Use of Elemental Imagery in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

1972 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Jane eyre relationship with mr rochester

Use of Elemental Imagery in Jane Eyre

The use of elemental imagery in Jane Eyre, sustained throughout the novel both metaphorically and literally, is one of Charlotte Brontë's major stylistic devices. The natural opposition of the two elements of water and fire ("the war of the earthly elements", as Jane puts it) highlights the need for the titular heroine to find equilibrium between points identified as extremes. However, as David Lodge notes, "we should be mistaken in looking for a rigidly schematic system of elemental imagery and reference in Jane Eyre". Fire and water images in the novel have their shifting associations, which reflect on the characters of Jane, Rochester and St John Rivers. The broad suitability of the images shows that they can be both destructive forces and agents of renewal. Using them as both allows Brontë to show how far the characters have learnt to reconcile the Romantic desire for passion with the need for restraint, for it is only in that way that true personal selfhood can be realised. And this search for a personal selfhood, where one is judged on one's own character, not society's usual manner of judgment based on title, money or beauty, can be said to be the focus in the novel.

It is instructive to note that fire, used metaphorically, is almost solely used to describe Jane and Rochester. Fire is associated with passion, and it is imperative for the characters to learn that while passion is a valuable quality, without which any relationship would be a cold and dead one, it is not the only component of a relationship; other qualities like mutual respect and honesty must be present. "Fire is a good servant, but a bad master", as the old saying goes. The fire within both parties creates t...

... middle of paper ...

...

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1991

David Lodge, Fire and Eyre: Charlotte Brontë's War of Earthly Elements

Gates, Barbara Timm, ed. Critical Essays on Charlotte Bronte. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1990.

Jane Eyre. Dir. Franco Zeffirelli. Perf. William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsborough, and Anna Paquin. 1996

Kadish, Doris. The Literature of Images: Narrative Landscape from Julie to Jane Eyre. New Brunswick: Rutgers UP, 1986.

Lodge, Scott. "Fire and Eyre: Charlotte Bronte's War of Earthly Elements." The Brontes: A Collection of Critical Essays. Ed. Ian Gregor. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1970. 110-36.

McLaughlin, M.B. "Past or Future Mindscapes: Pictures in Jane Eyre." Victorian Newsletter 41 (1972): 22-24.

Solomon, Eric. "Jane Eyre: Fire and Water." College English 25 (1964): 215-217.

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of Bewitched By Ueda Akinari

    754 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...o him. This part in the story suggests such a thing is a feminine quality and that men should not worry about being good looking, but rather focus more on more manly qualities: especially that of prudence.

    Read More

  • Jane Eyre: Charlotte Bronte in Leeds Point

    562 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Stephen Dunn’s 2003 poem, “Charlotte Bronte in Leeds Point”, the famous author of Jane Eyre is placed into a modern setting of New Jersey. Although Charlotte Bronte lived in the early middle 1800’s, we find her alive and well in the present day in this poem. The poem connects itself to Bronte’s most popular novel, Jane Eyre in characters analysis and setting while speaking of common themes in the novel. Dunn also uses his poem to give Bronte’s writing purpose in modern day.

    Read More

  • The Impact of United States Rule on Puerto Rico

    2264 Words  | 5 Pages

    When the United States first took Puerto Rico from Spain, its plans concerning what to do with the island appeared to be noble. According to Fernandez, "The United States would resurrect Puerto Rico, like Lazurus, creating, in Senator Foraker?s words, ?a new era?a new life?and prosperity far exceeding any hopes that have been excited or any anticipations that have been entertained.?(Fernandez 2)" In other words, the United States viewed Puerto Rico as something that had to be saved, and claimed that their plan was to rescue it from its inferior status and improve the standard of living. Puerto Rico was to remain under the control of the U.S. until it was capable of taking care of itself. In the words of Trías-Monge:

    Read More

  • Puerto Rico Shouldn't Become a State

    540 Words  | 2 Pages

    To think that the Yankees are going to give us all their freedoms and all their progress for our pretty face is to think blindfolded. We could indeed have an unheard-of-manufacturing and business activity; but all this would be in their hands, monopolized, and exploited by them.” (Puerto Rico::The Flame of Resistance, 34). This statement from a Puerto Rican journalist emphasizes why she believes that Puerto Rico should not be controlled by America. This is a popular belief in Puerto Rico and America because of reasons regarding culture, independence, and the economy. It would not be beneficial to Puerto Ricans or Americans if Puerto Rico was made a state.

    Read More

  • Jane Eyre Through Bronte's Eyes

    3631 Words  | 8 Pages

    Analyse the methods Charlotte Brontë uses to make the reader empathise with Jane Eyre in the opening chapters. Reflect on how the novel portrays Victorian ideology and relate your analysis to the novel’s literary content.

    Read More

  • History of Puerto Rico and Spanish Rule

    1545 Words  | 4 Pages

    The history of Puerto Rico under Spanish rule is one of European exploitation of non white peoples for the purpose of economic gain. The ‘discovery’ made by Columbus in 1492 had a great impact on the highly competitive countries in Europe who saw, in lands like Puerto Rico, the possibility of prosperity and advancement. More than hoping to spread their influence or religion, Europeans wanted to take advantage of the lands and resources which seemed unused. Actually the lands were being used quite successfully, but in unfamiliar ways which did not concern many Europeans. With little regard for the native people, Europe began conquering the eastern hemisphere in the name of colonization. Areas which had only known one race for centuries were flooded with people from all over the world seeking money and status. As the stakes grew, and select people and countries heavily prospered off their colonies, ethical and moral restraint declined. The result was a world filled with a diverse group of races, extreme distinctions in class differences, and mixing of culture. This was the case for Puerto Rico, which was just as much affected by colonialism as other areas, but has certain qualities which make the Puerto Rican identity unique.

    Read More

  • Imagery in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

    1086 Words  | 3 Pages

    The main image that Charlotte Bronte uses is the relationship between "fire and ice." This is also in accordance with images of "red and white," and "hot and cold." Jane, herself, relates to "fire," representing her passion, anger, and spirit. This metaphor of Jane associates her with fire, brightness, and warmth. In chapter four she describes her mind as "a ridge of lighted heath, alive, glancing, devouring" (Sparknotes). Jane also explains Edward Rochester as "fire." He is described as having "flaming and flashing" eyes (Sparknotes). Rochester, like Jane, is also consumed by his passions and anger. Although both Jane and Rochester are described as "fire," their relationship is described as "ice,"

    Read More

  • Rasselas in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

    3060 Words  | 7 Pages

    Relying on her own knowledge of Samuel Johnson’s works, as well as the knowledge of her Victorian readers, Bronte uses ...

    Read More

  • Physical & Emotional Abuse in Jane Eyre: How This Affected Jane’s Evolution Into a Dynamic Character

    1183 Words  | 3 Pages

    Jane Eyre has been acclaimed as one of the best gothic novels in the Victorian Era. With Bronte’s ability to make the pages come alive with mystery, tension, excitement, and a variety of other emotions. Readers are left with rich insight into the life of a strong female lead, Jane, who is obedient, impatient, and passionate as a child, but because of the emotional and physical abuse she endures, becomes brave, patient, and forgiving as an adult. She is a complex character overall but it is only because of the emotional and physical abuse she went through as a child that allowed her to become a dynamic character.

    Read More

  • Chapter 23 of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

    535 Words  | 2 Pages

    The book has many features which are found in Gothic novels such as romance. Romance plays a very important role as Mr. Rochester and Jane are both uncertain if their powerful love is being returned. Another common feature of the Gothic novel is lovers being parted; in the story of Jane Eyre Jane and Rochester are parted when Rochester leaves to visit Blanche Ingram and also when Jane goes to see her dying Aunt Reed. There is also tension between the true love and society. Mrs. Fairfax appears to disapprove of Jane's and Rochester's marriage because of their difference in social class.

    Read More

  • Comparing Jane Eyre and Yellow Wallpaper

    1645 Words  | 4 Pages

    Lodge, Scott. "Fire and Eyre: Charlotte Bronte's War of Earthly Elements." The Brontes: A Collection of Critical Essays. Ed. Ian Gregor. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1970. 110-36.

    Read More

  • Coca Cola and Coco Frio

    1717 Words  | 4 Pages

    On July 25, 1898 United States troops invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War . As Olga Jimenez de Wagenheim and Kal Wagenheim state“ The war marked new eras for both the United States and Puerto Rico. It was America’s first major step as an imperialist power , The Spanish American War was a small war , edging towards immense consequences ” (77) . December 10, 1898 The Treaty of Paris between The United States and Spain was signed, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States . From there on The United States gained total control of the island of Puerto Rico and “ undertook a sustained Americanization campaign designed to make Puerto Rico in its sympathies , views, and attitude toward life and toward government essentially American” ( Morris 7 ). The United States claimed that their intention of possessing the island was to free the island from the Spanish but, Puerto Ricans soon learned that they would just be a controlled possession of the United States , this made some natives very unhappy. In just a short period of time Puerto Rico went from being a possession of Spain to the possession of the United States . Going through these sudden changes has caused many issues in the political , economic, and social status of Puerto Rico.

    Read More

  • Conan Doyle Biography

    1564 Words  | 4 Pages

    Doyle was forced into a medical career by his mother. He agreed not because he was passionate about the subject, but he knew it was a well-paying job. His father, a middle-class man, was an alcoholic and was eventually put into an asylum (sherlockholmesonline). This left Doyle and his mother with less money to pay for Doyle’s medical classes.

    Read More

  • Essay On Morality

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...take. Morality are the subjective decision and actions a person take that are considered ethically correct in our society.. For example, in the films, it would be thought unethical to have sex with someone else who is not your partner, even more immoral when sex is obtained with money. Furthermore, committing suicide to get money when things get rough is also considered unethical.

    Read More

  • Crime Trends In Crimes

    994 Words  | 2 Pages

    The 1990s was an era in American history that has been studied by criminologists, demographers, criminal justice planners and policy analysts, all with the same goal of trying to explain why there was the largest decline in crime rates since World War II. To understand crime trends and tendencies helps us predict future crime trends. This allows society as a whole to be better prepared to manage and control these trends. Inspector Franklin Zimring, a criminologist has developed theories to help explain these trends.

    Read More

More about Use of Elemental Imagery in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

Open Document