Jane EyreCallie Molly

MorganJustine

4th period

What is a gothic novel?

• A genre of fiction characterized by mystery and supernatural horror, often set in a dark castle or other medieval setting

Is Jane Eyre a gothic novel?

• Yes, It is considered as a gothic/ romantic genre.

Why is it considered a gothic novel?

• “Supernatural” incidents• Architecture• Desolate setting• Multiple uses of gothic

imagery.

“Supernatural” incidents

• The Red-Room

• “ Shaking my hair from my eyes, I lifted my head and tried to look boldly around the dark room; at this moment a light gleamed on the wall. Was it, I asked myself, a ray from the moon penetrating some aperture in the blind? No; moon light was still, and this stirred; while I gazed, it glided up to the ceiling and quivered over my head…” (Page 12).

Architecture

• Thornfield Hall

• Buildings constructed under the idea of "gothic" architecture are noted for being elaborately built and "rising toward Heaven." The architecture and location of Thornfield Hall helps confirm the idea of a desolate setting.

Desolate setting

• Thornfield halls location

• The location of Thornfield Hall gives the idea of a desolate setting. It gives the reader an eerie feeling and allows the imagination wander when an unusual incident takes place.

Multiple uses of gothic imagery

• The red-room is dark like blood. It emits strange noises and has a large mirror that distorts Jane's appearance.

• “All looked colder and darker in that visionary hollow than in reality; and the strange little figure there gazing at me, with a white face and arms specking with gloom, and glittering eyes of fear moving where all else was still, had the effect of a real spirit…Superstition was with me at that moment.” (ch. 2, pg. 20)

Gothic Imagery

• When Jane meets Mr. Rochester on the road, against the moon-lit hills. This introduces the tortured yet gentlemen like character of Mr. Rochester, the moon light and eerie setting makes it Gothic.

• “I felt no fear of him, and but a little shyness. Had he been a handsome, heroic-looking young gentleman, I should not have dared to stand thus questioning him against his will, and offering my services unasked...I had a theoretical reverence an homage for beauty, elegance, gallantry, fascination; but had I met those qualities incarnate in masculine shape, I should have known instinctively that they neither had nor could have sympathy with anything in me and should have shunned them as one would fire, lightning, or anything else that is bright but antipathetic." Chapter 12, pg. 99.

•THE END!