Katie's Specialist Study
Higher English Specialist Study
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
A novel in which the theme of beauty plays an incredibly important part is “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. Here, Bronte beauty to convey the pure nature of her heroine and to show the deep, passionate love that Jane has for her master, Edward Rochester. As neither character is physically attractive it allows the reader to become completely absorbed in the character’s emotional and internal feelings and to understand their love without differing to their physical attributes. This essay will examine how Bronte conveys the theme of beauty in the character of Jane by her use of characterisation and settings.
Jane Eyre is an incredibly kind character who has a strong sense of duty and pride. However, Jane herself is not physically attractive. She describes herself as “poor, obscure, plain and little.” She has a beautiful heart though which allows her to look beyond the physical beauty and see inside a person’s soul. As the book is written entirely through her perspective Bronte captures the pure love that Jane has for Rochester. We can see her immediate reactions when she sees him: I did not think I should tremble this way when I saw him- or lose my voice or power of motion in his presence.” Bronte manages to show the depth of Jane’s love for her master. Jane comments that he is not handsome which is important because we are never under the illusion that Jane is attracted to him because of his looks. It is his kindness, passion and soul that attracts her and makes their love even stronger. A perfect example of this is when she is commenting about his physical appearance: “were not beautiful according to rule, but they were more than beautiful to me: they were full of interest that quite mastered me.” Here, Jane is able to find the beauty in Rochester that others would never notice. This also shows how perfect Rochester and Jane are together. Her reaction to her own external beauty also changes when Rochester proposes to her. The happiness she feels inside is reflected in her face: “it was no longer plain: There was hope in its aspect and life in its colour.” Her complete happiness is shown in her rise in self esteem.
Another beautiful trait of Jane’s is that never changes herself. She resists Rochester’s attempts to glamorise her insisting “jewels for Jane Eyre sounds unnatural and strange.” Jane’s turning point in the story is her decision to flee Thornfield. She could never be true to herself if she stayed with Rochester while he had a wife. An important part of Jane’s internal beauty is her passion. We are shown her powerful struggles with her passion and conscience. When Jane tells Rochester of her decision to leave the powerful struggle is shown so effectively that the reader truly believes Jane will abandon her moral convictions and run away with him: “physically, I felt, at that moment, powerless.” However Jane stays true to herself and leaves. This is another sign of Jane’s beautiful nature. She is strong willed and is influenced by no-one. When Jane leaves Thornfield she also grows as a stronger person. Her time with the River’s family allows her to grow in independence and confidence therefore when she returns to Rochester she is now his match in power and passion. Bronte uses Jane’s departure from Thornfield to further the internal characteristics of our lovers. Their internal beauty is now equal and they are able to appreciate and love each other more. and feelings. Jane is the most perfect example of showing that inner beauty is more important than external.
Another technique that Bronte uses to personify the theme of beauty is the settings. Jane’s feelings towards Thornfield and Moor House show another characteristic of her nature. Thronfield Hall is described by Jane as a “gentleman’s manor.” However for such a young age, Jane is not intimidated by living in such grand surroundings which shows maturity and confidence. It is only until the arrival of Edward that she feels any warm appreciation for the house. When he leaves she feels sadness towards the place: “vague suggestions kept wandering through my brain of reasons why I should quit Thornfield.” Thornfield Hall is a symbol for Jane’s happiness. It is the first time that she has enjoyed a full and happy life. Her beautiful nature is also shown through her attitude towards Moor House. Jane isn’t materialistic and therefore appreciates everything she has in life. This is shown when she describes her new home as “a charm both potent and permanent. Her heart is so pure that she could never be bought with jewels or riches.
Charlotte Bronte has successfully convinced the reader of Jane’s true beauty. We do not pay attention to her physical appearance but are drawn in and become fully connected with her feelings. The lack of external beauty in our lovers is extremely important because it leaves their raw emotions completely exposed. Bronte also manages to create an inspirational role model in her heroine. She shows that in being true to yourself, happiness can be achieved. She didn’t have to be stunningly beautiful to capture his heart and it is all the more satisfying when she can finally say “Reader, I married him.”
By Katie Nicol 5M3
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Danielle Malinen's Specialist study
“The Wasp Factory” By Iain Banks
“The Wasp Factory” By Iain Banks is a gripping and unforgettable story, written in first person narrative and told from the perspective of sixteen year old Frank Cauldhame. The story is set over twelve days and each day is dealt with in separate chapters. The purpose of this essay is to show how the theme identity is shown throughout the novel and how Frank’s identity is presented.
Frank’s identity is crucial in the novel, as it is the major thing that is being pin pointed in the book. Initially the reader believes he is a boy then later find out he’s a girl, this is a turning point for the narrator as he has to redefine himself as a woman. The theme of dual or split personality is being presented, Frank is warped by his upbringing, although the causes are physiological, and so another Frank takes possession of his body expressing a brutal and revengeful side to Frank encouraged by his maltreatment. The novel is somewhat similar to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde” in that the scientific side of Jekyll is paralleled in Frank’s father with his scientific curiosity combined with a selfish personal impulse; he creates different hormones that change Frank’s appearance and physical nature from a girl to boy. The ‘Mister Hyde’ character is mirrored through Frank as he tortures the innocent and seems to have no remorse or regrets over his actions. At the end of the novel the ‘Dr Jekyll’ side of Frank comes out as she has to rediscover her lost personality.
Frank’s real identity really shock’s the reader because at the start of the novel, Frank makes his hateful feelings towards women clear and he believes that they are: “weak and stupid and live in the shadow of men and are nothing compared to them.” Frank blames his mother for all the wrong doings in the family and resents her for abandoning them when he was a baby. Earlier on in the novel Frank says: “I hate having to sit down in the toilet all the time. With my unfortunate disability I usually have to, as though I was a bloody woman, but I hate it. Sometimes in the Cauldhame Arms I stand up at the urinal, but most of it ends up running down my hands or legs.” The fact that Frank has said “bloody woman” is ironic as he is actually a woman. Women are rather too close to him for comfort; there seems to be a degree of fear in Frank’s attitude towards them.
The character of Frank contributes majorly to the shocking ending of the book, as throughout he is seen as a strong and powerful boy, who will not let anything stand in his way. But at the end the reader sees a more vulnerable side to him after he is emotionally distraught by finding out he is actually a girl. Frank has two sides to his personality, he can be eloquent: “I told her she might get a chance, though of course I would have the ultimate control” this quote is important as it shows he is in control and knew exactly what he was doing. Yet on the other hand he can be rather juvenile: “I built a big kite”. This refers back to the theme of Frank having a split personality. Frank’s father is the least developed character in the novel and you form an opinion about based on what Frank chooses to tell the reader about him, this is due to the narrative structure of the novel. The first person narrative gives a real insight into Frank’s thoughts and strange reasoning.
Frank is presented as an aggressive macho character due to the fact he kills people and animals feeling no guilt. Frank is living in a male-dominated world and has no contact with women except Mrs Clamp the elderly housekeeper. The reader’s feelings towards Frank and his actions become less hostile as more is revealed about him and his troubles. It is not a feeling that his actions are excusable, but the realisation that Frank is a victim himself and that his violence is a confused and pathetic reaction to his situation, in which he has no responsibility; he is targeting his anger at the wrong things. At the end when we find out Frank is a girl, Banks forces the reader to form new sentiments about Frank. This changes how the reader feels about Frank as you are forced to sympathise with him rather than loathe him for committing three murders.
In spite of the harsh obstacles that seem to prevent the reader from identifying with Frank, whether we see him as a vicious killer or a confused soul, it remains that Frank comes across as a strong character who you cannot help feel pity and sympathy towards. The fact that at sixteen years old she has define who she is, in her new gender. Also by Frank’s father having him on a tight leash for so many years, he will find it very difficult to interact and communicate with people.
“The Wasp Factory” By Iain Banks is a gripping and unforgettable story, written in first person narrative and told from the perspective of sixteen year old Frank Cauldhame. The story is set over twelve days and each day is dealt with in separate chapters. The purpose of this essay is to show how the theme identity is shown throughout the novel and how Frank’s identity is presented.
Frank’s identity is crucial in the novel, as it is the major thing that is being pin pointed in the book. Initially the reader believes he is a boy then later find out he’s a girl, this is a turning point for the narrator as he has to redefine himself as a woman. The theme of dual or split personality is being presented, Frank is warped by his upbringing, although the causes are physiological, and so another Frank takes possession of his body expressing a brutal and revengeful side to Frank encouraged by his maltreatment. The novel is somewhat similar to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde” in that the scientific side of Jekyll is paralleled in Frank’s father with his scientific curiosity combined with a selfish personal impulse; he creates different hormones that change Frank’s appearance and physical nature from a girl to boy. The ‘Mister Hyde’ character is mirrored through Frank as he tortures the innocent and seems to have no remorse or regrets over his actions. At the end of the novel the ‘Dr Jekyll’ side of Frank comes out as she has to rediscover her lost personality.
Frank’s real identity really shock’s the reader because at the start of the novel, Frank makes his hateful feelings towards women clear and he believes that they are: “weak and stupid and live in the shadow of men and are nothing compared to them.” Frank blames his mother for all the wrong doings in the family and resents her for abandoning them when he was a baby. Earlier on in the novel Frank says: “I hate having to sit down in the toilet all the time. With my unfortunate disability I usually have to, as though I was a bloody woman, but I hate it. Sometimes in the Cauldhame Arms I stand up at the urinal, but most of it ends up running down my hands or legs.” The fact that Frank has said “bloody woman” is ironic as he is actually a woman. Women are rather too close to him for comfort; there seems to be a degree of fear in Frank’s attitude towards them.
The character of Frank contributes majorly to the shocking ending of the book, as throughout he is seen as a strong and powerful boy, who will not let anything stand in his way. But at the end the reader sees a more vulnerable side to him after he is emotionally distraught by finding out he is actually a girl. Frank has two sides to his personality, he can be eloquent: “I told her she might get a chance, though of course I would have the ultimate control” this quote is important as it shows he is in control and knew exactly what he was doing. Yet on the other hand he can be rather juvenile: “I built a big kite”. This refers back to the theme of Frank having a split personality. Frank’s father is the least developed character in the novel and you form an opinion about based on what Frank chooses to tell the reader about him, this is due to the narrative structure of the novel. The first person narrative gives a real insight into Frank’s thoughts and strange reasoning.
Frank is presented as an aggressive macho character due to the fact he kills people and animals feeling no guilt. Frank is living in a male-dominated world and has no contact with women except Mrs Clamp the elderly housekeeper. The reader’s feelings towards Frank and his actions become less hostile as more is revealed about him and his troubles. It is not a feeling that his actions are excusable, but the realisation that Frank is a victim himself and that his violence is a confused and pathetic reaction to his situation, in which he has no responsibility; he is targeting his anger at the wrong things. At the end when we find out Frank is a girl, Banks forces the reader to form new sentiments about Frank. This changes how the reader feels about Frank as you are forced to sympathise with him rather than loathe him for committing three murders.
In spite of the harsh obstacles that seem to prevent the reader from identifying with Frank, whether we see him as a vicious killer or a confused soul, it remains that Frank comes across as a strong character who you cannot help feel pity and sympathy towards. The fact that at sixteen years old she has define who she is, in her new gender. Also by Frank’s father having him on a tight leash for so many years, he will find it very difficult to interact and communicate with people.
Spec study
Hi Miss
On your comments for my specialist study on 'Nights at the Circus' you said I should mention what Fevvers' gilt sword symbolizes... What does it? I'm bad at symbolism!
Kirsty
On your comments for my specialist study on 'Nights at the Circus' you said I should mention what Fevvers' gilt sword symbolizes... What does it? I'm bad at symbolism!
Kirsty
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