英国文学导读 (34).pdf

Jane Eyre • Jane Eyre is generally considered Charlotte’s most representative work. • This novel is mainly about the pure love between the penniless orphan girl Jane Eyre and her master Mr. Rochester. Special Features • The struggle of an individual consciousness towards self- fulfillment; • A ground breaking novel, in which the heroine is small, plain, poor and unconventional, but with strong rebellious spirit. Popularity • A work of critical realism as well as the first and one of the most popular works of the working middle- class women; • The first governess novel. Themes • A poor orphan fights for her own rights of equality and independence, seeking for own fulfillment and realization. • A representative work of feminist writings, reflecting the experience and defending the interest of the weaker sex. • A Bildungsroman: dealing with the growth, education and maturity of Jane who is on a journey toward self-realization and independence. • 5 stages of growth – Gateshead Hall: childhood – Lowood School: education – Thornfield: love with Mr. Rochester – Moor House: meeting the Rivers – Ferndean Manor: reunion with Rochester • The Byronic Hero (Rochester) – Aristocratic, charming, moody, solitary, secretive, intelligent, cynical, and emotionally wounded. – Irresistible to women – Destructive relationships Chapter 23 • In this chapter, Rochester first teases Jane by pretending that he will get married and thus will send Jane and Adela away. He plays well the role of a good master. In climax Rochester proposes marriage. At first Jane doesnt believe hes serious, but she reads the truth in his face and accepts his proposal.