Jane Eyre image of the main character. Topics and issues

Charlotte Bronte

2.1 Portrait image of Jane Eyre

One of the main advantages of the novel “Jane Eyre” is the creation of a positive image of the heroine. The novel attracted and amazed readers with the image of a bold and pure girl, alone leading a difficult struggle for existence.

The image of Jane Eyre, like most other images, is built on the principle of contrast, which consists in in this case is that the writer contrasts the heroine’s appearance with her inner appearance. In creating the image of the heroine, Brontë set herself a goal - as opposed to the generally accepted “beauty”, which was usually portrayed in literary works, to show a plain-looking heroine, but attractive due to her inner nobility. In his book about Brontë, Gaskell quotes from the anonymous obituary, “On the Death of Correll Bell,” in which the author writes:

“She once told her sisters that they were wrong in usually portraying their heroines as beautiful. They replied that it was impossible to make the heroine interesting in any other way. Her answer was: you will see that you are wrong: I will show you a heroine as ugly and small as myself, and she will be as interesting to the reader as yours.” 1

Jane's plainness is constantly emphasized by the author in the speech of various characters, in her internal monologue, and in the narrative itself. So, the maid Abbott simply calls her a freak (such a little toad as that p. 39.). Rochester, when he first meets her, says that she looks like a person from the other world (you have rather the look of another world), per family

Rivers, she gives the impression of a pale, very ugly girl, devoid of charm (pallid... not at alt handsome... grace and harmony of beauty are quite wanting in those features).

Drawing the image of Jane, Bronte shows her as an extraordinary, thinking girl with a strong will and spiritual purity.

We meet Jane's characteristics, as well as her appearance, in the speech of other characters and in the internal monologue. Already in the first chapters of the novel, where the author describes Jane's life in the Reed house, we can get an idea of the girl's character. From the statements of Mrs. Reed, her children, and mainly the servants. Thus, the servant Besi, who takes pity on the girl, considers her a strange child; When talking about Jane she constantly uses the word “thing”, Little roving solitary thing... a queer frightened shy little thing... you little sharp thing... ). Another maid in the Reed house, Abbott (thing Fa -5), also calls her a “hidden creature”.

The characteristics that the characters in the novel give to Jane Eyre, to some extent, also serve as characteristics of themselves. So, Blanche’s words about Jane are “creeping creature” (nonentity), “that person” (this person); the contemptuous tone in Blanche’s speech is not accidental: it emphasizes the disdainful attitude of a spoiled aristocrat towards a girl who lives by her own labor.

From the characters' statements about Jane, we learn about her character traits. Rosamond Oliver considers Jane calm, balanced, firm in her decisions, St. John, wanting to convince Jane that she has the qualities necessary for a missionary’s wife, says: “You are diligent, understanding, unselfish, truthful, constant and fearless.” The statements of St. John and Rochester about her self-sacrifice are also essential for the characterization of Jane. When Jane agrees to marry the blind cripple Rochester, the latter says that she "finds joy in sacrifice"

(you delight in sacrifice). Saint John expresses the same idea more sublimely: “...a soul that revelled in the flame and excitement of sacrifice” (a soul that experiences pleasure in the exciting flame of sacrifice). For St. John, this is connected with Jane's attitude towards the inheritance that she divided between him and his sisters; To voluntarily give money, according to St. John, is a very big sacrifice, which is why he talks about it so pompously.

We receive a detailed description of Jane's appearance related to her character through Mr. Rochester's monologue. He is disguised as a gypsy, Jane Eyre guesses: a flame flashes in her eyes; their gaze is transparent like dew, it is soft and full of feelings; those eyes are smiling; they are expressive; impression after impression is reflected in their depth; they are mocking, etc. He further describes the mouth: ... it loves to laugh, it is ready to express everything that the mind suggests; this is a mouth that is ready to talk a lot and smile often, express warm human feelings; but he will remain silent about what his heart is experiencing. The forehead seems to say: “I can live alone if self-respect and circumstances require it.” Rochester makes a general conclusion: “the forehead declares, `Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and will not let the feeling burst away and hurry her to wild chasms …judgement hall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interpres t the dictates of cjnscience." (this forehead declares: “the mind sits firmly in the saddle and holds the reins, and does not allow feelings to break out and drag it into the abyss... the decisive word in any dispute will always be with the mind. Violent winds, earthquakes, fires, so that I am not in danger, I I will follow the still small voice that expresses the dictates of my conscience” (vol. 1, p. 305).

When describing the appearance of the heroine, S. Bronte uses different vocabulary emotional coloring. Thus, speaking about the first impression that Jane made on the Rivers, she uses figurative means of expression and vocabulary that emphasizes the heroine’s difficult condition: comparison as white as clay or death (pale as chalk or death), expressions such as a mere spectre (just a ghost ), fleshless and haggard face... very bloodless (haggard, haggard face... completely bloodless). Rochester, in describing Jane's appearance, also often resorts to comparisons: (you look like a nun, a little pale elf, a mustard seed, etc.). On the other hand, in the description of Jane’s appearance, after she finds out that she is loved, the vocabulary of the evaluative order predominates: blooming, smiling, truly pretty, sunny-faced girl, dimpled cheeks, blissful mood, radiant hazel eyes, etc. (blooming, smiling, truly pretty, beaming girl, dimpled cheeks, blissful state, radiant brown eyes). As we see, Bronte constantly connects the description of the heroine’s appearance with her internal state and achieves this by using appropriate vocabulary and figurative expressions.

Gradually, during the course of the narrative, Brontë continues to reveal the character traits of her heroine, and the same trait is perceived differently by different characters. For example, Elena Burns condemns Jane for her impulsiveness and passion, and Rochester calls her “a self-confident, independent creature, fragile outwardly, but inflexible inwardly, freedom-loving and persistent in achieving her goal. What was unacceptable in her for the humble Elena were precisely the qualities that Rochester loved in her and St. John appreciated.

The spirit of protest and independence also makes itself felt in Jane Eyre’s relationship with her loved one. Exhausted by the strange, bizarre game that her master plays with her, Jane is, in fact, the first to tell him about her love, which was unheard of and unacceptable in a Victorian novel. Jane's very declaration of love takes on the character of a bold declaration of equality. “Or do you think that I’m an automaton, an insensitive machine?.. I also have a soul like you, and the same heart... I’m talking to you now, disdaining customs and conventions and even throwing away everything earthly...”

As already noted, the novel is narrated in the first person. The tradition of such a narrative began in the 18th century, at a time when the psychology of the hero began to attract the attention of writers. In the analyzed novel, this form of narration, as well as other features of the artistic method, contributes to a deeper revelation of the psychology of the characters.

In the analyzed novel, this form of narration, as well as other features of the artistic method, contribute to a deeper revelation of the heroine’s psychology. In the form of an internal monologue, Jane's thoughts about the morals of the people around her, norms of behavior, and her own aspirations and experiences are given. It should be noted that the internal monologue often expresses the thoughts of Charlotte Bonte herself.

In the novel “Jane Eyre,” inner speech serves as one of the main means of characterizing the heroine. The internal monologue in the novel is very emotional. A certain elation of style in the heroine's internal monologue is achieved by using book vocabulary and complex syntax 1. The most characteristic thing in the novel is the reflection of the heroine in the form of a conversation between two voices. For example, after her failed marriage to Rochester, the author describes in detail Jane’s experiences. Her hesitation, painful thoughts about her later life given in the form of a dialogue between reason and feeling. The passage below is not only one of the most bright examples of this form of internal speech, but also seems characteristic of the style of internal monologues in Bronte in general.

Some time in the afternoon I raised my head and…asked `What am I to do?`

But the answer my mind gave -`Leave Thornfield at once` - was so prompt, so dread, that I stopped my ears: I said, I could not bear such world now. `that I am not Edward Rochester bride is the least part of my woe,` I alleged: `that I have wokened out of most glorious dreams, and found them all void and vain, is a horror I could bear and master; but that I must leave him decidedly, instantly, entirely, is intorable. I cannot do it."

But, then, a voice within me averred that I could do it, and foretold that I should do it. I wresfled with my own resolution: I wanted to be weak…but conscience, turned tyrant, held passion by the throat, told her tauntingly, she had yet but dipped her dainty foot in the slough, and swore that with that arm of iron, he would push her down to unsounded depths of agony.

`Let me be torn away, then! `I cried. `Let another help me!`

`No; you shall tear yourself away, none shall help you: you shall, yourself, pluck out your right eye: yourself cut off your right hand: your heart shall be the victim; and you, the priest to transfix it.

The emotionality with which Jane's experiences are conveyed is achieved here through various stylistic means of expression. First of all, this is a form of “polemical dialogue between reason and feeling, which actually expresses the internal struggle of the heroine, and this internal dialogue is commented on by the heroine herself. In the dialogue itself, the voice of “feeling” merges with the voice of the heroine, the voice of “reason,” although it opposes her desires, wins - Jane leaves Thornfield Castle. The entire passage is somewhat elevated in nature: this is facilitated by the use of words of a bookish and literary nature (dread - terrible, terrible, allege - to assert, aver - to prove, slough - swamp).

“A ridge of illuminated heath, alive, glancing, devouring, would have been a meet emblem of my mind when I accused and menaced Mrs. Reed: the same ridge, black and blasted after the flames are dead, would have represented as meetly my subsequent condition."

“Glorious discovery to a lonely wretch!” This was wealth indeed! Wealth to the heart!

2.2 Portrait description of Rochester

Sir Rochester Fairfax is in many ways a romantic, Byronic hero - in any case, he has all the attributes of one, for example, a romantic, mysterious appearance. Even Jane's first meeting with Rochester is depicted by the author in romantic style. From the first meeting and throughout the novel, Charlotte Bronte, through the mouth of Jane Eyre, characterizes Rochester and describes his external characteristics.

His figure was enveloped in a riding cloak, fur collared, and steel clasped; its details were not apparent…the general points of middle height, and significant breadth of chest. He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow; his eyes and gathered eyebrows looked ireful and thwarted just now; he was past youth, but had not reached middle age; perhaps he might be 35.

It was difficult to see his figure, but he seemed of average height and broad shoulders. The face is dark, the features are stern, the forehead is massive. His eyes, under his fluffy, fused eyebrows, glowed with angry stubbornness - he could have been about 35 years old.

Brontë, showing us Mr. Rochester, draws more of him external features faces.

…his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils... his grim mouth, clin and yaw - yes, all three were very grim... it was a good figure in the athletic sense of the term - broad chested and thin flanked; though neither tall nor graceful.

“... a sharply defined nose, more characteristic than beautiful, flaring nostrils... hard contours of the lips and chin. Not distinguished by either tallness or grace, he was nevertheless built excellently, for with broad shoulders and chest he had a slender figure.”

The author emphasizes the gloomy gloom of the hero. Rochester is ugly, but his very uglyness is expressive and significant. He is disappointed and shrouded in mystery. He talks a lot and very vaguely about himself and makes it clear to Jane from the very first conversations that his conscience is restless, that his everyday experience is of a nature that society disapproves of.

His form was of the same strong and stalwart contour as ever: his port was still erect, his hair was still raven black; nor were his feature altered or sunk: not in one years space, by any sorrow, could his athletic strength be quelled, or his vigorous prime blighted. But in his countenance...that looked desperate and brooding- that reminded me of some wronged and fettered wild best or bird, dangerous to approach in his sullen woe. The cadet eagle, whose gold-ringer eyes cruelty has extinguished, might look as looked that sightless Samson.

Rochester can be selfish and treacherous. In a word, in Rochester, unlike the other heroes of the novel, there is much of the traditional romantic loner hero. Rochester, with his dark mop of hair, fiery eyes and courageous appearance, evokes the images of Giaour and other heroes of Byron. But in this situation this is justified, because all the romantic feelings of Jane Eyre are associated with the image of Rochester.

Blind as he was, smiles played over his face, joy dawned on his forehead: his lineaments softened and warmed.

2.3 Charlotte Brontë as a master of landscape

Charlotte Bronte proved herself to be a brilliant master of landscape. She saw the world through the eyes of an artist, and she was not only a writer, but also an artist. The nature of northern England described in her novel is beautiful and infinitely diverse, all these heather valleys and hills, sometimes shrouded in a blue haze, sometimes bathed in moonlight or icy, carved by a cold wind.

Descriptions of nature are subordinated to action. We will not encounter a single “neutral” landscape. Nature serves as one of the means of revealing characters in the novel.

From the very beginning of the novel "Jane Eyre" the landscape is in tune with the experiences of little Jane. She has a hard time living with her aunt, where the children bully her and Mrs. Reed constantly and unfairly punishes her. The nature that the author draws here is in tune with the heroine’s mood - sad, dreary: rain, wind, cloudy sky and cold. It is no coincidence that the events that the author narrates here take place in autumn and winter. It is autumn and winter that best emphasize the darkness and melancholy in Jane’s soul.

The emotionality of the description is promoted by epithets: ceaseless rain (endless rain), black frost (gloomy frost), opaque sky (gloomy sky), howling wind (howling wind), beclouded sky (cloudy sky), lamentable blast (plaintively moaning wind) and many others .

Not only figurative means of expression, but also the vocabulary literally used by Bronte to describe late autumn contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of gloom and melancholy. Nature is the background for little Jane's gloomy thoughts; it is in complete harmony with her mood. The landscape here is not divorced from a person, but is given through the perception of the heroine, whose mood it illustrates.

In the chapters devoted to Lockwood Shelter, the landscape is also gloomy and harsh: the iron sky of winter, mists as chill as death, that beck a raving sound wild rain or whirling sleet (heavy rain or the howl of a blizzard), the forest showed sleet only ranks of skeletons (instead of a forest there were dead trees). The description here is even more emotional and figurative compared to the first chapters. Nature in these chapters serves as the backdrop for an even darker period in Jane's life.

In some cases, nature in the novel serves not only as a backdrop for the heroine’s experiences, but also becomes, so to speak, an active force.

Thus, an example of the active role of landscape is the description of the storm during the explanation of Jane and Rochester. By proposing to Jane, Rochester, according to Bronte, violates social and moral laws. The writer expresses her attitude to this symbolically, describing the wrath of nature.

But what had to fall the night? The moon was not yet set, and we were all in shadow... and what ailed the chestnut tree? It writ and groaned; while the wind roared in the laurel walk…a liquid, vivid spark leapt out of a cloud at which. I was looking, and there was a crack, a close rattling peal... Before I left my bed in the morning, little Adele came running in to tell me that the great horse chestnut at the orchard had been struck by lightning in the night, and half of it split away.

The thunderstorm that broke out while Rochester was proposing to Jane is a symbolic warning, and the chestnut tree that was split by lightning is the embodiment of the impossibility of their marriage. The life together of Jane and Rochester must be sanctioned by marriage, and pure, unspoiled nature opposes Rochester’s act and, as it were, warns Jane. In this case, the landscape is not a passive background of the events described, but a symbolic image of the author’s attitude to what is happening; nature actively intervenes in the fate of the heroine.

The description of the moon on the eve of Jane's wedding plays a similar role.

“The moon appeared momentarily...her disk was blood-red and half overcast; she seemed to throw on me one bewildered? Dreary glance and buried herself again instantly in the deep drift of cloud" (The moon appeared for a moment... its disk was blood red and half covered with clouds; it seemed that she cast a sad, confused look at me and immediately hid in a thick veil of clouds" T 2, p. 84).

The personification of the moon, its confused, sad look - all this seems to be preparing a tragic denouement. With the help of personification, Bronte transforms inanimate nature into an animate being, as if reacting to current events.

The use of landscape as a special artistic medium is characteristic of the Bronte style. The chestnut split on the night of Jane and Rochester's explanation appears later both in Jane's internal monologue and in Rochester's speech. In Jane's thoughts on the eve of the wedding, the author develops this image - the chestnut stood black, charred, split in two; the tree did not fall apart only because it had strong roots that held it up. The chestnut was a dead ruin, but invisible to the eye both fragments were connected to each other. And the author’s description of the chestnut and Jane’s thoughts about it - all this serves as a symbolic image of the future of Jane and Rochester, their broken happiness; Even though they break up, they continue to love each other. The deep roots of the chestnut tree connecting the charred rubble symbolize the faithful, deep love of Jane and Rochester, which endures difficult trials but triumphs.

In some cases, Brontë's landscape becomes a metaphorical description of the heroine's experiences. These are Jane's thoughts after the failed marriage:

“A Christmas frost had to come at midsummer; a white December strom had whirled over June; ice glazed the ripe apples, drifts crushed the blowing roses; on hey-field and corn-field lay a frozen shroud: lanes which last night blushed full of flowers, to-day were pathless with untrodden snow...” (In the middle of the summer, the Christmas frost struck; in June, a snowy December blizzard swept through; frost bound the ripe apples ; icy winds crushed the blooming roses; a white shroud lay in the fields and meadows; lawns, covered with flowers yesterday, today became impassable due to deep snow...")

If at the beginning of the novel the cold winter and dreary autumn served as the backdrop for the description of Jane's hard life, here the contrast of the dark cold winter with the blooming fragrant summer is the very description of Jane's experiences in the form of an extended metaphor.

Nature plays the same role in describing the confusion that Jane experiences when she realizes that she has fallen in love with Rochester. Here again the landscape appears as an extended metaphor in Jane's internal monologue.

I regained my couch, but never thought of sleep. Till morning dawned I was tossed on a buoyant but unquiet sea, where bills of trouble rolled under surges of joy. I thought sometimes I saw beyond its wild waters a shore, sweet as the hills of Benlah; and now and then a freshening gale awakened by hope, bore my spirit triumphantly towards the bourne: but I could not reach it, even in fancy, a counteracting breeze blew off the land and continually drove me back.

The stormy waves of life into which fate throws her, the inability to reach a happy shore - all this is a figurative description of what awaits Jane in the future. By using various artistic means, one of which is the use of landscape, Bronte prepares the reader for a tragic outcome. The landscape here, as throughout the novel, plays a big role in creating the image.

Thus, the landscapes that the writer so artistically paints not only make it possible to clearly see the scene of action, but also help to more deeply understand the subtle artistic nature of the heroine. Apparently, the fact that the author was also an artist helped her so organically and subtly weave the colors and smells of northern England into the fabric of the narrative.

1. Independence of the girl Jen Eyre.

2. The heroine's ordeals.

3. Independence and love of Jane Eyre.

4. Contrast between St. John and Jane Eyre.

5. The return and life purpose of the heroine.

Charlotte Bronte's main character, Jane Eyre, in my opinion, is the ideal of female beauty. Jen's beauty is modesty, intelligence, kindness and independence. Jane Eyre's independence is evident in all life stages described in the novel. The independence of the main character can be found already on the first pages. She had to experience quite a few insults and injustice in the house of her rich and hypocritical aunt. “It’s not fair, it’s not fair!” - Jen’s mind repeated “with that childlike clarity that is born from the trials experienced...”. The girl, having suffered enough insults and humiliations from her cousin, managed to fight back: “Nasty, evil boy. You are like a murderer, like an overseer of slaves, you are like a Roman emperor!” Jen was not afraid of punishment for such words from her cruel and insensitive aunt. For the first time, she found the courage to stand up for herself.

Independence helped Charlotte Brontë's heroine survive in the Lowood orphanage, which was characterized by inhumane conditions. Jen became convinced that the purpose of raising girls in an orphanage was obedience, humility, servility, and suppression of will. They are instilled with the principles of “mortification of sinful flesh for the sake of saving the immortal soul.” Hunger, poverty, disease and death reign here. Weak individuals cannot withstand such a harsh and senseless test and die, just as the meek, patient and intelligent Helen Berne died. Her will was broken, she became indifferent to any kind of bullying.

Jane Eyre is the complete opposite of Helen. Jen did not obey the cruel rules of the shelter and did not allow herself to be bullied. In a conversation between the girls about relationships with people, Jen states: “...you are good with those who are good with you. And, in my opinion, that’s how it should be. If people always obeyed those who were cruel and unjust, the evil ones would do everything in their own way: they would not be afraid and would become worse and worse. When we are beaten for no reason, we must respond blow for blow - I am sure of this, and with such force as to forever wean people from beating us.” This phrase reflects the childish wisdom of the girl, the lessons that her difficult life taught her. This new stage formation of its independence.

Governess Jen's originality of character, independence, inner beauty and purity instantly attracted Mr. Rochester's attention to her at their first meeting. During their frank conversation, he admiringly recalled: “... you are a combination of strange opposites... you are strict, modest... and at the same time timid beyond measure... you are refined by nature... When I turned to you, you she looked at me with an open, bold and ardent gaze, and it was full of insight and strength. When I asked you persistent questions, you fearlessly and skillfully parried them...”

The heroine's independence and bright spiritual world contrasts with the selfishness and inner emptiness of the aristocrats gathered in Mr. Rochester's castle. A bright representative of this secular society- Blanche Ingram. It is characterized by cruelty, hypocrisy, vanity, against the background of which even its outer beauty. It turned out that Jane Eyre, a simple girl, in her development and cultural level, in her spiritual interests, was much higher than this brilliant aristocrat.

In a conversation with Mr. Rochester about his upcoming marriage, Jen expressed her life credo, her independent essence: “I am not a bird, and no nets will hold me back, I am a free human being, with an independent will...”. Jen refused jewelry, which

I was going to give her Rochester on her wedding day. “Preciousness and Jane Eyre are incompatible...,” the girl admits.

Jen's declaration of love to Rochester takes on the character of a declaration of equality: “Or do you think that I am an automaton, an emotionless machine... I have the same soul as you, and, of course, the same heart... I am talking to you now , disdaining customs and conventions and even throwing away everything earthly...". This spirit of protest and independence is inseparable from Jane Eyre. This is the reason for her break with Mr. Rochester. She could not become a slave, a mistress, or even a toy of a loved one. Since honor, pride and independence are her only assets. She values her qualities more than anything else.

Jen's independence and resilience were clearly evident at the next stage of her life, when she found her relatives. Cousin Jen St. John is a pedant and a fanatic, sacrificing human feelings and relationships to his duty. St. John turned his attention to his cousin. In her, he was struck by perseverance and determination, strength of character and determination, justice and modesty, equanimity and the presence of “inexhaustible energy.” He offers Jen a loveless marriage and joint missionary work in India. The girl did not think long about his proposal, because she is real and selfless, capable of passionate feelings. Jen knew that if she accepted the offer, she would have to please her cousin and husband. And this means that you will have to “to a large extent abandon myself, suppress part of my abilities... force myself to strive for goals for which I have no innate attraction...”. Jen refuses this marriage.

In the final part of the novel, Jane Eyre proves her independence and the victory of higher human qualities. She returns to the blind, helpless, dined and exhausted Rochester. Trials of fate and hardships could not Once again break the girl. Jane Eyre brings her help, comfort and love to Mr. Rochester. She independently creates happiness for herself and her loved one. Jen is ready to devote herself to serving her loved one. This is where she sees her life purpose.

Throughout the novel, Jane Eyre fights for her freedom, love, and happiness. Jane Eyre always - in her aunt's house, in the orphanage, in Rochester Castle - strives for independence. But it is not wealth, but honest work that provides her with this independence. Jane Eyre firmly, confidently stands guard over her honor, her independence; it is impossible for her to go against her conscience.

Jane Eyre

JEN EYRE (eng. Jane Eyre) - the heroine of the novel by Charles Bronte “Jane Eyre” (1847). The novel is often called autobiographical, although the persons and events depicted in it are not directly related to the life of the author. The life story of D.E. is the fruit of fiction, but the world of her inner experiences is certainly close to Charles Bronte. The narration, coming from the heroine’s point of view, has a pronounced lyrical overtones. And although Brontë herself, unlike her heroine, with early childhood who knew all the bitterness of orphanhood and someone else's bread, grew up in big family, surrounded by her brother and sisters - artistic, subtle natures, she, like D.E., was destined to outlive all her loved ones. S. Brontë passed away at the age of thirty-nine, having buried her brother and sisters, never having known the joys of marriage and motherhood that she so generously endowed with her literary heroine.

“I remember a trembling, fragile creature, a small palm, big black eyes. Perhaps the main feature of her character was ardent honesty, her favorite author UM wrote about S. Bronte. Thackeray, to whom she dedicated the second edition of her novel. “She carried out judgment on her contemporaries, with particular sensitivity catching arrogance and falsehood in them. A great sacred respect for truth and justice always lived in her soul.”

In this portrait one can discern the features not only of S. Brontë, but also of the heroine she created. In D.E. we find the same inflexibility, honesty, moral rigorism. The heroine’s words: “Women experience the same things as men; they have the same need to demonstrate their abilities and seek a field of activity for themselves as their male counterparts; forced to live under the harsh yoke of tradition, in an inert environment, they suffer in exactly the same way as men would suffer in their place” - sounds like the author’s credo and the key to reading the novel.

S. Brontë and her sisters overcame the routine of their parsonage through creativity. D.E. - an orphan, warmed up out of mercy in the family of her aunt, then a pupil of the Lowood Orphanage - realizes teaching as her life's work. Emphasizing the outward inconspicuousness of her beloved heroine, Bronte insists on the originality of her spiritual beauty. Directness, sincerity, and fortitude that distinguish D.E. from the aristocrats presented in the novel, they attract the attention of Edward Rochester, into whose rich house she enters the role of governess. In her love for Mr. Rochester, the full depth of her nature is revealed. Forced to flee his house so as not to sin against their moral purity love union, D.E. returns to him at one o'clock severe tests, becoming his wife, friend, restoring his lost vision and self-confidence.

With all the concreteness of D.E.’s social and everyday depiction, this “romantic heroine in the non-romantic strata of society” (E. Genieva) represents another, so popular in English literature of the 19th century. modification of the image of Cinderella. Along with the positive heroines of D. Austin, C. Dickens, W. M. Thackeray, D. E. represents the idea that spiritual nobility, modesty, hard work and faith will ultimately be rewarded. And although at the end of the novel the heroine does not expect a palace and glass slippers, family peace, peace of mind and happy motherhood are guaranteed to her.

Lit.: Genieva E. Indomitable spirit // Bronte S. Jen Eyre. Poems. M., 1990.

All characteristics in alphabetical order:

Charlotte Bronte is an English writer, author of many works. Known throughout the world for its best love story called "Jane Eyre". It is curious that the author’s entire family was creative. Her younger sister, Emily Brontë, wrote the well-known “Wuthering Heights”, another sister, Anne Brontë, composed poetry and wrote two books, the only son in the family began as a writer, but later took up drawing. Thanks to his work, we can know exactly what famous female novelists looked like, since he often painted portraits of his sisters.

The novel was first published in 1847. At that time, Charlotte Brontë wrote books under the pseudonym Correr Belle. The work was published under the title “Jane Eyre: An Autobiography.” It was published in Russia in 1849 in the journal Otechestvennye zapiski.

Charlotte Brontë once thought: “Why does she make all the characters in novels unimaginably beautiful and beautiful?” To which her sisters told her that otherwise you won’t attract the reader. The writer objected to them, saying that she would make her heroine unattractive in appearance, but absolutely captivating with her intelligence and personal qualities. This is exactly what Jane Eyre became.

The entire plot of the novel is completely real, not at all fictitious and only slightly expanded. Mrs Brontë heard this story while she was a teacher at Margaret Wooler's school in Row Head. She was deeply moved by what happened. Went great amount rumors about a poor governess who was left in a difficult situation with a child, being, as it were, the wife and at the same time not the wife of a rich man. These facts are described in the book “The Life of Charlotte Brontë” by Elizabeth Gaskell, 1857.

Also, the early events of the novel, where Jane ends up in a school with poor conditions, are also not fictional. Charlotte Brontë wrote about her life experiences of studying in a similar place with her sisters. Two of her sisters died as children due to the terrible conditions at the school in Cowan Bridge. The prototype of Jane Eyre's friend, Helen Burns, was the writer's older sister, Maria Brontë.

Genre, direction

The work is written in a combination of genres such as autobiographical and socio-psychological novel. The 19th century is characterized by a romantic direction with a mixture of realism. The book is written in the Gothic style, which is also characteristic of English literature in the first half of the 19th century.

Realism in this work is achieved through description minor characters, their way of life and the class system characteristic of that time in England. The so-called "backdrop" for the main characters highlights the romantic love story of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester's gloomy castle, a terrible secret hidden within its walls, a distraught wife who attacks people like a vampire - all this is characteristic of the Gothic style of the work.

The main characters and their characteristics

Main female character : Jane Eyre. As a child, she lived with her uncle's family. He took the girl in after the death of his sister. But he himself soon died, having made a promise from his wife that she would take care of the girl. Despite the wealth of the uncle's family, the poor relative lived in deprivation, as Mrs. Reed hated the child, completely indulging her children, who bullied little Miss Eyre. Subsequently, the aunt sends the girl to a school called Lowood. There she spends her entire childhood. The heroine herself is a very smart person who has her own opinion on any issue. And this is not bad, but the servants and my uncle’s family considered it bad character, rebellion and even obsession evil spirit. Jane loved to spend time reading an interesting book, constantly re-reading her favorite fairy tales, dreaming of one day seeing unusual creatures. While at school, she still “rebelled” and sincerely did not understand why adults behaved so badly. But over time, the girl understood how to behave so as not to be picked on. She became calmer, but her character and mind still remained lively and uninfluenced by others. She graduated from school with honors and later remained there as a teacher. But a quiet life in Lowood and stable routine are not enough for the heroine. She felt with all her heart that she needed something more. What she has is not the limit of her dreams and possibilities. She needed freedom. Jane was fond of drawing, she was attracted to the world, and the world itself was drawn to her. Although she did not have an attractive appearance, good manners, a strong, principled character and an interesting turn of mind attracted people to this wayward person. Jane had a strong personality. Throughout the novel we see how the heroine's potential grows. And in the finale she lives up to our expectations.
Main male character : Mr. Rochester. A wayward, proud and stern man. Does not tolerate disobedience, but loves intelligent interlocutors who are able to defend their own opinions. Despite his strong character and impenetrable heart, in his soul this man suffers and suffers from the inability to be happy. He bears a burden of responsibility that stifles all his spiritual impulses. He is afraid to love, afraid to become attached. But when he falls in love with Jane, a different side of him is revealed to readers. His love is passionate, ardent and as unyielding as he is. He is a responsible person. He was deceived, but, as promised, he continued to protect his crazy wife. He selflessly raised his mistress's daughter, without blaming her for anything. He, like Jane, is interested in the world around him. He traveled to many countries. Mr. Rochester is smart and has his own balanced and deliberate opinion about everything in the world. Over the course of the novel, his deep nature reveals itself like a flower. From a cold look, a stony facial expression through short touches to passionate kisses and hugs.

Topics and issues

The author raises theme of women's independence. Because of love, you should not lose your head and betray your dreams and aspirations. A woman has the right to achieve her goals. A man and feelings for him should not limit her. The life of a lady is not just about raising children and serving her husband. The writer proved her statements with her own life experience. She honestly earned her living, avoiding the humiliating fate of a spouse of convenience.
Also affected topic of education. Young Jane, despite loneliness and the absence of parents, grew up kind and understanding. Whereas her uncle's children grew up to be spoiled and completely unpleasant individuals. They had a mother, they had a good education, but the indulgence of the family in all their whims, following the same limited mind of their mother, made them like this. They have a hard heart and treat poor people disgustingly. Despite the bullying and lack of love, Jane grew up to be a wonderful person. And the point here is not in the external factors that influenced her, but in herself, in her character and her self-education.
Theme of education intersects with the theme of family and relationships within it. Of course, this social institution greatly influences the individual, so parents must be fully aware of the responsibility for the future of their children. At the same time, the absence of these sacred bonds does not give a person the right to neglect himself and give up on his destiny. In memory of lost love, of dead ancestors, he must grow and develop, despite the vicissitudes of fate.
In addition, the writer touches on theme of religion. Thus, in the person of the priest, Mr. Brocklehurst, it is revealed collective image many clergy who do not have true faith. They are hypocritical and sometimes despotic in their righteousness. Also, Jane Eyre's servant, Hannah, considers herself a true Christian, but, nevertheless, quite often reproaches Jane for poverty. A true Christian should not do this. Charlotte Bronte acted truly bravely by showing the English of that century such an image of a priest and the face of believers. Moreover, she herself was the daughter of a clergyman. In those days, such an act could cost a person his freedom; the British were an extremely puritanical society.
The author also reveals the problem of difficulty in choosing a life path. Young Jane realizes that working at school does not bring any pleasure. She is afraid to change something, but nevertheless, passionately wants to break out of the routine. Only strength of character and the understanding that she can see another life and achieve something big help her take that very step towards a new future and new discoveries.
And, of course, love theme between man and woman. Difficulties in recognizing, overcoming differences in social status. A clash between two wayward and proud individuals. Life obstacles and difficulties in overcoming your own fears. But in the end, love is still love, and everything else ceases to matter.

Meaning

The main idea of the work is that a woman should not depend on a man and indulge him. If she feels that she wants to achieve something on her own, then she should do so. A woman should strive to remain herself even in marriage. Even if she and a man have an unequal position in society, she is obliged to maintain her dignity and not allow herself to be enslaved. The path of freedom is thorny, the author does not hide this, honest earnings for a lady still remain a difficult task, because many people live by stereotypes from past centuries and are not ready to accept the independence of the weaker sex. Even today, this book has not lost its topical poignancy; even today, readers find themselves in the image of the main character.

The writer also emphasizes that, despite external unattractiveness and difficult life circumstances, a woman can achieve success if her personal qualities are at their best. This is the main idea of the work. Kindness, intelligence, honesty, bright thoughts and hard work will always be valued by the same highly moral people. It is they, and not the beautiful outer shell, that will be able to attract a reliable and devoted life partner. To find it, you need to stay true to yourself and your principles, and not give up. These conditions will also help in self-realization.

Criticism

After publication, the book received good reviews and love from readers. And the master William Thackeray himself, to whom Charlotte Brontë dedicated her second edition of Jane Eyre, spoke well of the novel. The writer greatly respected his work and in some places tried to be like him in writing. However, sarcastic hints began to appear in society that perhaps William Thackeray was the prototype of Mr. Rochester, since the writer’s personal life partially coincided with the grief of the main character of the novel, Charlotte Bronte, his wife was crazy. It was said that he also based the writer on his character Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair.

On this moment The novel is ranked 10th on the BBC's list of the 200 best books. The novel has been filmed many times. TV series and films have been made based on it. About three more books were also published from other authors, in which they continued and developed the love story of the main characters. All this testifies to greatness of this work Charlotte Bronte.

Initially, it cannot be said that the novel was accepted by absolutely everyone. Still, the writer went against the usual moral rules of the British. Thus, the Quarterly Review (1848) published an article by a certain Miss Rigby, who severely reproached the main character of the novel and reproached her for her rebelliousness and independence of spirit, saying that she was not the least bit grateful for what others had provided her.

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2. Lexico-stylistic devices of Ch. Brontein creating images in the novel "Jane Eyre"

2.1 Portrait image of Jane Eyre

One of the main advantages of the novel “Jane Eyre” is the creation of a positive image of the heroine. The novel attracted and amazed readers with the image of a brave and pure girl, alone leading a difficult struggle for existence.

Image of Jane Eyre, t

Just like most other images, it is built on the principle of contrast, which in this case consists in the fact that the writer contrasts the heroine’s appearance with her inner appearance. When creating the image of the heroine, Brontë set herself the goal of showing a plain-looking heroine, but attractive due to her inner nobility, as opposed to the generally accepted “beauty” who was usually depicted in literary works. In his book about Brontë, Gaskell quotes from the anonymous obituary, “On the Death of Correll Bell,” in which the author writes:

Rivers, she gives the impression of a pale, very ugly girl, devoid of charm (pallid... not at alt handsome... grace and harmony of beauty are quite wanting in those features).

Drawing the image of Jane, Bronte shows her as an extraordinary, thinking girl with a strong will and spiritual purity.

We meet Jane's characteristics, as well as her appearance, in the speech of other characters and in the internal monologue. Already in the first chapters of the novel, where the author describes Jane's life in the Reed house, we can get an idea of the girl's character. From the statements of Mrs. Reed, her children, and mainly the servants. Thus, the servant Besi, who takes pity on the girl, considers her a strange child; When talking about Jane she constantly uses the word “thing”, Little roving solitary thing… a queer frightened shy little thing… you little sharp thing… (small, lonely creature...strange, scared, shy little creature...you are a small, observant creature). Another maid in the Reed-Abbott house also calls her a “hidden creature” ( thing Fa -5).

We receive a detailed description of Jane's appearance related to her character through Mr. Rochester's monologue. He is disguised as a gypsy, Jane Eyre guesses: a flame flashes in her eyes; their gaze is transparent like dew, it is soft and full of feelings; those eyes are smiling; they are expressive; impression after impression is reflected in their depth; they are mocking, etc. He further describes the mouth: ... it loves to laugh, it is ready to express everything that the mind suggests; this is a mouth that is ready to talk a lot and smile often, to express warm human feelings; but he will remain silent about what his heart is experiencing. The forehead seems to say: “I can live alone if self-respect and circumstances require it.” Rochester makes a general conclusion: “the forehead declares, `Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and will not let the feeling burst away and hurry her to wild chasms …judgement hall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interpres t the dictates of cjnscience." (this forehead declares: “the mind sits firmly in the saddle and holds the reins, and does not allow feelings to break out and drag it into the abyss... the decisive word in any dispute will always be with the mind. Violent winds, earthquakes, fires, so that I am not in danger, I I will follow the still small voice that expresses the dictates of my conscience” (vol. 1, p. 305).

When describing the appearance of the heroine, S. Bronte uses vocabulary of various emotional tones. Thus, speaking about the first impression that Jane made on the Rivers, she uses figurative means of expression and vocabulary that emphasizes the heroine’s difficult condition: comparison as white as clay or death (pale as chalk or death), expressions such as a mere spectre (just a ghost ), fleshless and haggard face... very bloodless (haggard, haggard face... completely bloodless). Rochester, in describing Jane's appearance, also often resorts to comparisons: (you look like a nun, a little pale elf, a mustard seed, etc.). On the other hand, in the description of Jane’s appearance, after she finds out that she is loved, the vocabulary of the evaluative order predominates: blooming, smiling, truly pretty, sunny-faced girl, dimpled cheeks, blissful mood, radiant hazel eyes, etc. (blooming, smiling, truly pretty, beaming girl, dimpled cheeks, blissful state, radiant brown eyes). As we see, Bronte constantly connects the description of the heroine’s appearance with her internal state and achieves this by using appropriate vocabulary and figurative expressions.