The Gothic Features of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Essay -- Charlott

The Gothic Features of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte A Gothic novel is a type of literature, which became very ordinary in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In this time, cab bet was governed by strict moral codes. The Gothics would escape into a world of dyed, superhuman and wild passions. The word Gothic meant barbarous and wild and many writers liked to contain these elements in their novels. Gothic novels were usually set in foreign countries, particularly in Catholic countries in Southern Europe, and usually set in the past, in the Middle Ages. Many Gothic novels took place in castles, dungeons and monasteries, and were marvelous and mysterious, involving ghosts and monsters. Gothic novels often follow this pattern a young exquisite girl who is rather helpless with no family, is abducted by a rough, dark villain who imprisons her in his castle. After much danger and possible exploitation, she is reclaimed by a good, pleasant young man who falls in love with her. Gothic novels are always very dramatic and mysterious, with a great deal of detailed description and suspense and tension. Charlotte Bronte did not by chance aim to write a Gothic novel, but she was perhaps influenced by the books and materials she had read as a child. Throughout Jane Eyre, the location and setting are very important. Jane begins at Gateshead with the Reed family, where she is very excluded and isolated. Sympathy is created for Jane as she is purpose of as a weak and vulnerable heroine. This I consider to be very Gothic. I was a discord in Gateshead Hall I was like nobody there. The house is very grand and lucubrate w... ...eates, using similes, metaphors and symbolism. However, there are parts where Bronte has changed the typical Gothic novel around. For example, at the opposition of Jane and Mr Rochester. Here it seems that Jane is the hero, and Mr Rochester is the heroine. This adds contrast and ma kes it seem more interesting for the reader, as they would it persuade Jane to be the heroine, and Mr Rochester the hero. The ending is not to be considered Gothic either, because, although they fall in love at the end, Mr Rochesters mansion is burnt down and he is blind. This would commonly contradict a normal Gothic novel, where everything would end happily.Charlotte Bronte has not completely written a Gothic novel, however Jane Eyre does have many features which could be considered Gothic.Works CitedBronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York New American Library, 1997.