Jane Eyre : literary devices

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë is a classic novel that uses various literary devices to enhance its storytelling and thematic depth.

Literary Devices

Here, we point out some notable literary devices from the novel.

First-Person Narrative

The novel is written in the first-person point of view, with Jane Eyre as the narrator. Jane Eyre tells her story ten years after the last event of the novel. It helps readers gain deep insight into her thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It creates a solid connection between the reader and the protagonist.

Gothic Elements

“Jane Eyre” blends elements of Gothic literature, including dark and mysterious settings (e.g., Red Room, Thornfield Hall), supernatural occurrences (e.g., the eerie laughter and strange affairs in the mansion), and a sense of suspicion. These elements add tension and suspense to the story.

Foreshadowing

Brontë uses foreshadowing to hint at future events throughout the novel. For example, Jane’s creepy encounters with the “madwoman in the attic” foreshadow the revelation of Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester’s first wife. This technique creates anticipation and makes readers amused.

Imagery

Brontë employs vivid imagery to describe settings and characters. The images create a vivid mental picture for readers. For instance, her descriptions of the natural landscapes, such as the moors, are beautiful and haunting. This image also reflects Jane’s emotional condition.

Character Development

Brontë skillfully uses character development to explore the psychological and moral growth of Jane Eyre. Readers witness her transformation from a meek, oppressed orphan into a strong, independent woman. This character arc is central to the novel’s themes.

Social Commentary

“Jane Eyre” serves as a platform for social commentary. The novel addresses issues of class, gender, and morality in Victorian society. These societal critiques are woven into the narrative and character interactions.

These literary devices contribute to the depth and richness of “Jane Eyre,” making it a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature.

Symbols

The novel is rich in symbolism. The red room, where Jane is locked as a child, symbolizes her oppression and isolation. Thornfield Hall symbolizes the secrets and emotional turmoil hidden within its walls. Thornfield’s destruction by fire symbolizes the purification and transformation of the characters’ lives.

The Red Room

The red room symbolizes Jane’s isolation and oppression. It represents her emotional and physical confinement within the Reed family’s harsh and unloving environment.

Thornfield Hall

Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester’s estate, symbolizes the secrets and emotional turmoil hidden within its walls. The name suggests that it is a place filled with thorns or obstacles that Jane must navigate.

Bertha Mason

Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester’s first wife, symbolizes the oppressive and restrictive Victorian societal norms. Bertha is kept locked away due to mental illness. It gives us a picture of Victorian society, particularly regarding gender roles and mental health. It represents how society isolates and marginalizes those who do not conform.

Fire

Fire is a recurring symbol in the novel. It symbolizes both destruction and rebirth. The fire that destroys Thornfield Hall represents the purification of past sins and the opportunity for a new beginning for Jane and Mr. Rochester.

The Moon

The moon is often associated with Jane’s emotional state. It represents her longing for freedom and her desire for a better life.

The Chestnut Tree

The chestnut tree at Thornfield Hall, under which Jane and Mr. Rochester sit and have significant conversations, symbolizes their love and connection. However, a lightning strike halves the tree. It foreshadows their relationship’s challenges and obstacles.

The Wedding Veil

The wedding veil torn in the ceremony between Jane and Mr. Rochester symbolizes the revelation of Mr. Rochester’s secret, Bertha Mason. It also foreshadows the obstacles they must overcome to be together.