Theme for both poems: Reflections and Emotions
The poem, Walking Around, dramatizes the conflict between man vs. society, particularly this conflict relates to the speakers thoughts and emotions. From Pablo Neruda, the speaker tries to be a “man” but remembers how difficult his past has been. “It so happens I am sick of being a man.” In the poem currently the speaker takes a walk through the city while observing his surroundings and compares it with the life of a woman, but in general reflects about societies way of living. The poem clearly stresses that the speaker is tired of living in the world around him.
However, the poem begins with several examples of why and what stresses the man of being a “man.” For example, “The smell of barbershops makes me break into hoarse sobs,” which portrays why he is sick of being a man. The fact that the poem is an example of Vanguard Literature, Walking Around highly demonstrates the influence of surrealism because it does not consist rhyme, but instead expresses the feelings and emotions of the man written in free verse.
Although the poem addresses a variety of examples of the speaker thoughts it does not contain any rhyme visually the poem still consists of figurative language. For example, anaphora when it says “ It so happens that I’m tired of being a man.” and “The only thing I want is…” but there is still other examples of repetition in the poem. The music device simile also shows when the speaker says, “That’s why Monday, when it sees me coming with my convict face, blazes up like gasoline and it howls on its way like a wounded…” because it is an example that he feels like a prisoner because he can’t escape from his everyday life. Lastly, metaphors are addressed in the poem when he mentions, “It so happens I am sick of being a man” not only it is the most important theme, but because he remembers how difficult his past has been especially when he worked a lot on comparison with the woman that only painted their nails.
The overall point of Neruda’s poem is to understand everything that is in the mind of the speaker. When he mentions that he is tired of technology and that to see movie theaters, merchandise, and elevators proves that he is tired of all inventions made by humans. It seems that that the humans do not appreciate the beauty of nature through point of view because they have been over thrown with factories and buildings.
By the end of the poem the speaker seems to believe that humans have lost their individuality because all the people want is to have what other people have. Being that the speaker grew up in the wilderness explains why he misses his past. Although, disappointed of the new inventions and the destruction of nature and man itself the speaker is tired of living in the world around him.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Evening Solace by: Charlotte Brontte
The poem, Evening Solace, dramatizes the conflict between the speakers current vs. past emotions. From Charlotte Bronte, it introduces the speakers emotions and thoughts by reflecting the his or her life and how the person tried to move on with life. Unfortunately, the Evening Solace expresses gloomy emotions such as when it mentions the speaker is dealing with loneliness, “But, there are hours of lonely musing…On evening shade and loneliness.” After describing the solitary moments in a silent evening reflecting about its past it stilled continued in detail the grief and sensations the speakers heart was going through. “And feelings, once as strong as passions, Float softly back- a faded dream; Our own sharp grief’s and wild sensations; The tale of others’ suffering seem, Oh! When the heart is freshly bleeding, How longs it for that time to be, When through the mist of years receding, Its woes but live in reverie!”
However, the poem first begins clearly stating that human heart is so strong and capable of containing so many emotions, but its not always as strong to contain all the pain especially because the speakers feelings keep on coming back from its past which caused him to suffer such as the “evening” he began to remember. The form the poem is written highly shows a rhyme scheme such as ababcdcdefefghgh. The fact that the poet choose to write in the style gave it more feeling and a easier way to understand the speakers thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
Evening Solace’s rhyme scheme and examples of the speakers current emotions, the poem also contained figurative language. For example, personification when it says, “Our own sharp griefs and wild sensations” and “Feel no untold and strange distress.” Lastly, enumeration is also shown when it lists what the human heart contains such as, “The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures.”
The overall point of Bronte’s poem is to describe a feeling of loneliness through out a person thoughts, feelings and emotions through poetic language. Being that the speaker had been through so much it seem that by the end of the poem the speaker wished death and wants to leave the loneliness of earth hoping to find a better outcome, “To solemn thoughts that soar to heaven, Seeking a life and world to come.”
However, the poem first begins clearly stating that human heart is so strong and capable of containing so many emotions, but its not always as strong to contain all the pain especially because the speakers feelings keep on coming back from its past which caused him to suffer such as the “evening” he began to remember. The form the poem is written highly shows a rhyme scheme such as ababcdcdefefghgh. The fact that the poet choose to write in the style gave it more feeling and a easier way to understand the speakers thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
Evening Solace’s rhyme scheme and examples of the speakers current emotions, the poem also contained figurative language. For example, personification when it says, “Our own sharp griefs and wild sensations” and “Feel no untold and strange distress.” Lastly, enumeration is also shown when it lists what the human heart contains such as, “The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures.”
The overall point of Bronte’s poem is to describe a feeling of loneliness through out a person thoughts, feelings and emotions through poetic language. Being that the speaker had been through so much it seem that by the end of the poem the speaker wished death and wants to leave the loneliness of earth hoping to find a better outcome, “To solemn thoughts that soar to heaven, Seeking a life and world to come.”
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Journals for Frankenstein
1. "His daughter attended him with the greatest tenderness, but she saw with despair that their little fund was rapidly decreasing and that there was no other prospect of support" (18).
-In this quote Caroline Beaufort, daughter of Alphonse Beaufort, begins to take care of her ill father because she notices that there is no other person that would take care of him and it also relates to feminism because woman back then did not have jobs like men so basically all she could do was to take care of the household, people, most problems etc.
2. "She procured plain work; she plaited straw and by various means contrived to earn a pittance scarecely sufficient to support life" (18).
- Where she worked it was cheap and it was not as much in society. It was also a way they could find jobs more easily especially because she is a girl.
3."Her father grew worse; her time was more entirely occupied in attending him; her means of subsistence decreased; and in the tenth month her father died in her arms, leaving her an orphan and a beggar" (18).
-At this point Caroline's father was dead, she no longer had to take care of him. The tragic view was she was an unmarried orphan and she did not have the same support her father provide for her. It was the time when she had to find a husband or someone that could provide for her; a beggar in a way. Throught the feminist criticism it proves that woman back then were always dependent on a man and did not have the same rights as they did.
4. "He came likea protecting spirit to the poor girl, who committed herself to his care; and after the interment of his friend he conducted her to Geneva and placed her under the protection of a relation"(18).
- This quote basically mentions that the girl had to be protected and rescued by a man because supposably with there protecting and support they could have a better life. Although this believe has changed modern society now, woman still suffer the most because they work atleast twice as harder than men (depending at the situation).
5. "He strove to shelter her, as a fair exotic is sheltered by the gardener, from every rougher wind and to surround her with all that could tend to excite pleasurable emotion in her soft and benevolent mind" (19).
- Mary Shelley points woman as a fragile image toward men and society. Men believe that there role is to love and protect a woman. Feminist Criticism: Woman could take care of themselves.
6. "They sought the pleasant climate of Italy, and the change of scene and interest attendant on a tour through that land of wonders, as a restorative for her weakened frame" (19).
- This quote suggest when woman are feeling weak they should go or think about pleasuring places or things that could prevent all the problems they are being surrounded by. It is also an image that woman are very sentimental/ fragile and that supposably they are not able to deal with there problems.
7. "My mother's tender caresses and my father's smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me are my first recollections" (19).
- It reveals woman more human like and alive with emotions; for example the mother's tender caresses. The father's smile in this case does not connect emotionally or physically as the woman. It proves that men do have there weaknesses as shown through emotions.
8."My mother had much desired to have a daughter, but I continued their single offspring" (19).
-This reveals that women always have another such as themselves around. That they cannot be satisfied with only a male offspring although it could be benificial because it can help around the house and provide for the family.
9."... it was a necessity, a passion, remembering what she had suffered, and how she had been relieved, for her to act in her turn the guardian angel to the afflicted" (19).
-Compares an angelic figure as a woman in this quote.
10."... none could behold her without looking on her as of a distinct species, a being heaven-sent, and bearing a celestial stamp in all her features" (20).
- In this quote it also describes woman as an angelic figure. When describing a female they always mention thier physically. It relates to feminism because of there looks and not in most cases their knowledge.
11. ".. she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine-mine to protect, love, and cherish" (21).
-Caroline dies from scarlet fever, but before she dies she makes sure Elizabeth has love and protection. This relates to feminism because it shows how man views woman as property later on through the novel.
12. "All praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own" (21).
-Elizabeth is now considers as Frankensteins woman. Men in most cases in this situatiuon like to take their female partner out into public and get compliments about random people so they can feel better of themselves and choices they make.
13. "Elizabeth was of a calmer and more concentrated disposition; but with all my ardour, I was capable of a more intense application and was more deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge" (22).
-Elizabeth was not able to have enough education which caused her to be less intelligent. If it wasn't for the men dominant role they could have had a better chance to increase their education.Overall if females were allowed to be as intelligent than men it would threaten to take power from the male species which would cause a great chaos.
14. "She busied herself with following the aerial creations of the poets; and in the majestic and wondrous scenes which surrounded our Swiss home" (22).
- In this novel females where made to be very simple, especially through the diction that is shown in this quote. It states that woman like to here wonderful pleasing words all the time and if they have it that way they would be content most of the time.
15. "While my companion contemplated with a serious and satisfied spirit the magnificent appearances of things, I delighted in investigating their causes" (22).
-The female is captivated by nature and is delighted by her surroundings. In mens case they mostly have to get in a scientific approach to have a deeper feeling of nature.
16."The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp in our peaceful home" (23).
-Elizabeth is representated as a fragile, innocent, angelic, figure. It is mostly shown at thier household.
17. "Her sympathy was ours; her smile, her soft voice, the sweet glance of her celestial eyes, were ever there to bless and animate us" (23).
-Females sign of sweetness, happiness, and kindness. These gestures and actions were taken in consideration it was a way to solve most of their problems.
18."She was the living spirit of love to soften and attract; I might have become sullen in my study, rough through the ardour of my nature, but that she was there to subdue me to a semblance of her own gentleness" (23).
- Nature reflects the females beauty which makes the place and everything else better. In Victors case she wasn't able to alwys be there and make everything better by just sitting there so it was but difficult time they had to go through.
19. "Elizabeth had caught the scarlet fever; her illness was severe, and she was in the greatest danger" (28).
- Ellizabeth got the same sickness Caroline Beaufort had when she died. It put Elizabeth in great danger which shows the victim (Elizabeth) to be weak especially because woman are considered to be more emotional physically and mentaly.
20. "She indeed veiled her grief and strove to act the comforter to us all. She looked steadily on life and assumed its duties with courage and zeal." (29).
- Elizabeth at the moment suffers because her mother has died from the same fever she had. She was heartbroken and feels depressed. It is a sign of emotional weakness but with what Victor later on says in the book also mentions that he feels bad of everything that is going on. Simply both male and female always try to overcome any feeling and obstacle they encounter in life which shows the courage and strength they both contain.
Frankenstein: Feminist Criticism
In the early 1960's the feminist literary criticism became a theoretical issue with the appearance of the new women's movement (Feminist Literary Criticism). Actually, feminist criticism started as part of the international women's liberation movement. In the 1950s women had gone back to the house, abandoning their work to men who came back from the war to claim their positions, and a feminine was created in the media making the housewife and mother; the ideal models for all women. Promoting this ideal of women "reality" reduced the identity of women to sexual and social passivity. According to Critical Approaches: Feminist Criticism has become a powerful force of literary studies in the late 1970s. Since the early 1980s, feminist literary criticism has developed and spread in number of ways and is now criticized by a global perspective. "Feminist critique," through examining how women characters are shown, expose classics which demonstrates attitudes and traditions reinforcing masculine dominance. Another group practiced what came to be called "gynocriticism," studying writings by women and examining the female literary tradition to find out how women writers across the ages have perceived themselves and imagined reality. Later on it gradually became customary to refer to an Anglo-American tradition of feminist criticism. Feminist theory aims to understand the nature of inequality and focuses on gender politics, power relations and sexuality. While generally providing a critique of social relations, much of feminist theory also focuses on analyzing gender inequality and the promotion of women's rights, interests, and issues. Themes explored in feminism include art history and contemporary art, aesthetics, discrimination, stereotyping, objectification (especially sexual objectification), oppression, and patriarchy. The prior “woman’s movement” was primarily about woman as a universal entity, whereas it transformed itself into one primarily concerned with social differentiation, attentive to individuality and diverse.
In the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses the character, Caroline Beaufort, as a well represented criticized feminist. Caroline, being a woman that had to take care of her ill father, had been through many other unfortunate situations that proves the reader that she has been a victim of a “female gender” role in society. Unfortunately, “several months passed in this manner. Her father grew worse; and her time was more entirely occupied in attending him; her means of subsistence decreased; and in the tenth month her father died in her arms, leaving her an orphan and a beggar” (18). Therefore as a female, Caroline had lost her father and was not able to provide for herself independently as present/modern people have done already. In Caroline case she did not have the opportunity to become independent for herself and had to face in becoming a beggar because she had become so poor. However, in our society now women are highly capable to work independently without being dependent to a man. It provides more rights and strength to the woman. Typically, the whole image of women’s job back then was to stay home, cook, clean the house, take care of children, but overall please the husband. It seems society saw woman as less intelligent because they were always dependent to their husbands and did not have the opportunity to get an education. At times men feel confident about themselves and always felt the need to have power and take control of situations which set woman as their own property; “all praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own” (21). Referring to this quote, woman would not be able to have a respectable position in society with the consent of the husbands demands and showed that woman were not taken into consideration for their contributions in society as well. Mary Shelley strictly shows the suppression of woman in society through her female character, Caroline Beaufort, as an example of woman that have been forced to set an image of innocence, fragility, and obedience, but never demonstrate to society how knowledgeable, powerful, and determined they could really be.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Background Information about Feminist Criticism
In the early 1960's the feminist literary criticism became a theoretical issue with the appearance of the new women's movement. Actually, feminist criticism started as part of the international women's liberation movement. In the 1950s women had gone back to the house, abandoning their work to men who came back from the war to claim their positions, and a feminine was created in the media making the housewife and mother; the ideal models for all women. Promoting this ideal of women "reality" reduced the identity of women to sexual and social passivity. According to Critical Approaches: Feminist Criticism has become a powerful force of literary studies in the late 1970s. Since the early 1980s, feminist literary criticism has developed and spread in number of ways and is now criticized by a global perspective. "Feminist critique," through examining how women characters are shown, expose classics which demonstrates attitudes and traditions reinforcing masculine dominance. Another group practiced what came to be called "gynocriticism," studying writings by women and examining the female literary tradition to find out how women writers across the ages have perceived themselves and imagined reality. Later on it gradually became customary to refer to an Anglo-American tradition of feminist criticism. Feminist theory aims to understand the nature of inequality and focuses on gender politics, power relations and sexuality. While generally providing a critique of social relations, much of feminist theory also focuses on analyzing gender inequality and the promotion of women's rights, interests, and issues. Themes explored in feminism include art history and contemporary art, aesthetics, discrimination, stereotyping, objectification (especially sexual objectification), oppression, and patriarchy. The prior “woman’s movement” was primarily about woman as a universal entity, whereas it transformed itself into one primarily concerned with social differentiation, attentive to individuality and diverse.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chapter 1
“Folds of scarlet drapery shut in view to the right hand; to the left were the clear panes of glass, protecting, but not separating me from the drear November day. At intervals, while turning over the leaves in my book, I studied the aspect of that winter afternoon. Afar, it offered a pale blank of mist and cloud; near, a scene of wet lawn and storm-beat shrub, with ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly before a long and lamentable blast.” (pg. 10)
- In this passage the author, Charlotte Bronte, is trying to reveal the reader the setting in forms of imagery and feelings of Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre’s name is not mentioned yet by this point of the quote but the reader knows that by the description she is telling the story is very gloomy and surrounded by problems. This story as mentioned in the quote is set in the month of November which always seems to be very cold and rainy. It mostly gives the reader a feeling that the story is not going to be a cheerful story but a story with lots of problems. Jane starts describing “nature” around her (although being inside Mrs. Reed’s house) and reads books as in this case, “ Bewick’s History of British Birds.” Through her actions we know that her only comfort zone, away from her cousins and Mrs. Reed, is by hiding in a secret place alone thinking deeply about her book.
- “He bullied and punished me; not two or three times in the week, nor once or twice in the day, but continually; every nerve I had feared him, and every morsel of flesh on my bones shrank when he came near.”
Chapter 2
“No; you are less than a servant, for you do nothing for your keep. There sit down, and think over you wickedness”… “If you don’t sit still, you must be tied down, said Bessie” … (pg. 14)
“Why was I always suffering, always browbeaten, always accused, for condemned? Why could I never please? Why was it useless to try to win any one’s favour?… (pg. 17)
“Unjust!-unjust!” said my reason, forced by the agonizing stimulus into precocious through transitory power; and Resolve, equally wrought up, instigated some strange expedient to achieve escape from insupportable oppression-as running away, or, if that could not be effected, never eating or dinking more, and letting myself die.” (pg. 17)
The three quotes have a great significance in this novel. It lets the reader know that Jane is treated brutally, worse than a servant, and suffers because the way the other characters treat her. Jane is not treated how Mr. Reed made Mrs. Reed promise she would which creates a great chaos between all the characters. The other children in the Geatshead Hall are treated differently than Jane but they are the ones who arises most of the problems. They also treat her as if she’s not related to them. At some point Jane believes Mrs. Reed is just punishing her because she hates the way she is, better than her children, but Jane doesn’t seem to show as much hate towards her, basically just disappointment. Jane seems to be very confused towards Mrs. Reed’s actions and believes everything that is happening to her is unfair and tries to find a way out from all her problems.
Chapter 3
“If she were a nice, pretty child, one might be compassionate her forlornness; but one really can not care for such little toad as that.” (pg. 28)
This quote is told when Miss Abbot and Bessie are talking about Jane and Jane’s family. Jane over hears their conversations and finds out what truly happened to her parents. The two servants feel sorry for Jane and believe if she were a more nice (they believe she is bad because she gets punished all the time) child and was prettier her situation could have been differently in a positive way. Although Miss Abbot and Bessie believe that, Jane shows to be very confident, strong, and compassionate, regardless to what other character believe. It might be a reason why Mrs. Reed treats her cruelly. Mrs. Abbot and Bessie though still try to take care of Jane so she wont feel so lonely all the time.
Chapter 4
“My uncle Reed is in heaven, and can see all you do and think; and so can papa and mama: they know how you shut me up all day long , and how you wish me dead.” ( pg. 30)
“I am glad you are no relation of mine. I will never call you aunt as long as I live. I will never come to see you when I am grown up; and if any asks me how I liked you., and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick.” (pg. 38)
In the beginning of this chapter Mrs. Reed tries to manipulate Jane actions and tries to control her by telling her what she can and can not do. There’s a point in chapter 4 Mrs. Reed takes her to a place where Jane and herself are alone. They have a discussion about Mr. Reed and Jane’s parents, saying that they will all be disappointed on how she treats her. Shocked by Jane’s confidence in telling her off makes Mrs. Reed even more furious. Jane though clearly states with all her fury that’s she’s glad that they both are not related and every moment she spend with her will only bring back terrible memories.
Chapter 5
“It is a partly a charity-school: you and I, and all the rest of us, are charity children. I suppose you are an orphan: are not either your father or mother dead?” (pg. 52)
This quote demonstrates that Mrs. Reed tricked her into telling Jane that she was going to a school, but never told her the type of school she was going to put her in. Mrs. Reed decided to put Jane in “Lowood Institution” without Jane’s consent. Jane found out about this when she was sitting down next to Helen and asked her why the “school” was called like that. It was when Helen began telling her that everyone in that place either lost their parents.
Chapter 6
“Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you.”
“But I feel this Helen: I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me. I must resist those who punish me unjustly. It is as natural as that I should love those who show me affection , or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved.”
An act of love that is mentioned in the ten commandments (Catholic’s)-first quote. It shows that Helen is a good girl that cares and is aware of what’s expected of her. Helen mentions this to Jane so that she wont feel as much hate toward the Reed family, which to Jane is just impossible to do. Jane believes Helen should stand up for herself and should not let anyone manipulate her and treat her badly as they do in school.
Chapter 7
“You must be on your guard against her; you must shun her example: if necessary, avoid her company, exclude her from your sports, and shut out from your converse. Teachers you must watch her: keep your eyes on her movements, weigh well her words, scrutinise her actions, punish her body to save her soul:…this girl is a liar!” (pg. 69)
Jane is treated once again cruelly and now in front of the whole school. Jane is told avoid everyone, have any type of communication, and listen to what the teachers tell her to do. I believed Jane feels humiliated but with a smile of Helen, she seems to be inspired and happy of her actions.
Chapter 8
“ I had reached the head of my class; Miss Miller had praised me warmly; Miss Temple had smiled approbation; she had promised to teach me drawing, and to let me learn French, if I continued to make similar improvement two months longer; and then I was well received by my fellow pupils; treated as an equal by those of my own age, and not molested by any; now here I lay again crushed and trodden on; and could I ever rise more?” (pg. 71)
With Jane’s punishment, Jane still tried to fix her actions by doing well in school and by trying to prove she isn’t a liar. Jane’s main goals in school was to be good, have friends, earn respect, win affection, basically everything she did not have in GatesHead. I thought this quote was inspiring because even though she went through so much obstacles so far, she still continues doing well in school and have that strong confidence in herself.
Chapter 9
“You are sure, then, Helen that there is such a place as heaven; and that our souls can get to it when we die?…I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love him: I believe he loves me.” “And shall I see you again, Helen, when I die?”
Helen is dying in this chapter and Jane tries to sneak into Miss Temple’s room before her death. Jane makes it and is really happy to see her, but in a way she’s confused because while looking at Helen, she seems to be very calm, which is very wired for her because she thought she would have been sad or scared. Helen is scared but faces the fact that she would rather go with god, being religious as usual. Jane is upset to know that she wont see her anymore but asks her if they would see each other again in the next world. Helen believes anything is possible and kiss each other goodnight; Helen then dies.
Chapter 10
“School-rules, school-duties, school-habits and notions, and voices, and faces, and phrases, and customs, and preferences, and antipathies - such was what I knew of existence. And now felt that I was not enough; I tired of the routine of eight years in one afternoon. I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing. I abandoned it and framed a humbler supplication; for change, stimulus: that petition, too, seemed swept off into vague space: “Then,” I cried, half desperate, “grant me at least a new servitude!” (pg. 88)
In this chapter Jane looks back to her past and remembers that the Reed family didn’t care about her while she was in Lowood because they never asked her to go visit when she was in vacation. In a way Jane didn’t take much attention to it because she knew they really never liked her. Jane always focused in school and is happy that she is no longer in Gateshead; she prefers to be in Lowood than suffering because of the way Mrs. Reed treated her.
Chapter 11
“ When Mrs. Fairfax had bidden me a kind good-night, and I had fastened my door, gazed leisurely round, and in some measure effaced the eerie impression made by that wide hall, that dark and spacious staircase, and that long, cold gallery, by the livelier aspect of my little room, I remembered that, after a day of bodily fatigue and mental anxiety, I was now at last in safe haven. The impulse of gratitude swelled my heart, and I knelt down at the bedside, and offered up thanks where thanks were due; not forgetting, ere I rose, to implore aid on my further path, and the power of meriting the kindness which seemed so frankly offered me before it was earned. My couch had no thorns in it that night; my solitary room no fears” (101).
In this passage Jane knows more about Mr. Rochester, owner of Thornfield. Janes begins to feel wierd but full of curiosity when Mrs. Fairfax speaks of him. Mr. Rochester reveals himself as the man she expected him to be. Jane hears this weird laugh (Grace's laughter) and is told it is one of the house maids. I thought this was a wierd because who and what would she be laughing of? It left me with a lot of curiousity.
Chapter 12
“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth. Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex” (112-113).
This quote reveals one of the first main themes in the play, freedom. Jane is desperate in having freedom (may feel improsioned and controled) and suffers a lot through out the novel.
Chapter 13
"You examine me, Miss Eyre," said he: "do you think me handsome?"I should, if I had deliberated, have replied to this question by something conventionally vague and polite; but the answer somehow slipped from my tongue before I was aware—"No, sir" (134)."
Mr. Rochester seems to act a bit to personal with Jane. With asking her these types of questions makes me wonder if he feels something for her. Actually it is told that Mr. Rochester is drunk when he asked her but still has that suspicion that he wants to tell her more about his feelings. (Jane demonstrates that she is very shocked)
Chapter 14
"The subjects had, indeed, risen vividly on my mind. As I saw them with the spiritual eye, before I attempted to embody them, they were striking; but my hand would not second my fancy, and in each case it had wrought out but a pale portrait of the thing I had conceived."
This describes her paintings, example a corpse...I wonder why she decided to paint a corpse. As is it is showed she paints very good but cmplains because she belives her art work looks pale and not how she imained it.
Chapter 15
" The feelings of Jane towards Mr. Rochester are now very apparent. “The ease of his manner freed me from painful restraint: the friendly frankness, as correct as cordial, with which he treated me, drew me to him. I felt at times as if he were my relation rather than my master: yet he was imperious sometimes still; but I did not mind that; I saw it was his way. So happy, so gratified did I become with this new interest added to life, that I ceased to pine after kindred: my thin crescent-destiny seemed to enlarge; the blanks of existence were filled up; my bodily health improved; I gathered flesh and strength” (149).
Jane seems to fall for Mr. Rochester very quickly especially because he is the first man that treats her that way.
Chapter 17
“I kept my word. An hour or two sufficed to sketch my own portrait in crayons; and in less than a fortnight I had completed an ivory miniature of an imaginary Blanche Ingram. It looked a lovely face enough, and when compared with the real head in chalk, the contrast was as great as self-control could desire. I derived benefit from the task: it had kept my head and hands employed, and had given force and fixedness to the new impressions I wished to stamp indelibly on my heart” (164).
Jane is embarrased by the social comments that are made in the same room Rochester is in. She is afraid that Rochester would not fall in love with her because of where she stands in the "social world." Before this quote is mentioned though we know that Rochester is going to leave for a couple of days which causes Jane to be more curious about his life. Jane asks questions to Ms. Fairfix, a sign for care and love. I think its good in my opinion that she accepts that she likes him instead of avioding it...well she does not try to show it a lot in front of him but in herself she knows that she is falling for him.
Chapter 18
“ "But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes—indeed, they are there now, shining and swimming; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means. Well, to-night I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish; don't neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adele. Good-night, my—" He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me” (183).
“ I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons, because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point—this was where the nerve was touched and teased—this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him” (188).
Unfortunatly Jane found out Blanche was going to marry Rochester because of her economic social status interest. Soon as she found out she felt that he was playing with her feelings and probably didn't feel anything towards her. Jane seemed to be very disappointed but tried to move on. I believe that she made the right choice in just moving on.
Chapter 20
“Then my own thoughts worried me. What crime was this that lived incarnate in this sequestered mansion, and could neither be expelled nor subdued by the owner?—what mystery, that broke out now in fire and now in blood, at the deadest hours of night? What creature was it, that, masked in an ordinary woman's face and shape, uttered the voice, now of a mocking demon, and anon of a carrion-seeking bird of prey?” (212).
In this chapter Jane over hears a cry from one of the servants at night and decides to go see what's going on. Jane then meets up with Rochester and tells him about the woman she heard cries from. Rochester simply tells her that is just one of the servants having a nightmare and not to worry much about it. Jane believes he is lying to her because he seems to be very suspicious.
“Such society revives, regenerates: you feel better days come back—higher wishes, purer feelings; you desire to recommence your life, and to spend what remains to you of days in a way more worthy of an immortal being. To attain this end, are you justified in overleaping an obstacle of custom—a mere conventional impediment which neither your conscience sanctifies nor your judgment approves?” (220).
In this case Jane thinks Rochester has a lot of problems he should deal with before he he makes a final decision. Rochester tries to ask for Jane's help but before she gives an answer he just leaves. It made me feel a little confused on his actions actually.
Chapter 22
“I knew there would be pleasure in meeting my master again, even though broken by the fear that he was so soon to cease to be my master, and by the knowledge that I was nothing to him: but there was ever in Mr. Rochester (so at least I thought) such a wealth of the power of communicating happiness, that to taste but of the crumbs he scattered to stray and stranger birds like me, was to feast genially. His last words were balm: they seemed to imply that it imported something to him whether I forgot him or not. And he had spoken of Thornfield as my home—would that it were my home!…Thank you, Mr. Rochester, for your great kindness. I am strangely glad to get back again to you: and wherever you are is my home—my only home” (247-248).
Jane admits that she is happy to see Rochester once again. Although the circumstance she is feeling is not the best she still tries to cover it up. Rochester is now sure that he is going to marry Blanche, Jane now is oligated to prepare herself for the worse and try to move on emotionally.
Chapter 23
"Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automaton?—a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!—I have as much soul as you,—and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh;—it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal,—as we are!" (255).
Jane is treated as if she doesnt have any feelings. Rochester onfesses his love her her and so does Jane. Unfortunatly Mrs. Fairfax finds out about this and is disappointed in both. This could cause them to both split. My question is if Rochester is willing to leave Blanche for her.
Chapter 24
"I will myself put the diamond chain round your neck, and the circlet on your forehead,—which it will become: for nature, at least, has stamped her patent of nobility on this brow, Jane; and I will clasp the bracelets on these fine wrists, and load these fairy- like fingers with rings" (261).
Jane doesn't like whats going on in this point in her life. To Jane Rochester seems to be pressuring her to do something she doesn't like doing. She is also concerned that the wedding between Rochester and Blanche may not happen. Later on Rochester confesses to her that the only reason he was going to marry Blanche was so that Jane could express her emotions. Jane is confused and decides to write her uncle for advice.
Chapter 25
"And how were they?""Fearful and ghastly to me—oh, sir, I never saw a face like it! It was a discoloured face—it was a savage face. I wish I could forget the roll of the red eyes and the fearful blackened inflation of the lineaments!" (285-286).
In this quote Jane is talking about when she sees Grace. Rochester assures Jane doesnt worrry about it to much. Jane feels very confused and knows Rochester doesnt want to tell her a lot about her. Later though Rochester tells her that he would explain everything to her when is the right moment. ( a year and a day from his marriage). In my opinion I believe Rochester should just tell her and stop being so mysterious about it.
Chapter 26
“I have been married, and the woman to whom I was married lives! You say you never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at the house up yonder, Wood; but I daresay you have many a time inclined your ear to gossip about the mysterious lunatic kept there under watch and ward. Some have whispered to you that she is my bastard half-sister: some, my cast- off mistress. I now inform you that she is my wife, whom I married fifteen years ago,—Bertha Mason by name; sister of this resolute personage, who is now, with his quivering limbs and white cheeks, showing you what a stout heart men may bear. Cheer up, Dick!—never fear me!—I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family; idiots and maniacs through three generations?” (294).
In this part of the story Rochester admits that he did have a second wife, Bertha Mason, whom which he married in Jamica but is locked up because she is mad! People in the ceremony are arused by his confession but Rochester tries to clear everything up. Rochester confesses also that by marrying Jane she would of been the second wife. This causes a great chaos. Why didn't he just tell Jane the truth about his mad wife? What is Jane going to do next? (this was a very shocking scene)
“In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight tell: it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair, wild as a mane, hid its head and face” (295).
I thought this quote was very creepy and it got me the chills because I wondered who that dark figure was.
Chapter 28
“Worn out with this torture of thought, I rose to my knees. Night was come, and her planets were risen: a safe, still night: too serene for the companionship of fear. We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence. I had risen to my knees to pray for Mr. Rochester. Looking up, I, with tear-dimmed eyes, saw the mighty Milky-way. Remembering what it was—what countless systems there swept space like a soft trace of light—I felt the might and strength of God. Sure was I of His efficiency to save what He had made: convinced I grew that neither earth should perish, nor one of the souls it treasured. I turned my prayer to thanksgiving: the Source of Life was also the Saviour of spirits. Mr. Rochester was safe; he was God's, and by God would he be guarded. I again nestled to the breast of the hill; and ere long in sleep forgot sorrow” (326-327).
Jane decides to leave Thronfield and leave everything behind that has hurt her emotionally. Jane doesn't seem to forgive Rochester and thinks that it would be better if she just ran away from all her problems. (eveything that dealt with him was tormenting her)
Chapter 31
“Meantime, let me ask myself one question—Which is better?—To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort—no struggle;—but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flowers covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time—for he would—oh, yes, he would have loved me well for a while. He DID love me—no one will ever love me so again. I shall never more know the sweet homage given to beauty, youth, and grace—for never to any one else shall I seem to possess these charms. He was fond and proud of me—it is what no man besides will ever be.—But where am I wandering, and what am I saying, and above all, feeling? Whether is it better, I ask, to be a slave in a fool's paradise at Marseilles—fevered with delusive bliss one hour- -suffocating with the bitterest tears of remorse and shame the next- -or to be a village-schoolmistress, free and honest, in a breezy mountain nook in the healthy heart of England?” (361)
Jane is free in a way but not really...at the moment she has been facing problems like what she's going to do next that she knows would benefit her in life. She is glad that the people she meets treat her right but does not know what plans are waiting for her in the future.
Chapter 32
“Their amazement at me, my language, my rules, and ways, once subsided, I found some of these heavy-looking, gaping rustics wake up into sharp-witted girls enough. Many showed themselves obliging, and amiable too; and I discovered amongst them not a few examples of natural politeness, and innate self-respect, as well as of excellent capacity, that won both my goodwill and my admiration. These soon took a pleasure in doing their work well, in keeping their persons neat, in learning their tasks regularly, in acquiring quiet and orderly manners. The rapidity of their progress, in some instances, was even surprising; and an honest and happy pride I took in it: besides, I began personally to like some of the best girls; and they liked me” (368).
Jane finds a new job as a teacher and so far everything has been going well for her. The students love her and even Jane feels good about herself. Jane notices then that Rosamond and St. John want to get married but they can because of St. John duties, serving as a priest. Rosamond in the other hand before all that happened asks Jane if she could draw he a picture, Jane decides to show it to St. John and takes a piece out of the drawing. I wonder why he did that though? Why didn't he just as to take the whole picture or something that would not destroy what Jane did for her?
Chapter 33
“ I surveyed him. It seemed I had found a brother: one I could be proud of,—one I could love; and two sisters, whose qualities were such, that, when I knew them but as mere strangers, they had inspired me with genuine affection and admiration. The two girls, on whom, kneeling down on the wet ground, and looking through the low, latticed window of Moor House kitchen, I had gazed with so bitter a mixture of interest and despair, were my near kinswomen; and the young and stately gentleman who had found me almost dying at his threshold was my blood relation. Glorious discovery to a lonely wretch! This was wealth indeed!—wealth to the heart!—a mine of pure, genial affections. This was a blessing, bright, vivid, and exhilarating;—not like the ponderous gift of gold: rich and welcome enough in its way, but sobering from its weight. I now clapped my hands in sudden joy—my pulse bounded, my veins thrilled” (387).
St. John appears in Jane room and starts talking about the same life Jane Eyre had. He tries to give her hints that he suspects that Jane is the women he is talking about. At first Jane doesn't reveal herself because she wants to find out more of how St. John got all this information from. From St. Johns conclusion he ripped out the side of the drawing to identify the same name as the one he got in the letter from Mr. Briggs. At last Jane confesses her that she is the real Jane Eyre and by the end John tells Jane that they are cousins because her Uncle John is his Uncle John (who died and left her a fortune). Jane is happy to know that she has a family and decides to slipt the inherit money with her family. This scene was my favorite because it was happy and not they were any problems that affected Jane.
Chapter 35
“I broke from St. John, who had followed, and would have detained me. It was my time to assume ascendency. my powers were in play and in force. I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone. He obeyed at once. Where there is energy to command well enough, obedience never fails. I mounted to my chamber; locked myself in; fell on my knees; and prayed in my way—a different way to St. John's, but effective in its own fashion. I seemed to penetrate very near a Mighty Spirit; and my soul rushed out in gratitude at His feet. I rose from the thanksgiving—took a resolve—and lay down, unscared, enlightened—eager but for the daylight” (423).
St. John tries to convince Jane to mary him but Jane does not accept his proposal. I believe its wierd that St. John complained that he couldn't marry Rosemond because of his duties but offers Jane to go with him to India. Jane suddenly hears as if Rochester's voice appears from the distance and feels there someone else waiting for her. Jane remains true to herself and doesn't go with St. John.
“Folds of scarlet drapery shut in view to the right hand; to the left were the clear panes of glass, protecting, but not separating me from the drear November day. At intervals, while turning over the leaves in my book, I studied the aspect of that winter afternoon. Afar, it offered a pale blank of mist and cloud; near, a scene of wet lawn and storm-beat shrub, with ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly before a long and lamentable blast.” (pg. 10)
- In this passage the author, Charlotte Bronte, is trying to reveal the reader the setting in forms of imagery and feelings of Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre’s name is not mentioned yet by this point of the quote but the reader knows that by the description she is telling the story is very gloomy and surrounded by problems. This story as mentioned in the quote is set in the month of November which always seems to be very cold and rainy. It mostly gives the reader a feeling that the story is not going to be a cheerful story but a story with lots of problems. Jane starts describing “nature” around her (although being inside Mrs. Reed’s house) and reads books as in this case, “ Bewick’s History of British Birds.” Through her actions we know that her only comfort zone, away from her cousins and Mrs. Reed, is by hiding in a secret place alone thinking deeply about her book.
- “He bullied and punished me; not two or three times in the week, nor once or twice in the day, but continually; every nerve I had feared him, and every morsel of flesh on my bones shrank when he came near.”
Chapter 2
“No; you are less than a servant, for you do nothing for your keep. There sit down, and think over you wickedness”… “If you don’t sit still, you must be tied down, said Bessie” … (pg. 14)
“Why was I always suffering, always browbeaten, always accused, for condemned? Why could I never please? Why was it useless to try to win any one’s favour?… (pg. 17)
“Unjust!-unjust!” said my reason, forced by the agonizing stimulus into precocious through transitory power; and Resolve, equally wrought up, instigated some strange expedient to achieve escape from insupportable oppression-as running away, or, if that could not be effected, never eating or dinking more, and letting myself die.” (pg. 17)
The three quotes have a great significance in this novel. It lets the reader know that Jane is treated brutally, worse than a servant, and suffers because the way the other characters treat her. Jane is not treated how Mr. Reed made Mrs. Reed promise she would which creates a great chaos between all the characters. The other children in the Geatshead Hall are treated differently than Jane but they are the ones who arises most of the problems. They also treat her as if she’s not related to them. At some point Jane believes Mrs. Reed is just punishing her because she hates the way she is, better than her children, but Jane doesn’t seem to show as much hate towards her, basically just disappointment. Jane seems to be very confused towards Mrs. Reed’s actions and believes everything that is happening to her is unfair and tries to find a way out from all her problems.
Chapter 3
“If she were a nice, pretty child, one might be compassionate her forlornness; but one really can not care for such little toad as that.” (pg. 28)
This quote is told when Miss Abbot and Bessie are talking about Jane and Jane’s family. Jane over hears their conversations and finds out what truly happened to her parents. The two servants feel sorry for Jane and believe if she were a more nice (they believe she is bad because she gets punished all the time) child and was prettier her situation could have been differently in a positive way. Although Miss Abbot and Bessie believe that, Jane shows to be very confident, strong, and compassionate, regardless to what other character believe. It might be a reason why Mrs. Reed treats her cruelly. Mrs. Abbot and Bessie though still try to take care of Jane so she wont feel so lonely all the time.
Chapter 4
“My uncle Reed is in heaven, and can see all you do and think; and so can papa and mama: they know how you shut me up all day long , and how you wish me dead.” ( pg. 30)
“I am glad you are no relation of mine. I will never call you aunt as long as I live. I will never come to see you when I am grown up; and if any asks me how I liked you., and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick.” (pg. 38)
In the beginning of this chapter Mrs. Reed tries to manipulate Jane actions and tries to control her by telling her what she can and can not do. There’s a point in chapter 4 Mrs. Reed takes her to a place where Jane and herself are alone. They have a discussion about Mr. Reed and Jane’s parents, saying that they will all be disappointed on how she treats her. Shocked by Jane’s confidence in telling her off makes Mrs. Reed even more furious. Jane though clearly states with all her fury that’s she’s glad that they both are not related and every moment she spend with her will only bring back terrible memories.
Chapter 5
“It is a partly a charity-school: you and I, and all the rest of us, are charity children. I suppose you are an orphan: are not either your father or mother dead?” (pg. 52)
This quote demonstrates that Mrs. Reed tricked her into telling Jane that she was going to a school, but never told her the type of school she was going to put her in. Mrs. Reed decided to put Jane in “Lowood Institution” without Jane’s consent. Jane found out about this when she was sitting down next to Helen and asked her why the “school” was called like that. It was when Helen began telling her that everyone in that place either lost their parents.
Chapter 6
“Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you.”
“But I feel this Helen: I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me. I must resist those who punish me unjustly. It is as natural as that I should love those who show me affection , or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved.”
An act of love that is mentioned in the ten commandments (Catholic’s)-first quote. It shows that Helen is a good girl that cares and is aware of what’s expected of her. Helen mentions this to Jane so that she wont feel as much hate toward the Reed family, which to Jane is just impossible to do. Jane believes Helen should stand up for herself and should not let anyone manipulate her and treat her badly as they do in school.
Chapter 7
“You must be on your guard against her; you must shun her example: if necessary, avoid her company, exclude her from your sports, and shut out from your converse. Teachers you must watch her: keep your eyes on her movements, weigh well her words, scrutinise her actions, punish her body to save her soul:…this girl is a liar!” (pg. 69)
Jane is treated once again cruelly and now in front of the whole school. Jane is told avoid everyone, have any type of communication, and listen to what the teachers tell her to do. I believed Jane feels humiliated but with a smile of Helen, she seems to be inspired and happy of her actions.
Chapter 8
“ I had reached the head of my class; Miss Miller had praised me warmly; Miss Temple had smiled approbation; she had promised to teach me drawing, and to let me learn French, if I continued to make similar improvement two months longer; and then I was well received by my fellow pupils; treated as an equal by those of my own age, and not molested by any; now here I lay again crushed and trodden on; and could I ever rise more?” (pg. 71)
With Jane’s punishment, Jane still tried to fix her actions by doing well in school and by trying to prove she isn’t a liar. Jane’s main goals in school was to be good, have friends, earn respect, win affection, basically everything she did not have in GatesHead. I thought this quote was inspiring because even though she went through so much obstacles so far, she still continues doing well in school and have that strong confidence in herself.
Chapter 9
“You are sure, then, Helen that there is such a place as heaven; and that our souls can get to it when we die?…I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love him: I believe he loves me.” “And shall I see you again, Helen, when I die?”
Helen is dying in this chapter and Jane tries to sneak into Miss Temple’s room before her death. Jane makes it and is really happy to see her, but in a way she’s confused because while looking at Helen, she seems to be very calm, which is very wired for her because she thought she would have been sad or scared. Helen is scared but faces the fact that she would rather go with god, being religious as usual. Jane is upset to know that she wont see her anymore but asks her if they would see each other again in the next world. Helen believes anything is possible and kiss each other goodnight; Helen then dies.
Chapter 10
“School-rules, school-duties, school-habits and notions, and voices, and faces, and phrases, and customs, and preferences, and antipathies - such was what I knew of existence. And now felt that I was not enough; I tired of the routine of eight years in one afternoon. I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing. I abandoned it and framed a humbler supplication; for change, stimulus: that petition, too, seemed swept off into vague space: “Then,” I cried, half desperate, “grant me at least a new servitude!” (pg. 88)
In this chapter Jane looks back to her past and remembers that the Reed family didn’t care about her while she was in Lowood because they never asked her to go visit when she was in vacation. In a way Jane didn’t take much attention to it because she knew they really never liked her. Jane always focused in school and is happy that she is no longer in Gateshead; she prefers to be in Lowood than suffering because of the way Mrs. Reed treated her.
Chapter 11
“ When Mrs. Fairfax had bidden me a kind good-night, and I had fastened my door, gazed leisurely round, and in some measure effaced the eerie impression made by that wide hall, that dark and spacious staircase, and that long, cold gallery, by the livelier aspect of my little room, I remembered that, after a day of bodily fatigue and mental anxiety, I was now at last in safe haven. The impulse of gratitude swelled my heart, and I knelt down at the bedside, and offered up thanks where thanks were due; not forgetting, ere I rose, to implore aid on my further path, and the power of meriting the kindness which seemed so frankly offered me before it was earned. My couch had no thorns in it that night; my solitary room no fears” (101).
In this passage Jane knows more about Mr. Rochester, owner of Thornfield. Janes begins to feel wierd but full of curiosity when Mrs. Fairfax speaks of him. Mr. Rochester reveals himself as the man she expected him to be. Jane hears this weird laugh (Grace's laughter) and is told it is one of the house maids. I thought this was a wierd because who and what would she be laughing of? It left me with a lot of curiousity.
Chapter 12
“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth. Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex” (112-113).
This quote reveals one of the first main themes in the play, freedom. Jane is desperate in having freedom (may feel improsioned and controled) and suffers a lot through out the novel.
Chapter 13
"You examine me, Miss Eyre," said he: "do you think me handsome?"I should, if I had deliberated, have replied to this question by something conventionally vague and polite; but the answer somehow slipped from my tongue before I was aware—"No, sir" (134)."
Mr. Rochester seems to act a bit to personal with Jane. With asking her these types of questions makes me wonder if he feels something for her. Actually it is told that Mr. Rochester is drunk when he asked her but still has that suspicion that he wants to tell her more about his feelings. (Jane demonstrates that she is very shocked)
Chapter 14
"The subjects had, indeed, risen vividly on my mind. As I saw them with the spiritual eye, before I attempted to embody them, they were striking; but my hand would not second my fancy, and in each case it had wrought out but a pale portrait of the thing I had conceived."
This describes her paintings, example a corpse...I wonder why she decided to paint a corpse. As is it is showed she paints very good but cmplains because she belives her art work looks pale and not how she imained it.
Chapter 15
" The feelings of Jane towards Mr. Rochester are now very apparent. “The ease of his manner freed me from painful restraint: the friendly frankness, as correct as cordial, with which he treated me, drew me to him. I felt at times as if he were my relation rather than my master: yet he was imperious sometimes still; but I did not mind that; I saw it was his way. So happy, so gratified did I become with this new interest added to life, that I ceased to pine after kindred: my thin crescent-destiny seemed to enlarge; the blanks of existence were filled up; my bodily health improved; I gathered flesh and strength” (149).
Jane seems to fall for Mr. Rochester very quickly especially because he is the first man that treats her that way.
Chapter 17
“I kept my word. An hour or two sufficed to sketch my own portrait in crayons; and in less than a fortnight I had completed an ivory miniature of an imaginary Blanche Ingram. It looked a lovely face enough, and when compared with the real head in chalk, the contrast was as great as self-control could desire. I derived benefit from the task: it had kept my head and hands employed, and had given force and fixedness to the new impressions I wished to stamp indelibly on my heart” (164).
Jane is embarrased by the social comments that are made in the same room Rochester is in. She is afraid that Rochester would not fall in love with her because of where she stands in the "social world." Before this quote is mentioned though we know that Rochester is going to leave for a couple of days which causes Jane to be more curious about his life. Jane asks questions to Ms. Fairfix, a sign for care and love. I think its good in my opinion that she accepts that she likes him instead of avioding it...well she does not try to show it a lot in front of him but in herself she knows that she is falling for him.
Chapter 18
“ "But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes—indeed, they are there now, shining and swimming; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means. Well, to-night I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish; don't neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adele. Good-night, my—" He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me” (183).
“ I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons, because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point—this was where the nerve was touched and teased—this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him” (188).
Unfortunatly Jane found out Blanche was going to marry Rochester because of her economic social status interest. Soon as she found out she felt that he was playing with her feelings and probably didn't feel anything towards her. Jane seemed to be very disappointed but tried to move on. I believe that she made the right choice in just moving on.
Chapter 20
“Then my own thoughts worried me. What crime was this that lived incarnate in this sequestered mansion, and could neither be expelled nor subdued by the owner?—what mystery, that broke out now in fire and now in blood, at the deadest hours of night? What creature was it, that, masked in an ordinary woman's face and shape, uttered the voice, now of a mocking demon, and anon of a carrion-seeking bird of prey?” (212).
In this chapter Jane over hears a cry from one of the servants at night and decides to go see what's going on. Jane then meets up with Rochester and tells him about the woman she heard cries from. Rochester simply tells her that is just one of the servants having a nightmare and not to worry much about it. Jane believes he is lying to her because he seems to be very suspicious.
“Such society revives, regenerates: you feel better days come back—higher wishes, purer feelings; you desire to recommence your life, and to spend what remains to you of days in a way more worthy of an immortal being. To attain this end, are you justified in overleaping an obstacle of custom—a mere conventional impediment which neither your conscience sanctifies nor your judgment approves?” (220).
In this case Jane thinks Rochester has a lot of problems he should deal with before he he makes a final decision. Rochester tries to ask for Jane's help but before she gives an answer he just leaves. It made me feel a little confused on his actions actually.
Chapter 22
“I knew there would be pleasure in meeting my master again, even though broken by the fear that he was so soon to cease to be my master, and by the knowledge that I was nothing to him: but there was ever in Mr. Rochester (so at least I thought) such a wealth of the power of communicating happiness, that to taste but of the crumbs he scattered to stray and stranger birds like me, was to feast genially. His last words were balm: they seemed to imply that it imported something to him whether I forgot him or not. And he had spoken of Thornfield as my home—would that it were my home!…Thank you, Mr. Rochester, for your great kindness. I am strangely glad to get back again to you: and wherever you are is my home—my only home” (247-248).
Jane admits that she is happy to see Rochester once again. Although the circumstance she is feeling is not the best she still tries to cover it up. Rochester is now sure that he is going to marry Blanche, Jane now is oligated to prepare herself for the worse and try to move on emotionally.
Chapter 23
"Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automaton?—a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!—I have as much soul as you,—and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh;—it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal,—as we are!" (255).
Jane is treated as if she doesnt have any feelings. Rochester onfesses his love her her and so does Jane. Unfortunatly Mrs. Fairfax finds out about this and is disappointed in both. This could cause them to both split. My question is if Rochester is willing to leave Blanche for her.
Chapter 24
"I will myself put the diamond chain round your neck, and the circlet on your forehead,—which it will become: for nature, at least, has stamped her patent of nobility on this brow, Jane; and I will clasp the bracelets on these fine wrists, and load these fairy- like fingers with rings" (261).
Jane doesn't like whats going on in this point in her life. To Jane Rochester seems to be pressuring her to do something she doesn't like doing. She is also concerned that the wedding between Rochester and Blanche may not happen. Later on Rochester confesses to her that the only reason he was going to marry Blanche was so that Jane could express her emotions. Jane is confused and decides to write her uncle for advice.
Chapter 25
"And how were they?""Fearful and ghastly to me—oh, sir, I never saw a face like it! It was a discoloured face—it was a savage face. I wish I could forget the roll of the red eyes and the fearful blackened inflation of the lineaments!" (285-286).
In this quote Jane is talking about when she sees Grace. Rochester assures Jane doesnt worrry about it to much. Jane feels very confused and knows Rochester doesnt want to tell her a lot about her. Later though Rochester tells her that he would explain everything to her when is the right moment. ( a year and a day from his marriage). In my opinion I believe Rochester should just tell her and stop being so mysterious about it.
Chapter 26
“I have been married, and the woman to whom I was married lives! You say you never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at the house up yonder, Wood; but I daresay you have many a time inclined your ear to gossip about the mysterious lunatic kept there under watch and ward. Some have whispered to you that she is my bastard half-sister: some, my cast- off mistress. I now inform you that she is my wife, whom I married fifteen years ago,—Bertha Mason by name; sister of this resolute personage, who is now, with his quivering limbs and white cheeks, showing you what a stout heart men may bear. Cheer up, Dick!—never fear me!—I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family; idiots and maniacs through three generations?” (294).
In this part of the story Rochester admits that he did have a second wife, Bertha Mason, whom which he married in Jamica but is locked up because she is mad! People in the ceremony are arused by his confession but Rochester tries to clear everything up. Rochester confesses also that by marrying Jane she would of been the second wife. This causes a great chaos. Why didn't he just tell Jane the truth about his mad wife? What is Jane going to do next? (this was a very shocking scene)
“In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight tell: it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair, wild as a mane, hid its head and face” (295).
I thought this quote was very creepy and it got me the chills because I wondered who that dark figure was.
Chapter 28
“Worn out with this torture of thought, I rose to my knees. Night was come, and her planets were risen: a safe, still night: too serene for the companionship of fear. We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence. I had risen to my knees to pray for Mr. Rochester. Looking up, I, with tear-dimmed eyes, saw the mighty Milky-way. Remembering what it was—what countless systems there swept space like a soft trace of light—I felt the might and strength of God. Sure was I of His efficiency to save what He had made: convinced I grew that neither earth should perish, nor one of the souls it treasured. I turned my prayer to thanksgiving: the Source of Life was also the Saviour of spirits. Mr. Rochester was safe; he was God's, and by God would he be guarded. I again nestled to the breast of the hill; and ere long in sleep forgot sorrow” (326-327).
Jane decides to leave Thronfield and leave everything behind that has hurt her emotionally. Jane doesn't seem to forgive Rochester and thinks that it would be better if she just ran away from all her problems. (eveything that dealt with him was tormenting her)
Chapter 31
“Meantime, let me ask myself one question—Which is better?—To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort—no struggle;—but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flowers covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time—for he would—oh, yes, he would have loved me well for a while. He DID love me—no one will ever love me so again. I shall never more know the sweet homage given to beauty, youth, and grace—for never to any one else shall I seem to possess these charms. He was fond and proud of me—it is what no man besides will ever be.—But where am I wandering, and what am I saying, and above all, feeling? Whether is it better, I ask, to be a slave in a fool's paradise at Marseilles—fevered with delusive bliss one hour- -suffocating with the bitterest tears of remorse and shame the next- -or to be a village-schoolmistress, free and honest, in a breezy mountain nook in the healthy heart of England?” (361)
Jane is free in a way but not really...at the moment she has been facing problems like what she's going to do next that she knows would benefit her in life. She is glad that the people she meets treat her right but does not know what plans are waiting for her in the future.
Chapter 32
“Their amazement at me, my language, my rules, and ways, once subsided, I found some of these heavy-looking, gaping rustics wake up into sharp-witted girls enough. Many showed themselves obliging, and amiable too; and I discovered amongst them not a few examples of natural politeness, and innate self-respect, as well as of excellent capacity, that won both my goodwill and my admiration. These soon took a pleasure in doing their work well, in keeping their persons neat, in learning their tasks regularly, in acquiring quiet and orderly manners. The rapidity of their progress, in some instances, was even surprising; and an honest and happy pride I took in it: besides, I began personally to like some of the best girls; and they liked me” (368).
Jane finds a new job as a teacher and so far everything has been going well for her. The students love her and even Jane feels good about herself. Jane notices then that Rosamond and St. John want to get married but they can because of St. John duties, serving as a priest. Rosamond in the other hand before all that happened asks Jane if she could draw he a picture, Jane decides to show it to St. John and takes a piece out of the drawing. I wonder why he did that though? Why didn't he just as to take the whole picture or something that would not destroy what Jane did for her?
Chapter 33
“ I surveyed him. It seemed I had found a brother: one I could be proud of,—one I could love; and two sisters, whose qualities were such, that, when I knew them but as mere strangers, they had inspired me with genuine affection and admiration. The two girls, on whom, kneeling down on the wet ground, and looking through the low, latticed window of Moor House kitchen, I had gazed with so bitter a mixture of interest and despair, were my near kinswomen; and the young and stately gentleman who had found me almost dying at his threshold was my blood relation. Glorious discovery to a lonely wretch! This was wealth indeed!—wealth to the heart!—a mine of pure, genial affections. This was a blessing, bright, vivid, and exhilarating;—not like the ponderous gift of gold: rich and welcome enough in its way, but sobering from its weight. I now clapped my hands in sudden joy—my pulse bounded, my veins thrilled” (387).
St. John appears in Jane room and starts talking about the same life Jane Eyre had. He tries to give her hints that he suspects that Jane is the women he is talking about. At first Jane doesn't reveal herself because she wants to find out more of how St. John got all this information from. From St. Johns conclusion he ripped out the side of the drawing to identify the same name as the one he got in the letter from Mr. Briggs. At last Jane confesses her that she is the real Jane Eyre and by the end John tells Jane that they are cousins because her Uncle John is his Uncle John (who died and left her a fortune). Jane is happy to know that she has a family and decides to slipt the inherit money with her family. This scene was my favorite because it was happy and not they were any problems that affected Jane.
Chapter 35
“I broke from St. John, who had followed, and would have detained me. It was my time to assume ascendency. my powers were in play and in force. I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone. He obeyed at once. Where there is energy to command well enough, obedience never fails. I mounted to my chamber; locked myself in; fell on my knees; and prayed in my way—a different way to St. John's, but effective in its own fashion. I seemed to penetrate very near a Mighty Spirit; and my soul rushed out in gratitude at His feet. I rose from the thanksgiving—took a resolve—and lay down, unscared, enlightened—eager but for the daylight” (423).
St. John tries to convince Jane to mary him but Jane does not accept his proposal. I believe its wierd that St. John complained that he couldn't marry Rosemond because of his duties but offers Jane to go with him to India. Jane suddenly hears as if Rochester's voice appears from the distance and feels there someone else waiting for her. Jane remains true to herself and doesn't go with St. John.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Essay_Like Water for Chocolate
Viridiana Ortiz
Mrs. Bosch
English 12 Lit.
21 July 2008
Like Water for Chocolate
Although there are traditions people have tried to sustain by passing them through generation to generation, there’s a point in where it makes people life more difficult to follow. In the novel, Like Water for Chocolate, the author Laura Esquivel gives an example of a young lady, Tita De La Garza, who falls in love with Pedro but can’t marry or even be near him because of the obstacles they face but especially because of the tradition Mama Elena makes her follow. Pedro insists in getting married with Tita but Mama Elena forbids it because she wants her daughter had to take care of her until her death. This news was a tragedy for both Pedro and Tita even though she knew well her destiny and what had to be done to please her mother. It was when Pedro decided to get married with Rosaura, Tita’s older sister, only because it was the only way Pedro knew he would be closer to Tita. This news made it even harder for her and it was when all her problems began to arise such as having to deny that she didn’t feel anything for Pedro, it affected sometimes the way she cooked her foods, but overall family problems. By the end of the novel Tita faces all the obstacles but unfortunately both Tita and Pedro die together.
Like Water for Chocolate is considered one of the most unique novels because it contains two different type of languages and recipes inspired by Tita. Written in the nineteenth century, in Mexico, Esquivel mentions that these traditions where very important in the Spanish heritage. It was a way they respected the culture and show responsibility toward life. Although she claims that these traditions are important, cooking is one of the traditions that are highly significant as well (Laura Esquivel: Wikipedia). Laura relates her life with this novel in in variety of ways. Coming from a Mexican background and being the third of four children in her family, she had also learned how to make special recipes with the help of her grandmother as Tita did with Nacha.
“She had a chapel in the home, right between the kitchen and dining room. The smell of nuts and chilies and garlic got all mixed up with the smells from the chapel, my grandmother’s carnations. The liniments and the healing herbs (L.E. Biography).”
When Esquivel was a young girl being in the kitchen was the most important time in her life because it brought knowledge and pleasure (L.E. Wikipedia). Spending her time as a young girl making food with her grandmother gave her an inspiration to write Like Water for Chocolate. To Esquivel the idea about the meaning of the title was a way in expressing most of the hidden themes she wanted to express through Tita’s emotions which was anger, passion, and sexuality (L.E. Wikipedia). In the beginning of every chapter it always had a different type of recipe that related to Tita’s upcoming event but also the dishes were made for certain occasions such as when she made her famous “Quail in Rose Petal Sauce” that transmitted a form of sexuality and passion Tita has for Pedro.
Through all the books Laura has written as Law of Love, Swift Desire, and even Malinche, shows a theme of romantic love. In the other hand the most themes Like Water for Chocolate deals with is love, hate, humor, traditions, relationships, responsibilty and magic, by the food Tita makes (L.E. Wikipedia). It seemed that Laura enjoy connecting both unreality with the real world with magical realism. For example when ghosts appear to Tita when she is in need of an advice as Nacha does but also when Mama Elena tries to torment Tita for having an affair with Pedro and not respecting that he’s a married man.
“I told you many times not to go near Pedro. Why did you do it?…I tried, Mami…but…But nothing! What you have done has no name! You have forgotten all morality, respect, and good behavior. You are worthless, a good-for-nothing who doesn’t respect even yourself. You have blackened the name of my entire family, from my ancestors down to this cursed baby you carry in you belly!” (Like Water for Chocolate (pg.173).
The appearance with Mama Elena in the novel showed fantasy transform into reality because at that scene Mama Elena was considered dead already. Although Tita tried to please her mother in many ways, she couldn’t take it any longer and revealed the secret words “I hate you” and made Mama Elena’s ghost disappear forever. This event can also be a classified as a form of personification because it‘s a feeling Tita feels toward her mother which is hate and anger, allusion because Nacha and Mama Elena kept appearing in her life and symbolism through Tita’s foods which where different type of recipes that represented Tita‘s emotions.
Through the magical realism themes, romances, home recipes, and the intense emotional expressions of Tita’s life made the novel have its own unique way of style that could captivate readers attention. This can highly represents, Like Water for Chocolate a type of literary merit novel. Through the “madness” of Mama Elena with Tita and her decisions created an intense relationship between the two. It caused Tita to struggle a lot with her mother but gained her independence which she represented herself as a “soldadera” because she tried to win her battles as her mother always tried to do. “Obstacles to love” is also another example that is shown through the entire book because both Pedro and her try to face Mama Elena’s obstacles (L.M. for Dummies). Overall this novel should be a quality of work that represents the examples of most literary merit words not only because it represents it in the entire book but also because it gives a significance of what the author is trying to reveal through the themes and style of writing.
Mrs. Bosch
English 12 Lit.
21 July 2008
Like Water for Chocolate
Although there are traditions people have tried to sustain by passing them through generation to generation, there’s a point in where it makes people life more difficult to follow. In the novel, Like Water for Chocolate, the author Laura Esquivel gives an example of a young lady, Tita De La Garza, who falls in love with Pedro but can’t marry or even be near him because of the obstacles they face but especially because of the tradition Mama Elena makes her follow. Pedro insists in getting married with Tita but Mama Elena forbids it because she wants her daughter had to take care of her until her death. This news was a tragedy for both Pedro and Tita even though she knew well her destiny and what had to be done to please her mother. It was when Pedro decided to get married with Rosaura, Tita’s older sister, only because it was the only way Pedro knew he would be closer to Tita. This news made it even harder for her and it was when all her problems began to arise such as having to deny that she didn’t feel anything for Pedro, it affected sometimes the way she cooked her foods, but overall family problems. By the end of the novel Tita faces all the obstacles but unfortunately both Tita and Pedro die together.
Like Water for Chocolate is considered one of the most unique novels because it contains two different type of languages and recipes inspired by Tita. Written in the nineteenth century, in Mexico, Esquivel mentions that these traditions where very important in the Spanish heritage. It was a way they respected the culture and show responsibility toward life. Although she claims that these traditions are important, cooking is one of the traditions that are highly significant as well (Laura Esquivel: Wikipedia). Laura relates her life with this novel in in variety of ways. Coming from a Mexican background and being the third of four children in her family, she had also learned how to make special recipes with the help of her grandmother as Tita did with Nacha.
“She had a chapel in the home, right between the kitchen and dining room. The smell of nuts and chilies and garlic got all mixed up with the smells from the chapel, my grandmother’s carnations. The liniments and the healing herbs (L.E. Biography).”
When Esquivel was a young girl being in the kitchen was the most important time in her life because it brought knowledge and pleasure (L.E. Wikipedia). Spending her time as a young girl making food with her grandmother gave her an inspiration to write Like Water for Chocolate. To Esquivel the idea about the meaning of the title was a way in expressing most of the hidden themes she wanted to express through Tita’s emotions which was anger, passion, and sexuality (L.E. Wikipedia). In the beginning of every chapter it always had a different type of recipe that related to Tita’s upcoming event but also the dishes were made for certain occasions such as when she made her famous “Quail in Rose Petal Sauce” that transmitted a form of sexuality and passion Tita has for Pedro.
Through all the books Laura has written as Law of Love, Swift Desire, and even Malinche, shows a theme of romantic love. In the other hand the most themes Like Water for Chocolate deals with is love, hate, humor, traditions, relationships, responsibilty and magic, by the food Tita makes (L.E. Wikipedia). It seemed that Laura enjoy connecting both unreality with the real world with magical realism. For example when ghosts appear to Tita when she is in need of an advice as Nacha does but also when Mama Elena tries to torment Tita for having an affair with Pedro and not respecting that he’s a married man.
“I told you many times not to go near Pedro. Why did you do it?…I tried, Mami…but…But nothing! What you have done has no name! You have forgotten all morality, respect, and good behavior. You are worthless, a good-for-nothing who doesn’t respect even yourself. You have blackened the name of my entire family, from my ancestors down to this cursed baby you carry in you belly!” (Like Water for Chocolate (pg.173).
The appearance with Mama Elena in the novel showed fantasy transform into reality because at that scene Mama Elena was considered dead already. Although Tita tried to please her mother in many ways, she couldn’t take it any longer and revealed the secret words “I hate you” and made Mama Elena’s ghost disappear forever. This event can also be a classified as a form of personification because it‘s a feeling Tita feels toward her mother which is hate and anger, allusion because Nacha and Mama Elena kept appearing in her life and symbolism through Tita’s foods which where different type of recipes that represented Tita‘s emotions.
Through the magical realism themes, romances, home recipes, and the intense emotional expressions of Tita’s life made the novel have its own unique way of style that could captivate readers attention. This can highly represents, Like Water for Chocolate a type of literary merit novel. Through the “madness” of Mama Elena with Tita and her decisions created an intense relationship between the two. It caused Tita to struggle a lot with her mother but gained her independence which she represented herself as a “soldadera” because she tried to win her battles as her mother always tried to do. “Obstacles to love” is also another example that is shown through the entire book because both Pedro and her try to face Mama Elena’s obstacles (L.M. for Dummies). Overall this novel should be a quality of work that represents the examples of most literary merit words not only because it represents it in the entire book but also because it gives a significance of what the author is trying to reveal through the themes and style of writing.
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