Roman Allusions in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

Roman Allusions in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

The references to Roman figures in Jane Eyre are few but very effective. Charlotte Bronte uses allusions to Nero, Caligula, and Messalina that on the surface appear to be quite simple. However, with further investigation and analysis, it is very clear these simple references are anything but. The first Roman allusion occurs in chapter one in reference to John Reed. Comparing him to Nero and Caligula serves many functions. First, it illustrates just how cruel he is in the eyes of Jane. Second, it foreshadows numerous things about John Reed including his early demise, his frivolous spending, and his lascivious behavior. Another Roman reference occurs much later in the novel. When Rochester is describing the terrible time he went through in finding a wife, he makes a reference to Messalina. The reference alludes to the type of wife Bertha was, and insinuates she was promiscuous. The easily glanced over allusions tell a great deal about the characters they refer to.

The first Roman allusion occurs in chapter one, during Jane’s confrontation with John Reed. After catching her reading a book, he reminds her that she is only a dependant and not of the same class as himself, and that she ought " . . . not live with gentlemen’s children . . ." (23; ch. 1). Then, he picks up the book and throws it against her head, causing her to fall, hit her head, and start bleeding. Young Jane shouts, "Wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murderer – you are like a slave-driver – you are like the Roman emperors!" (23; ch. 1) Jane then tells the reader: "I had read Goldsmith’s ‘History of Rome,’ and had formed my opinion of Nero, Caligula, etc. Also, I had drawn parallels in silence, which I never thought thus to have declared aloud" (23; ch. 1). It is those "parallels" that are vital to understanding Bronte’s reference to Roman emperors, and specifically Nero and Caligula. Comparing John Reed to those figures is a shorthand way of saying a lot about his character, and more importantly, it is a clue to what is to become of him.

Goldsmith’s account of Nero and Caligula is important in understanding why John Reed is likened to them. According to Goldsmith, Caligula was arrogant, greedy, and cruel (365). He had many vices and hurt everyone around him.