, you are peculiarly situated: very near happiness; yes, within reach of it. The materials are all prepared; there only wants a movement to combine them. Chance laid them somewhat apart; let them be once approached and bliss results.’” Pg. 199
This is Jane’s fortune as told by a gypsy that we find out to really be Mr. Rochester in disguise. Knowing it is Mr. Rochester, I don’t know whether to really see this as foreshadowing or not. I do believe that happiness will be found in the end, but there is still a lot of the book to read. So I do not think it will be very soon as the fortune tells. And the fact that Mr. Rochester is the one saying this, I believe that he will propose to Jane or something. I mean how could he not it seems so obvious. I wonder what will happen to Miss Ingram also, if Mr. Rochester will just kick her out of the house, or will she just leave all on her own.

“‘Doing well! He could not do worse: he ruined his health and his estate amongst the worst men and the worst women. He got into debt and into jail: his mother helped him out twice, but as soon as he was free he returned to his old companions and habits... How he died, God knows!--they say he killed himself.’” Pg. 223
This quote is concerning John Reed. I feel like this John got what was owed to him; kind of like Karma caught up with him and he was destined to lead a miserable, corrupt life. It is almost necessary that he lived such a life, considering how he treated Jane when they were children. John was an innately corrupt person, and there was no way to escape such a lifestyle. It is kind of funny and ironic on John’s part and also Mrs. Reed, whose golden child lived a horrible life and caused nothing but trouble for his mother. They both had it coming to them. This is too appropriate also, that the pieces of Jane’s life fall so nicely into place (assuming the two Reeds’ fates are justified on Jane’s part).

“‘Love me, then, or hate me, as you will,’ I said at last, ‘you have my full and free forgiveness: ask now for God's, and be at peace.’
Poor, suffering woman! it was too late for her to make now the effort to change her habitual frame of mind: living, she had ever hated me--dying, she must hate me still.” Pg 242
Here, Jane Eyre fully forgives Mrs. Reed for the wrongs that the old woman has done to her. However, although Mrs. Reed owned up to the extremeness of her actions toward Jane, she never really changes her mind about the whole situation. This seems too surreal. The fact that Jane seems to be so perfect as she’s gotten older and matured isn’t really believable. It would have been wise for Bronte to maybe leave this as one of Jane’s only and major flaws – that she couldn’t forget about Mrs. Reed’s actions enough to forgive her. That might have made Jane a little bit more believable as a character. Then again, Jane does seem to be the woman who lived the most ideal life according to Bronte and would want every aspect of the protagonist to be perfectly laid out.

“‘Thank you, Mr. Rochester, for your great kindness. I am strangely glad to get back again to you: and wherever you are is my home--my only home.’” Pg. 248
Wtf is with this beezy. It’s a sort of feminist, empowering (in a way) novel yet Jane is like every other “typical” woman at the time to so expectedly pour her soul into a man. I guess, as a reader, we know what Jane truly wants now. However, as readers, we are still led to believe that Mr. Rochester plans to marry Miss Ingram (at least that is what is implied). I know that will not be the case – the ending wasn’t kept a secret very well. Jane believes that Mr. Rochester’s intentions lie in Miss Ingram as well, though, so I wonder what her reason is for stating this to him. Or maybe she just couldn’t hold it in. Maybe Mr. Rochester was waiting for such a statement to start making his move? Lol.

“‘My bride is here,’ he said, again drawing me to him, ‘because my equal is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me?’” Pg. 256
Ooooh finally the proposal. I saw it coming, it was obvious; inevitable. The most outstanding part of this quote is the word “equal.” Not only is Jane getting the man her heart truly desires, but he establishes her as his equal. This makes it just a little too perfect. And I do not know what to expect with their engagement since, again, there is still so much left to read. I foresee something bad to happen. So far, Jane’s life seems just a little too perfect for a woman of the time period. This is another reason I see a turn for the worse, because nothing is ever really that perfect.

“Yet after all my task was not an easy one; often I would rather have pleased than teased him. My future husband was becoming to me my whole world; and more than the world: almost my hope of heaven. He stood between me and every thought of religion, as an eclipse intervenes between man and the broad sun. I could not, in those days, see God for His creature: of whom I had made an idol.” Pg. 276
Jane now practically worships Mr. Rochester like a god. He has “become her whole world.” So, I would like to wonder what would happen if he were to disappear? Maybe that is what is bound to happen and this is a very depressing novel in the end. I do not know if it would surprise me, seeing as Charlotte Bronte was kind of depressing. This novel could be her bitter attack on the world. Haha. Again I believe it ironic that Jane has put all her faith in a man. And even worse than that, that she really wasn’t happy UNTIL she found a man. Maybe it only makes her happy, because they can be equals in the relationship.

The quote has to do with the time of Jane’s and Mr. Rochester’s wedding. Mr. Mason claims to be the brother of Mr. Rochester’s wife and says the wedding cannot go on. Mr. Rochester then says that it is true he is married, and Jane is pretty much torn apart. Pg.294
So, this is a big slap in the face for Jane; her beloved is already married. As Rochester says he will explain the situation back at Thornfield, they all go to the Hall to be enlightened. Mr. Rochester explains how he was tricked into marrying a very wealthy, yet insane, woman. She really is crazy and is taken care of by Grace Poole at that very Hall. Mr. Rochester then asks if they will force him to stay faithful to something almost inhuman. I do feel sorry for Mr. Rochester, but even worse for Jane. What will she do? I know she has a big conscience, and will probably be very torn in what her heart wants and her final decision.

“‘Mr. Rochester, I will not be yours.’” Pg. 318
This is a short quote, yet very powerful all the same. I feel like I have been very serious in all of my reflections so far, but I don’t know how seriously I really want to take this book. I guess the story is sort of interesting... Hmm.... Anyways, I cannot take this seriously. Honestly, no crazy in love woman could force herself to do that. Wouldn’t it be reasonable for her to ask Mr. Rochester to divorce his wife? I mean, divorce is acceptable in the Church of England.... Which they are a part of.... So why doesn’t he just do that instead of Jane leaving his ass? Her conscience is too overwhelming I suppose. BS.

“‘All men must die,’ said a voice quite close at hand; ‘but all are not condemned to meet a lingering and premature doom, such as yours would be if you perished here of want.’
...’Is it you, Mr. St. John?’ cried Hannah.” Pg. 338
The females inside of the house Jane was begging at would have left her to starve and die. However, the gracious St. John came by to her rescue. He seems like a decent man. I do not know how they get along calling him a saint while he is still alive though; that is a mystery to me considering what I was taught a saint to be. Anyways, St. John seems very nice, I wonder if he will stay that way. And I wonder how long he will allow Jane to stay with them. Maybe he will have other intentions. Maybe Jane will cater to these intentions, since her first love is no longer available. How happy would Jane really be though? At least she didn’t die I guess.

“‘No; I want only one companion this morning, and that must be you. Put on your things; go out by the kitchen-door: take the road towards the head of Marsh Glen: I will join you in a moment.’” Pg. 403
Here, St. John declares that he wants Jane as a wife. Not only that, he demands that she go with him to India. Not only that or that, but they are cousins. This is one messed up situation. Jane seems to admire St. John’s values in a way, however it is obvious she doesn’t love him. She kindly denies his “proposal” (quotes because it wasn’t really a question but a command), and he persists. St. John really isn’t very nice as I thought he would be, and it is good that Jane doesn’t feel obligated to marry just because Mr. Rochester is out of the question now. I wonder how extreme St. John’s reaction to this will be; he seems like he would not take the refusal nicely.