How Does Bronte Create Sympathy In Jane Eyre

In Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’, Jane instantly manages to make the reader empathise with her character. The way in which Brontë evokes this sympathy is by using a number of different methods: characterisation, the way in which the hierarchy of the characters is displayed, both physically and metaphorically; intricate choice of language, for example romanticising certain parts of the book to show intimacy between the characters and the reader; setting is also used to create sympathy for example the use of pathetic fallacy, is manipulated in conjunction with Jane’s mood or significance; narrative voices and the use of first person views throughout the entire book, create a negative semantic field, making the reader empathise with Jane.

The clear dominance of the character John Reed in chapter 1 cannot be ignored. Brontë’s portrayal of John is characterised by her skilful choice of language, in conjunction with the narrative, structure and the characterisation of both John and Jane. John’s obvious, overbearing demeanour over Jane provokes sympathy in the reader. Jane is portrayed physically, as well as metaphorically, as much smaller than John. Jane is seen as vulnerable due to John’s dominance as a character in the beginning of the book. She describes John Reed as having “a dingy and unwholesome skin.” Here Jane is talking about John’s appearance as a teenager. Although this description of him appears to just be describing his physical appearance, “unwholesome skin” could be interpreted as a person whose appearance comes solely from the outside and who has a hollow inside, which we do see John to have later on in the book. Jane’s vulnerability is really shown when she says “I trembled at the idea of being dragged forth by the said Jack.” In this scene the use of both language and structure evoke not only sympathy, but also an empathising fear in the reader. The word ‘tremble’ is used brilliantly here as it really shows Jane’s innocence as a little child. It shows us that, even though Jane gives a confident first person account throughout the entire book, her young age of just ten is really shown due to her combination of anxiety, fright and agitation. “Every morsel of my flesh shrank when he came near.” This quote really proves Jane’s fear towards John Reed and shows her vulnerability when in his presence. What is interesting to note, is how Brontë manages to maintain the belief of the reader that John is portrayed as the dominant male, even though he is only fourteen. Jane’s subdued characteristics create a huge sense of innocence in comparison to John’s demeanour, evoking yet more sympathy towards