Lisa Tran

CP English Honors 2

Angus

Period 3

20 March 2015

Author's Style Essay: Bronte

In the nineteenth century, women were forced to be biddable and unable to express

themselves. A Victorian woman must have good posture, gesture elegantly, and never seem like

they are in a hurry. The manners and movement of a lady define who they are. Those with poor

manners were looked down upon by society. Women had to be groomed, dressed in a feminine

style, and have a natural beauty. A lady must have rosy cheeks and zest for life. In Jane Eyre by

Charlotte Bronte, Victorian ideals through Mr. Rochester's wedding, Berthas insanity, and

Janes reaction to horrific news represent how society shaped the characters. The novelist uses

metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to reveal the mindset of Victorian women. Throughout the

novel, Bronte depicts how women are judged by their excellence of manners and grace.

In chapter 26, the preparations for the wedding is being rushed and the ceremony

happened rapidly. As Sophie secures Janes veil, Mr. Rochester hastily rushes them. The speed

of this scene leaves the reader wondering why they cannot slow down and what will go awry.

Bronte uses metaphor when Mr. Rochester announces, Lingerer, my brain is on fire with

impatience; and you tarry so long! to rush Jane (Bronte 291). The novelist uses metaphor to

reveal Mr. Rochesters impetuous and rash personality. Mr. Rochester did not bother to admire

his bride in her wedding gown, but accentuates that he wants the ceremony to be over as quick as
possible. Because of all the swift movements, it leaves the reader distraught about what will

happen next and why are they running out of time. The image of fire is further used to

communicate Janes perception of Mr. Rochester. The fire becomes a symbol of the passion she

feels for her groom. At the church hall, Jane describes Mr. Rochesters eyes as flaming and

flashing (292). When the priest asks if anyone objects to the ceremony, a stranger proclaims

that Mr. Rochester is already married. His wife is Bertha, a Creole woman, who he married

fifteen years ago in Jamaica. The stranger introduces himself as Mr. Briggs and explains that he

has a letter from Berthas brother, Richard Mason, divulging that Mr. Rochester is married.

Mason then bitterly proceeds to confirm the story. After a while, Mr. Rochester admits that his

wife is still living and caged under the care of Grace Pole. He continues to explain that Bertha is

a lunatic. Through Berthas marriage with Mr. Rochester, Brontes skepticism for Victorian

marriage conveys that marriage of convenience for money or social status will not lead to

fulfillment and happiness. Mr. Rochester violates the idea of Victorian monogamy and mortality.

A marriage that is loveless and for the sole purpose of self-interest is stigmatized by society.

Society frowns upon dishonest actions. Bronte delineates on how the dynamics of making a

marriage work consists of compromise and passion. Without both, marriage is doomed. Mr.

Rochester wedded Bertha for the sole purpose for gaining social status and wealth. He got

engaged with Jane out of impulsive and pure lust. Bertha and Jane suffers because of Mr.

Rochester's ignoble action. Men during the Victorian Era, could have a mistress but a women

could not have a lover. This reveals how society is discriminatory towards women. Even in

modern time, women are called slandering names if they cheat but if a man is in a relationship

with multiple women they are have game.

 Furthermore, Bronte depicts womens roles in Victorian society. In Victorian times,

chivalry and gentility are prized and honored. Wealthy women conduct Victorian etiquette by

having poise, hiding their emotions, doing a curtsey when greeting others, and so on. Women are

expected to be like a fragile and delicate flower, home loving, and devoted to ensuring a jubilant

family. In the quote, fair as a lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes,

Bronte uses simile to emphasize how women during this time should be as pure, elegant, and

graceful (291). Jane exemplifies Victorian etiquette because she did not crumble in anguish, but

remained collected when she discovered that the love of her life is married. This is ironic

because on Janes supposedly happiest day of her life, she learns that her fiance is already

married. Bronte portrays Jane as a strong individual, who spent her whole life picking herself up

in times of hardship; therefore, her reaction was expected. Jane hides her feelings and remained

calm despite the egregious new she received, which shows the excellence of manners. Bertha,

however, is an embodiment of how women in society suffered from being caged, unable to

express their feelings, and forced to be submissive to their husbands. Bronte describes Bertha as

an animal by using the words maniac bellowed, shaggy, and wildly to emphasize how

Bertha is does not represent Victorian ideals. Brontes scepticism of Victorian marriage is seen

through Berthas marriage with Mr. Rochester. She was imprisoned and alienated from society,

which made her a go insane. Bertha suffers emotionally and mentally being stifled into a

marriage of convenience. She is judged by society because she is different and the effect lead

Bertha to become undomesticated. When she tears Janes veil, it is Brontes way of portraying

her perspective of Victorian marriage. The novelist uses imagery to enhance Berthas feral

manner and to symbolize the feelings of indignation a Victorian women hide inside. A Victorian
women must be dutiful, only focus on grooming themselves, stayed at home, and must entertain

oneself in leisure activities such as painting. A Victorian women would never be seen carrying

anything heavy or opening the door if there was a men present. The list of Victorian etiquette is

endless and lumps all Victorian women into a group that highlights how a women should act,

dress, and think. Women had no rights and are incapable of making decisions during this time.

The demanding society gives unrealistic expectations of women, men, and the ideals of a

relationship. If a man was not chivalrous, if a women was not gentle, or posses qualities desired

by society, then they are not a potential partners. In Jane Eyre, Bronte delineates how society

affects the characters values. Belonging and acceptance is highly significant during this time,

therefore, society creates a burdensome and ideal expectation of suitable mates. The fear of

rejection from society is the reason why Mr. Rochester kept Bertha a secret. He desires to be

accepted by society rather than doing the right thing.