Jane Eyre Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Continuation of the Jane Eyre series based on Mr. Brough's Guide to Jane Eyre by Kerry Lewis.
• Focus: Form and genre in Jane Eyre.

Form of Jane Eyre

• Prose Novel:
  • Sub-form is a fictional autobiography.
  • Decisions by Bronte affect the interpretation.

Narrative Techniques

1. First Person Narration

• Older Jane Intruding
  • Narrated using "I" from Jane's point of view.
  • Establishes character and guides reader response.
  • Older Jane's comments add depth (e.g., Red Room incident).
  • Use of "ought" implies unresolved feelings toward Aunt Reed.

2. Tense Shifts

• Past to Present Tense (Chapter 11)

  • Slows down the narrative.
  • Engages reader with Jane's observations.

• Present to Past Tense

  • Speeds up the narrative.
  • Reflects Jane taking control.

3. Direct Address

• Creates tension and connection with the reader.
• Shifts focus to Jane’s internal state.
• Used to highlight contrasts in mood.

Withholding Information

• Adds suspense and engages reader
• Example: Mr. Rochester’s marriage is revealed later to mirror Jane's discovery.
• Chapter 36 delays Jane and Rochester’s reunion to build suspense.

Genre Mixture in Jane Eyre

Bildungsroman

• Growth and Development:
  • Follows Jane through life stages and conflicts.
• Settings:
  • Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield Hall, Moor House.
• Conflicts:
  • Internal (self-doubt) and external (social status, marriage proposal).

Romance

• First-person female perspective
  • Uncommon at the time.
• Mr. Rochester as Byronic Hero
  • Dark, moody, and passionate.
• Plot:
  • Overcoming obstacle (Bertha Rochester) to achieve a happy ending.

Gothic Novel

• Elements:
  • Combines romanticism, fiction, and horror.
  • Virtuous heroine, mysterious settings, and melodrama.
• Bronte’s Approach:
  • Combines realism with gothic elements.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore further details in the e-book.
• Video series and e-book complement each other.