Gothic Elements in Jane Eyre

Gothic Elements in Jane Eyre

Conclusion

By Rachel Carpenter

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte has many Gothic features and themes throughout the chapters. This timeless story, filled with tragic romance, supernatural mystery, and injustice, leaves an imprint on the heart of the reader. As Jane’s story is revealed, her true heart is shown. The Gothic elements in this novel, threatening male figures, the supernatural events, and the atmosphere of mystery and suspense, make Jane Eyre a Gothic Classic.

A Threatened Heroine (continued)

Later when she is attending Lowood Institution, she is called out and brutally lectured in front of the entire school by the man himself. He proceeds to make the assumption that she is pure evil and is possessed by the Evil One. “This is a sad, a melancholy occasion; for it become my duty [Mr. Brocklehurst] to warn you that this girl , who might be one of God’s own lambs, is a little cast-away; not a member of the true flock, but evidently an interloper and an alien.” (71) A final example of a threatening male figure is Mr. Rochester. Though he does have romantic feelings towards Jane, they are quite forced and rough; even rushed. He demands her to entertain him for most of their time spent together. He is selfish with her, but she has no claim to him. This relationship is unhealthy from the beginning, but the tragic romance gives their relationship a Gothic twist.

A Threatened Heroine

Finally, a prominent Gothic element in this novel is a heroine figured being threatened by a powerful male. Jane doesn't necessarily have any direct threats, but throughout her life, she definitely has some menacing male figures. John Reed for instance, throws a book at Jane’s head in the first chapter after insulting her entire existence. “Accustomed to John Reed's Abuse, i never had an idea of replying to it” (5) Another example is earlier in the novel when Mr. Brocklehurst visits Gateshead to inspect Jane. He blunt and forceful, demanding and impatient. He asks Jane a series of questions like how old she is and if she says her prayers at night. All simple and answerable questions, but Mr. Brocklehurst gives off a hypocritical and abrupt vibe. To Jane, he is the most aggressive and impending man she's ever met. “That proves you have a wicked hearted; and you must pray to God and change it.” (32) When Jane hears this, her respect for Mr. Brocklehurst has diminished almost completely.

Supernatural Events

Suspense

A few more Gothic elements in the novel are the omens, visions, and supernatural events that occur when Jane is staying at Thornfield. For example, Jane is about to fall asleep, when she hears a deep demonic laugh in the hallway, followed by moaning and gurgling. “This was a demoniac laugh; low, suppressed, and deep, muttered, as it seemed, at the very key-hole of my chamber door. Something gurgled and moaned. Ere long, steps retreated up the gallery toward the third story staircase. I heard it open and close, then all was silent” (169-170) Another supernatural event that happened at Thornfield was in chapter 20 when Jane heard a sound that she describes as a shrilly, savage, sharp scream that bounced off the walls of the whole house, but sounded like it was occurring in the room above Jane’s. These scenes really adds to the mystery that surrounds Thornfield hall and the people that occupy the place.

The atmosphere of suspense through the novel, creates a gloomy and lonely feeling. The anticipation of what is going to happen to Jane next is almost present on an emotional level. When Jane is first introduced, she is living at a place called Gateshead with her cruel aunt and cousins. A variety of abuse goes on in the house mainly relating to isolation and verbal cues. At one point Jane is locked up in the ‘red room’ for the night, obviously she is frightened, yet no one seems to help her. Suspense for justice is built up, yet never comes to a peak. Elements of mystery are also shown at the beginning of the novel. Gateshead is an eerie and looming place and Jane’s complicated family history gives off an uneasy vibe.

Thesis Statement

Though there are many Gothic elements in Jane Eyre, a few that stand out are the atmosphere of mystery and suspense, omens, visions, and supernatural events, and a heroine figure being threatened by a powerful male.

The Definition of a Gothic Novel

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is considered by many to be a Gothic novel. By definition, the genre Gothic can refer to a great deal of things such as: complicated family histories, setting in a castle, an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, omens and visions, supernatural and inexplicable events, overwrought emotions, women in distress or being threatened by a powerful male, the feeling of being trapped and lonely, and the metonymy of gloom and horror. These elements are very clear throughout the novel, even the gloomy feeling emits from the pages and into the mind of the reader.