https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3 My Thoughts and Feelings about the Book en-us 2021-02-10 23:09:29 UTC 2025-02-05 22:07:46 UTC hello@padlet.com lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1190691246 Passage From Chapter 6:
"I heard her with wonder: I could not comprehend this doctrine of endurance; and still less could I understand or sympathize with the forbearance she expressed for her chastiser. Still I felt that Helen Burns considered things by a light Invisible to my eyes. I suspected she might be right and I wrong; but I would not ponder the matter deeply: like Felix, I put if off to a more convenient season." (Bronte 58)


A few things stand out to me in this passage in which Jane is bewildered by Helens ability to endure the punishments and cruel treatments of Miss Scatcherd and other teachers. I believe this displays a deep flaw in Christian religious practice, It shows that the religion at the time was promoting the silencing of women. As Helen thinks she is practicing the all upstanding and moral "Doctrine of Christian Endurance", in reality she is just being complacent to injustice, at least the way I see it. Jane expresses her distain with Helens way of thinking, personally she has the need to stand up to injustice which I think is the reaction of a natural leader. Janes true nature is seen in this passage, in the fact that she just simply cannot stand idle while the students of the school, as well as herself, are being treated in such a terrible way. ]]> 2021-02-11 05:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1190691246 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1190784656 The opening Chapters of Jane Eyre, to me, embody at tale of endurance, and the importance of supportive relationships. The immense struggle that Jane pushes through is not only saddening, but admirable and impressive at the same time. Especially considering she still manages to thrive in her studies. The ... of her resilience highlights the type of person Jane is. In my opinion she possesses the qualities of a true leader due to her overall resolve and durability, as well as her attitude towards Injustice. However I mention the importance of relationships because I do not think Jane would be as successful if it were not for the support of Helen and Miss Temple. These two played a benevolent role for Jane during arguably the hardest mental struggle she endures in her time at Lowood. Which is the accusation that she is a liar put in place by her aunt. This one thought still lingers on my mind however, I am still baffled at the treatment of these girls and Jane in particular. I am stumped as to what her next journey will be, will it be one of triumph and happiness? Or more sorrow and abuse?


]]> 2021-02-11 06:40:16 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1190784656 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1238040338 "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" 

This passage really stood out to me because I love how Jane goes against the norms and pressures that society holds on women to be polite and catering. She is blunt and honest, which almost unbelievably, is seen as unwomenly. Mr. Rochester is not offended by her bluntness however, he is more so surprised and intrigued. I believe this plays into what I was saying in my earlier blog, Mr. Rochester chooses to see her as an equal. So instead of getting angry, he respects her opinion believe it or not! Her quick response to Mr. Rochester highlights her inner independence, despite her position as his employee. ]]> 2021-02-24 19:09:40 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1238040338 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1238043020 Firstly, I love how Bronte attaches a location to the different stages in Jane’s life. Gateshead, Lowood, and now Thornfield, every location has been attached to a new development in Janes career/life. This third stage in her life at Thornfield has been defined by better circumstances than her last two locations and her growing relationship with Mr. Rochester. While I think it is sad that Mr. Rochester only begins to view Jane as a true equal after she saves his life, I do hope that their relationship is able to blossom into something greater. However I find it frustrating that the gender gap and societal gap is constricting them from professing their true feelings. But I guess this is expected considering the time period, it also allows for plot suspense to build, so I guess I can't be that mad about it. I also remain curious about Mason and Grace Poole, and how they connect to the story as well as Thornfield. Grace in particular really intrigues me because I feel like something evil is brewing, foreshadowed by her actions surrounding Mr. Rochester. She is such a mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next few chapters and finding out how things will unfold. ]]> 2021-02-24 19:10:13 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1238043020 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1272595351 This section was not only full of drama, but it prompted me to study gothic elements.  I never realized how much appreciation I really had for this style of storytelling and writing. Needless to say, these chapters are chalk full of gothic elements. From Rochester being the "hero-villain" to Omens/supernatural events/powerful weather in the lightning striking the tree, as well as a double in Bertha and Jane. However I cannot say that I love all aspects of this style. I think that the whole "women in distress" as well as there always being an impulsive and tyrannical male character that attempts to abuse and "dominate" a female character portrays all the wrong ideas. And while the female character is usually seen overcoming these boundaries, I believe this is a storytelling element that should stay in the past as it portrays women as inherently weaker and also glorifies men being impulsive and sporadic, endangering women's safety. These types of characters push patriarchal ideologies and as I have said, should be learned from and left in the past. However I can say that I enjoy some other elements of gothic literature, such as the dark, gloomy, mysterious, suspenseful castle setting. As well as the isolated landscape and the extreme weather conditions. They fill me with emotions of suspense and anxiety, and while these seem like nasty emotions, it is fun to dive into a world built sp masterfully and enjoy magnificent writing that can make you feel like such emotions in the first place.  ]]> 2021-03-05 06:20:14 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1272595351 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1272596278 "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."

This quote immediately stuck out to me, as I am sure it did for everyone else. Not only is this such a huge point in the story, it is also riddled with symbolism and gothic elements. The one that struck me first was that Bertha was a double for Jane. She represents what Jane could become, at least symbolically, if she marries Rochester. Jane admits that she is afraid to marry Rochester because she feels as if it is a threat to her independence. It seems like Bertha is the Symbolic embodiment of a woman getting married in the Victorian era marriage, metaphorically trapped with all of their already little independence lost, and in her case literally trapped as well. So I think that Jane sees herself in Bertha. I also have to question Rochester's character, he acts as the gothic “Hero-Villain” in this case. He is running from this terrible history, abusing his first wife to the point of extreme insanity, which usually happens when you completely isolate a person, regardless of how “mad” he says she was before he locked her away. And it seems he is searching for a new life and wife in Jane. However I really doubt this, I believe he is looking for another victim. ]]> 2021-03-05 06:21:01 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1272596278 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1323566696 This was my favorite section of reading by far. I really enjoyed the journey Jane takes from Thornfield to her family. This is because it possesses the three biggest struggles of human nature. Emotional; in the fact that she must break ties with Rochester, as well as remain emotionally isolated for an extended period of time until she eventually opens up to her new found family. Mental/spiritual (which can also be considered emotional) in the mental battle of wills she must endure, the temptation of staying with Rochester and contaminating her self respect. And physical, in the fact that she has to go with little to no food for an extended period of time. These three elements made this journey through the third section of Jane's story very enjoyable for me. I love to examine human nature in this way, and who better to examine than a strong willed character such as Jane. I believe it is something we can all look at, as we take the  next step in our lives. Going off to college or to work or whatever decisions you make, it is a massive step, and it is quite inspiring to read about this character and her experiences. ]]> 2021-03-18 02:40:07 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1323566696 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1323567434 “I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad—as I am now." (Bronte 369)

This is a short time before Jane departs from Thornfield. I really admire Jane's stubbornness here as well as her unwillingness to go back on her word. As much as she is tempted to stay and move away with Rochester, she refuses, knowing in the grand scheme of things that it will not be good for her. I think her actions are so admirable because not giving in to our temptations is such a huge part of reaching goals. The easiest things are usually detrimental to long term goals, for example going on our phones or eating bad food instead of working out which is not as immediately rewarding as the aforementioned activities. And while of course Jane's situation is a bit more extreme than these, I feel that the same concept applies here. She stays true to what she wants, she wants to respect herself and to be free of any metaphorical chains, and to reach this goal she must resist the pull of Rochester. And of course she accomplishes this. So I really appreciated the mental battle that Jane conquers head on, because I feel like it is something we can all learn from.]]> 2021-03-18 02:40:27 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1323567434 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1384188649 “Mr. Rochester, if ever I did a good deed in my life—if ever I thought a good thought—if ever I prayed a sincere and blameless prayer—if ever I wished a righteous wish, I am rewarded now. To be your wife is, for me, to be as happy as I can be on earth.”

Jane reunites with Rochester. This is a pretty big contrast from when she left Thornfield the year prior. This ending is certainly not something I saw coming, however seeing Jane happy after everything she has been through is definitely enjoyable. It has been quite the journey for her. Her perspective changed completely when she met Sinjin, and it makes me think about how all of our thoughts and identities rely on perception. Our successes and failures all depend on what we perceive them to be. And it is interesting to think that Jane stayed true to herself the whole time, and was rewarded in the end. There is a lesson to be learned here, stay true to what you think is right, what you think is success, and you will be content. For some, love trumps all.

]]> 2021-04-05 18:02:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1384188649 lmassie20211_1 https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1384191159 While it is nice to see Jane finally living blissfully, I am left with a bit of disappointment. Despite the fact that Jane feels that she is meeting Rochester on fair ground, I personally think this is false. Let us not forget that Rochester basically tried to mentally manipulate and lie to Jane, to force her hand in marriage. And when Jane returns, It is hard to not think that Rochester has succeeded in his manipulation. And are they really meeting on equal terms? Or is Rochester simply unable to establish his power over her because he is blind. These are the questions that fill my mind as her story comes to a close, as I am skeptical of Rochester. However I think that there are some amazing takeaways from Bronte's story, that we should all look into and examine. One in having the resilience to overcome adversity, two in the undying ability to stay true to oneself, and three in the societal introspection we should all take on how women are treated in the modern age (Ideas carried over from the Victorian Era). Firstly Jane is an incredible display of resilience because basically the whole first half of her story was an inner battle. How did she respond? She kept pushing forward. Secondly, Jane continued to figure out her identity, and of course it was ever changing. I believe this is something that we can all look at and integrate into our own mindset for growth. Your "identity" is never set, a great way to stay true to yourself is to do what feels right for you, yet keep an open mind. Don't limit yourself with ideas of identity, things change and people grow, as we see in Jane Eyre, and that is perfectly okay. Thirdly, ideas concerning the treatment of women have carried over from this era. However the difference is that now they are harder to detect, because they are engrained in each and every one of us. For example, Jane seems to be the only women in the story that is brave enough to speak her mind or express herself. Now what about a little girl in the modern world who gets judged for wanted to skate, holding onto the idea that "skating is for boys". Same idea, different time, let people express themselves judgement free. The idea of gender roles carry over, except now they are disguised as inherent bias. Work to combat these ideas, the ones displayed in Janes story, yet troubling us all this time later. ]]> 2021-04-05 18:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/lmassie20211_1/xsxhawtk1hvz90i3/wish/1384191159