Sunday, November 29, 2009

Photos Cited - Jane Eyre

Bluebeard. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/images2/oct26_bluebeard_dore.jpg

Caligula. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.cosmoloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/caligula.jpg

Charles I. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.vandaprints.com/lowres/39/main/2/14025.jpg

Guy Fawkes. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.harpers.org/media/image/blogs/misc/guy_fawkes_portrait.jpg

King Solomon. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://csmisforlovers.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/king-solomon.jpg

Nero. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.artchive.com/artchive/r/roman/roman_nero.jpg

The Pool of Bethesda. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.fireonyourhead.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/09/at_the_pool_of_bethesda_lg.jpg

The Trimurti. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/39283c1a8b6c.jpg

Works Cited - Jane Eyre

"The Annotated Bluebeard." SurLaLune Fairy Tales: Annotated Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Books and Illustrations. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/bluebeard/index.html

"Brahma." Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/brahma.html

"Caligula: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Caligula#encyclopedia

"Charlotte Brontë Biography - life, family, children, name, death, school, mother, book, old, information, born, marriage, time, year." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Br-Ca/Bront-Charlotte.html

"First Century Jerusalem - Pool of Bethesda." Bible History Online Images and Resources for Biblical History. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.bible-history.com/jerusalem/firstcenturyjerusalem_pool_of_bethesda.html

"Gulliver's Travels - Notes: The Story." Jaffe Bros. Home Page. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.jaffebros.com/lee/gulliver/notes/story.html

"Guy Fawkes (English conspirator) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/202931/Guy-Fawkes

"The Gytrash." Juliette Wood. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. www.juliettewood.com/papers/gytrash.pdf

"Juggernaut." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut

"King Charles the First 1600-1649." British Civil Wars, Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1638-60. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/biog/charles1.htm

"Nero: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Nero#encyclopedia

"Resurgam: Definition of resurgam." History, mythology, Ben Franklin, Latin translations, earthquakes... Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.sacklunch.net/Latin/R/resurgam.html

"Solomon." Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Solomon.html

"Tuberculosis (TB) Symptoms, Cause, Transmission, Diagnosis and Treatment on MedicineNet.com." Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.medicinenet.com/tuberculosis/article.htm

"Typhus | Insects and Society." Department of Entomology. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.ent.iastate.edu/dept/courses/ent211/disease/typhus

"Westward Expansion." Angelfire. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.angelfire.com/ca/HistoryGals/Linda.html

The Gytrash

“...a North-of-England spirit, called a 'Gytrash'; which, in the form of horse, mule, or large dog, haunted solitary ways...” (pg. 132)

A gytrash is a mythical animal, often depicted as a large black dog, that supposedly haunted travelers along the roads of Northern England. By referencing this legend, Bronte illustrates that Jane is still young at heart. Simultaneously, Bronte reflects her own attitude toward folklore. It is said that the gytrash was first documented in Jane Eyre, which leaves the reader to assume that Bronte was especially familiar with the tale and, being fond of it, was urged to write it down. Aside from the folklore aspect, this moment in the story is extremely monumental as it is Jane's first encounter with Mr. Rochester. It is ironic that what at first is fantasy in Jane's mind becomes realistic. Originally Jane thinks that what she sees and hears coming down the road (a horse and dog) are gytrashes, but she quickly discovers that it is the amiable Mr. Rochester whom she later falls in love with. This encounter nearly foreshadows Jane and Mr. Rochester's later reunion following Jane hearing her voice being called in the wind. These two encounters, among many others, suggest that they are destined to be together.

"The Gytrash." Juliette Wood. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. www.juliettewood.com/papers/gytrash.pdf

Bluebeard



“...like a corridor in some Bluebeard's castle.” (pg. 126)

Bluebeard, or La Barbe Bleu as it was originally titled, is a fairy tale written by Charles Perrault. The tale is about a nobleman, Bluebeard, who marries a young woman against her will. Following their marriage, Bluebeard leaves and gives his new wife the keys to his castle. He forbids her from entering one room in the castle, but once he leaves, she is overcome by curiosity and unlocks the forbidden room. Upon opening the door, she discovers Bluebeard's former wives, all dead. When Bluebeard returns, he knows at once that she has disobeyed him and he threatens to kill her, but she is luckily saved just in time. Bronte references this eerie tale to make a comparison between the young wife and Jane. Jane, who is now employed as a governess, is not yet comfortable with her surroundings and thus feels unnerved as if there were secrets yet to be unearthed. The author also references the tale because of the similarities that Mr. Rochester shares with Bluebeard; Rochester keeps his psychotic wife locked away just as Bluebeard locks his dead wives away. Because of this connection, Rochester is hence looked upon with a negative connotation leading the reader to perceive him as not being the best candidate for Jane's affection. This Bronte may also have referenced this tale because of it's French origin much like Jane's new pupil, Adèle.

"The Annotated Bluebeard." SurLaLune Fairy Tales: Annotated Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Books and Illustrations. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/bluebeard/index.html

Bluebeard. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/images2/oct26_bluebeard_dore.jpg

Women in Society

“She is qualified to teach the usual branches of English education, together with French, Drawing, and Music (in those days, reader, this now narrow catalogue of accomplishments would have been held tolerably comprehensive).” (pg. 103)

During the nineteenth century, women made a large step toward achieving equality. Before this point, women were not allowed to continue their education after grammar school, as they were thought to be unintelligent and incapable of being anything more than housewives. However, after much protest, women proved that they were equally capable and were allowed to attend school and attain a more rounded education. Because Jane states “in those days” the time period of the novel can be assumed to be the earlier to mid 1800s. Also, because this book was written during this time period, it reflects Bronte's personal opinion about women and how they are equally as capable as men. This novel vindicated women's rights and showed that men were not the only key figures in society. In addition to this quote supplying cultural information, the part saying “English education, together with French” essentially foreshadows Jane working with Adèle.

"Westward Expansion." Angelfire. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.angelfire.com/ca/HistoryGals/Linda.html

Resurgam

“...now a gray marble tablet marks the spot, inscribed with her name, and the word 'Resurgam.'” (pg. 98)

The word 'resurgam' is Latin for “I shall rise again.” For most of Helen's life, or at least the amount that the reader becomes familiar with, Helen is dedicated to proving herself to God. Because of Helen's constant concern with religion, it is fitting that Bronte would have this biblical inscription written on her grave. Not only does this latin term emphasize how religious Helen is, it also suggests how important Helen is to Jane and how she essentially “rises again” as Jane grows older. Because of Helen's influence on Jane's life, Jane never loses the morals she acquired from her. It can thus be assumed that Helen, a figurative guardian angel to Jane, is resurrected in spirit.

"Resurgam: Definition of resurgam." History, mythology, Ben Franklin, Latin translations, earthquakes... Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.sacklunch.net/Latin/R/resurgam.html

Varying Religious Beliefs

“No, I cannot believe that: I hold another creed...” (pg. 70)

Throughout the novel, Bronte suggests that Jane is not particularly certain with her faith and religious beliefs. Countless times, Bronte references different religions, including Judaism and Hinduism, rather than solely describing Christianity. Even though this is meant to develop Jane as a character, not necessarily as a nonbeliever but simply curious, it also alludes to the author's own beliefs. At one point, Bronte hints at her own uncertainty when she has Jane say “she was going to be taken to the region of spirits, if such region there were.” (pg. 95) It is interesting, too, that some parts of Jane Eyre, for instance attending a religious school, parallel Charlotte Bronte's own life. This parallel, among others, shows how similar the protagonist and author are.

"Charlotte Brontë Biography - life, family, children, name, death, school, mother, book, old, information, born, marriage, time, year." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Br-Ca/Bront-Charlotte.html

Tuberculosis

“She was not...with the fever patients; for her complaint was consumption, not typhus...” (pg. 93)

During this era, disease was widespread and there was little doctors could do with the few advancements that had been made in medicine. Consumption, or tuberculosis, was a common disease during the 1800s. It was referred to as such because, without proper treatment, those victimized by it would literally waste away. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs, but it can affect many other organs in the body. Bronte intentionally sets Helen apart from the countless other sufferers in order to emphasize her undying strength. By portraying her as being indifferent to the fact that she is going to die (having her willingly accept her fate) Bronte depicts her as a true martyr. Here, Bronte suggests that sacrifice is sometimes necessary. Helen's sacrifice is necessary in the sense that it will build character in Jane and show her how to be strong.

"Tuberculosis (TB) Symptoms, Cause, Transmission, Diagnosis and Treatment on MedicineNet.com." Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.medicinenet.com/tuberculosis/article.htm

Typhus Fever

“Many, already smitten, went home only to die: some died at the school, and were buried quietly and quickly, the nature of the malady forbidding delay.” (pg.92)

One of the most widespread maladies during the 1800s was typhus fever. Typhus fever is a disease transmitted by lice and fleas, and it is most rampant during periods of famine or in poor living conditions where people are crowded together and lack personal hygiene. Bronte references typhus fever as a means to provide realism to the text. By describing the many children around Jane dying from this infectious disease, Bronte shows how tightly knit and how poor the living conditions at Lowood are, especially in the winter, which in turn creates personal struggle for the protagonist. This personal struggle of trying to comprehend why everyone is so ill and wanting to prevent it from happening (which is most prominent with Helen) demonstrates Jane's determination and strength.

"Typhus | Insects and Society." Department of Entomology. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.ent.iastate.edu/dept/courses/ent211/disease/typhus

King Solomon



“...Solomon...” (pg. 89)

Solomon was the biblical king of Israel. He was known for his wisdom, wealth, and power, but beyond these attributes, Solomon was most recognized for building the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. According to Judaism, even though King Solomon was accredited with the construction of the first temple, more commonly known as Solomon's Temple, he also committed many sins which led his kingdom to being torn apart. It seems that Bronte purposely mentions Solomon in order to continue the uncertainty and doubt that Jane has in her faith and beliefs.

"Solomon." Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Solomon.html

King Solomon. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://csmisforlovers.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/king-solomon.jpg

To Be

“I learned the first two tenses of the verb Etre...” (pg. 88)

The French verb etre is translated as “to be” in English. In most cases, when learning French, this verb is the first to be taught. When conjugated, the tenses are: je suis (I am), tu as (you are), etc. It seems most fitting that Jane would learn this simplistic verb form because she is learning to be someone different; she is becoming a more refined and sophisticated individual. Bronte chose this verb for Jane to learn in order to illustrate her growth.

The Pool of Bethesda


“...the Jews of old sent their diseased to the troubled pool of Bethesda...” (pg. 79)

The pool of Bethesda was a water hole where invalids, the sick, were sent in order to cleanse themselves. The pool supposedly had mysteriously troubled waters that possessed the ability to heal those who waded inside. According to the Bible, it was here that Jesus healed a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years. Bronte, through Brocklehurst, makes a comparison between Lowood and the pool of Bethesda. The two parallel each other in that Jane was sent to Lowood by Mrs. Reed, much like the invalids were sent the pool, in order to be healed. Although Jane is not "healed" in the literal sense while attending Lowood, she does build character and becomes an educated young woman. This essentially prepares her for the many trials she will encounter outside of Lowood.

"First Century Jerusalem - Pool of Bethesda." Bible History Online Images and Resources for Biblical History. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.bible-history.com/jerusalem/firstcenturyjerusalem_pool_of_bethesda.html

The Pool of Bethesda. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.fireonyourhead.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/09/at_the_pool_of_bethesda_lg.jpg

Brahma and Juggernaut


“...a little heathen who says its prayers to Brahma and kneels before Juggernaut...” (pg. 79)

Brahma is one of the three gods among the Hindu triad. He is the creator god and it is said that the universe and all living beings evolved from him. Juggernaut is an alternative name for another god in the Hindu triad, Vishnu. Vishnu is thought as the preserver of the universe and is considered the lord of the world. Bronte references these iconic Hindu figures in order to show that, during this time period, worshipping religions other than Christianity was looked down upon. In this case, Brocklehurst claims that Jane has behaved badly and is a liar, and in doing so compares her to a worshipper of the Hindi faith as if she were a disgrace. Bronte probably meant for this quote to be ambiguous. When looked at from a different perspective, however, Brocklehurst can be put in the position of Juggernaut, an unstoppable force and god-like figure at Lowood, and Jane is essentially kneeling before him.

"Brahma." Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/brahma.html

"Juggernaut." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut

The Trimurti. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/39283c1a8b6c.jpg

Thursday, November 26, 2009

King Charles I


“Still, I like Charles – I respect him – I pity him, poor murdered king!” (pg. 68)

Charles I was the king of Great Britain and Ireland from 1625 to 1649. Upon his ascension to the throne, Charles I was confronted with multiple burdens including abundant financial problems, an overall mismanagement of affairs, and an eventual civil war. Due to the controversial issues that plagued his reign, Charles I was accused of treason and executed. The dignity that Charles I showed during his trial and execution gained him sympathy which led many to believe him to be a martyr. Bronte references Charles I because of his importance to British culture. Helen's reaction to Charles I's mentioning develops her as a character. Her reaction also alludes to a connection that she and Charles I share. It isn't until later, when Helen dies, that the reader realizes how similarly martyr-like the two are, or at least in the sense that both “went softly.” Bronte purposely sets Helen in certain circumstances, such as this, in order to show her genuine qualities.

"King Charles the First 1600-1649." British Civil Wars, Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1638-60. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/biog/charles1.htm

Charles I. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.vandaprints.com/lowres/39/main/2/14025.jpg

Turning Point/Foreshadowing

“I was left there alone – winner of the field. It was the hardest battle I had fought, and the first victory I had gained.” (pg. 45)

Although, when taken into context, this moment signifies Jane's first victory against Mrs. Reed, it also signifies a turning point in Jane's life. Following this confrontation with Mrs. Reed, it is clear that Jane's life begins to change; she is shortly after dismissed from the Reed household, and even though it can be perceived as punishment, it is undeniably a chance for Jane to better her life. In essence, this moment foreshadows Jane's later victories and personal accomplishments. Bronte words this moment as being “the first victory” in order to give insight into the future. By wording it as such, Bronte also provides her protagonist with not necessarily defiant characteristics, but with a certain strength that will enable her to achieve greater things (her later success in school, for example)

Guy Fawkes


“...gave me credit for being a sort of infantine Guy Fawkes.” (pg. 31)

Guy Fawkes is historically known as being involved in The Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He was one of the predominant members of the Roman Catholic group that attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The Gunpowder Plot was led by Robert Catesby, but Guy Fawkes has become the most renowned conspirator of the group due to him being found with the gunpowder that was to destroy the Houses of Parliament. Following his discovery, Fawkes was arrested, tortured, and hanged. Bronte references Guy Fawkes in order to demonstrate how stubborn Miss Abbott is in relation to Jane. When she says that Jane is “always...watching everybody, and scheming plots underhand” as Guy Fawkes did, it also illustrates how she tends to exaggerate in order to belittle Jane. In addition to this, this description of Jane could hold some truth because Jane is often perceived as being curious and thus mischievous.

"Guy Fawkes (English conspirator) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/202931/Guy-Fawkes

Guy Fawkes. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.harpers.org/media/image/blogs/misc/guy_fawkes_portrait.jpg

Gulliver's Travels

“Bessie asked if I would have a book: the word book acted as a transient stimulus, and I begged her to fetch 'Gulliver's Travels'...” (pg. 25)

Gulliver's Travels is a novel that was written by Jonathan Swift. It recounts the story of Lemuel Gulliver, a master of all trades and an avid traveler, who journeys to faraway, surrealistic lands. Bronte chose this novel as the object of Jane's desire not only because of its child-intriguing, fairy tale-esque plot, but because of its protagonist bearing a similarity with Jane. Often times, both characters are depicted as being outsiders. For instance, in Gulliver's Travels, there are multiple circumstances in which Gulliver finds himself surrounded by varyingly sized people making him stand apart from the rest, and in turn, making him unwelcome. In much the same way, Bronte depicts Jane as not fitting properly in the Reed household. However, both characters share the same quality of wanting to be accepted and not constantly shunned. Aside from the connection made between Gulliver and Jane, this quote shows precisely how inquisitive Jane is and how she strives for knowledge.

"Gulliver's Travels - Notes: The Story." Jaffe Bros. Home Page. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.jaffebros.com/lee/gulliver/notes/story.html

Roman Emperors




“I...had formed my opinion of Nero, Caligula, etc. Also, I had drawn parallels in silence...” (pg. 13)

Nero and Caligula were both emperors of the Roman Empire. Caligula reigned from 37 to 41 AD and Nero reigned from 54 to 68 AD. Both were emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and both are associated with tyranny and extravagance. There are several connections, or “parallels” as Jane says, that can be made between these infamous noble figures and the character of Jane Eyre. The most obvious connection is the cruelty observed in John Reed toward Jane. Jane even states that John is “like a murderer...like a slave-driver...like the Roman emperors,” which coincides perfectly with cruelty demonstrated by Caligula and Nero. Bronte also references these emperors because Mrs. Reed shares the same tyrannical nature which she governs the household with. Not only that, but Bronte chose to mention Caligula and Nero because they were both adopted as children much like Jane Eyre. Although there are similarities between the lifestyles of Jane and these emperors, Jane does not reflect their austerity. She is portrayed with a much more genuine heart. In addition to all of these connections, the fact that Jane is knowledgeable of such figures at such a young age shows that she is not only intelligent, but strives to learn.

"Caligula: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Caligula#encyclopedia

"Nero: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article." AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Nero#encyclopedia

Nero. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.artchive.com/artchive/r/roman/roman_nero.jpg

Caligula. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.cosmoloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/caligula.jpg