One of the most noticeable strengths of Sputnik Sweetheart is its readability. This essential aspect often dictates whether or not the reader will like, relate to and believe the story. The plot is interesting, another strength and may also be described as unpredictable. This unpredictability is too a strength of the book. One has no desire to read a book in which they everything that is to come. Its imagery is another of Sputnik Sweetheart’s strengths. The metaphors he inputs into the story relate and add to what the reader is imagining. For example; “My mind was blank, a rice paddy in the middle of a rainstorm.” Page 87. Murikami creates an idea of what K is feeling having been woken in the dead of night to a confused telephone conversation.
Sputnik Sweetheart is a translated novel. Translated from Japanese, the language has an unusual rhythm to it, perhaps stemming from the possible “lost in translation”. If the reader has knowledge of this translation, they may feel that they could be missing something in the retelling of the story. This has the potential to make the book not enjoyable and also a book that is not easy to relate to. Another issue following the theme of lost in translation, is the difference in culture. A westerner, or indeed anyone without relation t the culture of Sputnik Sweetheart; may not fully comprehend the Japanese culture. Without knowledge, understanding or comprehension of this culture, the book may wash over with no effect. However, this very weakness may be in fact strength to another reader; there is the possibility that the reader will thrive on the discovery of new culture. Sputnik sweetheart may broaden ones mindset.
A strength of Sputnik Sweetheart is the fact that it is so relatable. It is a book, where the whole story is not spoon-fed to the reader, but in fact, the reader makes his/her own judgments. It is a book that will have different aspects of it appreciated, as different readers will perceive it differently. It is possible that the book will not be understandable; the plot may seem far-fetched and unrealistic, not allowing the reader to enjoy or “buy into” it. However, I contradict myself; the escapism from normal life may be exactly what is appreciated about the book. Escapism gives the reader an opportunity to delve into another idea.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Review of Wide Sargasso Sea
Wide Sargasso Sea is a three part book and is the prequel to Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel Jane Eyre. It follows the life of Antoinette Mason, a beautiful, Creole woman, raised in the exotic Caribbean, who is betrothed to a man she hardly knows and has her future mapped out for her by others, namely her stepbrother. It journeys from her unusual and exotic upbringing in Martinique; an island in the Caribbean, to her meeting; courtship and marriage to Edward Rochester. The book’s descriptive quality gives the reader a true sense of the Caribbean and provides an amusing yet pitiful outlook, and the repercussions of, the difference between the cultures of England and that of the Caribbean. This is shown mainly in the relations between Mr Rochester and Antoinette, and also in Rochester’s attempt to adapt to this foreign lifestyle, after having been brought up to act in a more formal manner. It is an ingenuitive book, creating a strange and somewhat sad childhood for Antoinette. It is a passionate book, detailing the relationship between Rochester and Antoinette. It is an emotive book, describing her life in England under the power of her husband Edward Rochester.
The book both touches and delves deep into certain controversial issues, failed marriages, marriages formed for financial reasons, religion and black magic. Also, the issue of insanity is a key factor in this book. It covers the idea that perhaps someone is driven to become insane but also poses the question; it insanity an underlying idea? Is it hereditary? Can nothing be done to prevent it? The unknown woman named Bertha who was known as nothing more than Rochester’s demented wife and one of his most significant regrets is given a new voice in this imaginative and emotive piece of literature by Jean Rhys.
The book both touches and delves deep into certain controversial issues, failed marriages, marriages formed for financial reasons, religion and black magic. Also, the issue of insanity is a key factor in this book. It covers the idea that perhaps someone is driven to become insane but also poses the question; it insanity an underlying idea? Is it hereditary? Can nothing be done to prevent it? The unknown woman named Bertha who was known as nothing more than Rochester’s demented wife and one of his most significant regrets is given a new voice in this imaginative and emotive piece of literature by Jean Rhys.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
my response to section one of wide sargasso sea
I began the novel somewhat prejudiced as I was unsure of the theory that one may take a hundred and sixty year old year old classic literature and further develop a character without the author's consent or knowledge. I wondered whether it was indeed original or not. After having read the first section, my feelings toward Antoinette had changed my opinion of Bertha mason as she is so name in Jane Eyre. I was more sympathetic toward her. I began to feel that it was not her fault that se was so deranged and demonic in Jane Eyre.
The language and literary devices used in section one of Wide Sargasso Sea immediately portrayed that this was an unusual book. The descriptive quality of the writing paints a vivid picture. Which makes it easier to visualise the goings on. I both appreciate this characteristic of the book and do not appreciate it. Although it is easier to construct an image in one's head, it feels as if all the work is done for you. It also means that the writing is filled with much description but little action. This very issue made it quite difficult to continue on at first. Once the book is in full swing and one is involved with the characters then it becomes a more interesting read.
The characters all seemed to me to have some sort of abnormality to them. The public hatred toward the family and their isolated lifestyle is never fully explained. Annette is odd and I found her maternal leanings somewhat absent. The only encouragement I received on this note was when she ran back into the house to retrieve Pierre, who later dies. Christophene is also a strange and abnormal character. She is feared and her background is unknown. Much is unknown in the book. The servants' revolt was due to what? Tia's strange behaviour toward her so-called friend was because of what? Why are they hated and judged?
I found the book to be somewhat depressing. Antoinette's rejection from her mother, from Tia, and from her stepfather. Her loneliness from her isolation to the death of Pierre and Annette. However, I was comforted at the end of the section after she was in a safe caring environment.
The language and literary devices used in section one of Wide Sargasso Sea immediately portrayed that this was an unusual book. The descriptive quality of the writing paints a vivid picture. Which makes it easier to visualise the goings on. I both appreciate this characteristic of the book and do not appreciate it. Although it is easier to construct an image in one's head, it feels as if all the work is done for you. It also means that the writing is filled with much description but little action. This very issue made it quite difficult to continue on at first. Once the book is in full swing and one is involved with the characters then it becomes a more interesting read.
The characters all seemed to me to have some sort of abnormality to them. The public hatred toward the family and their isolated lifestyle is never fully explained. Annette is odd and I found her maternal leanings somewhat absent. The only encouragement I received on this note was when she ran back into the house to retrieve Pierre, who later dies. Christophene is also a strange and abnormal character. She is feared and her background is unknown. Much is unknown in the book. The servants' revolt was due to what? Tia's strange behaviour toward her so-called friend was because of what? Why are they hated and judged?
I found the book to be somewhat depressing. Antoinette's rejection from her mother, from Tia, and from her stepfather. Her loneliness from her isolation to the death of Pierre and Annette. However, I was comforted at the end of the section after she was in a safe caring environment.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Chapters 27-38
Summary:
After exhausting her money, Jane comes to live with the Rivers, she spends a while recovering and soon after converses with Hannah about Mr Rivers who died leaving them nothing after a business deal failed. Their uncle John also dies and leaves no inheritance for them as it has been passed on to another relative. Mary and Diana become fond of Jane however, St John remains distant. St John finds a managerial position for Jane in Morton, where she will be working in a school. In Morton she lives in a cottage belonging to wealthy heiress Rosamund Oliver. Rosamund and St John are clearly in love with each other and Jane, who confronts St John about this, scolds himself for his worldly desires assuming her to be a poor missionary wife. Jane is disappointed by her job and St John confesses that he had doubts about becoming a missionary. Jane is discovered to be Jane Eyre by St John. It comes out that Jane has been left a large sum of money by her uncle John who happens to be the river’s uncle. They are cousins. She divides the money between them all. Some time passes and following the engagement of Rosamund Oliver, St John proposes to Jane suggesting that they move to India to do mission work. He says that should she not accept she is denying her faith. Jane declines; stating that they are not in love. Following this incident, St John pressures Jane into changing her mind. She soon feels as if she should marry him but then she hears Rochester calling for her. Jan is disturbed by this and leaves for Thornfield. Upon arriving, she discovers that Thornfield Manor lies in ruins. It is revealed that Bertha Mason set it on fire months before and died after jumping form the rooftop. Rochester saved the servants and attempted to save his wife; in the fir he lost his hand and became blind. He afterward resided in a small house with servants. Jane goes to Rochester and he feels that it is her. She promises to never leave him. They marry quietly and writing from ten years of marriage to him, Jane reveals that Mary and Diana are married, St John moved to India as a missionary-explaining that she does not expect to hear from him again. She is happy and has a family and children.
Characters:
With a new environment comes new characters and after leaving Thornfield, Jane resides with the Rivers, Mary and Diana, two agreeable young ladies who are fond of Jane. They show themselves to be strong, capable women as they struggle silently through their hard situation. St John; pronounced Sinjin is also introduced. These characters are Jane’s cousins. He is at first an unlikable character who is distant, cold and strict with himself. He is love with a woman named Rosamund who is kind and obliging. However, St John controls himself as he sees her as a wanton desire and impractical for his way of life as a missionary. Rosamund Oliver reciprocates these feelings but after no attempt is made on St Johns part she agrees to marry someone else. St John, who has in the past doubted his call to God, is certain that e should move to India. This shows him to be committed to his cause but unromantic otherwise as there is no love between Jane and himself. The pressure he places on Jane after her denial shows his manipulative characteristics. He later leaves for India without a wife and Jane never expects to hear from him again.
Bertha is removed from the novel, her death proving her to be insane and unmanageable. Mr Rochester is re-introduced as a cripple somewhat different from the strong man he was earlier in the novel. His valiant efforts to save Bertha and his successful saviours of others make him out to be a strong, good man who has concern for others. He is now dependent on Jane. It is clear that he is still in love with Jane and this shows loyalty. He becomes a father and a husband once more. Jane has developed throughout the novel but it is only in the conclusion that she is truly happy and at ease without some foreboding feeling. She has family and relations. She is stable, both financially and emotionally. She remains kind, proven by her division of her inheritance. She is with the man she loves. She is married.
Themes:
Dependence: Examples of this are as follows; Jane’s dependence on the Rivers, The Rivers dependence on fiancé, and Rochester’s dependence on Jane. Which is a contradiction to the previous workings of the novel as it has always been Jane who is dependent on Rochester.
Family: Jane discovers trough the death of an uncle that she has cousins. Mary and Diana also form families, as we know they both marry. Jane gains yet more family after marrying Rochester and having children.
Submittance: Jane’s submittance to Rochester as his wife and carer and St John’s submittance to his duty, regardless of his love for Rosamund.
Co-incidence: The fact that the Rivers were Jane’s cousins. Something that may be seen as co-incidence or maybe something supernatural is Rochester’s call to Jane and Jane's hearing it and answering. To Rochester, it is a co-incidence that he called out to her and she retuned but to Jane who felt as if she heard him- it is supernatural.
After exhausting her money, Jane comes to live with the Rivers, she spends a while recovering and soon after converses with Hannah about Mr Rivers who died leaving them nothing after a business deal failed. Their uncle John also dies and leaves no inheritance for them as it has been passed on to another relative. Mary and Diana become fond of Jane however, St John remains distant. St John finds a managerial position for Jane in Morton, where she will be working in a school. In Morton she lives in a cottage belonging to wealthy heiress Rosamund Oliver. Rosamund and St John are clearly in love with each other and Jane, who confronts St John about this, scolds himself for his worldly desires assuming her to be a poor missionary wife. Jane is disappointed by her job and St John confesses that he had doubts about becoming a missionary. Jane is discovered to be Jane Eyre by St John. It comes out that Jane has been left a large sum of money by her uncle John who happens to be the river’s uncle. They are cousins. She divides the money between them all. Some time passes and following the engagement of Rosamund Oliver, St John proposes to Jane suggesting that they move to India to do mission work. He says that should she not accept she is denying her faith. Jane declines; stating that they are not in love. Following this incident, St John pressures Jane into changing her mind. She soon feels as if she should marry him but then she hears Rochester calling for her. Jan is disturbed by this and leaves for Thornfield. Upon arriving, she discovers that Thornfield Manor lies in ruins. It is revealed that Bertha Mason set it on fire months before and died after jumping form the rooftop. Rochester saved the servants and attempted to save his wife; in the fir he lost his hand and became blind. He afterward resided in a small house with servants. Jane goes to Rochester and he feels that it is her. She promises to never leave him. They marry quietly and writing from ten years of marriage to him, Jane reveals that Mary and Diana are married, St John moved to India as a missionary-explaining that she does not expect to hear from him again. She is happy and has a family and children.
Characters:
With a new environment comes new characters and after leaving Thornfield, Jane resides with the Rivers, Mary and Diana, two agreeable young ladies who are fond of Jane. They show themselves to be strong, capable women as they struggle silently through their hard situation. St John; pronounced Sinjin is also introduced. These characters are Jane’s cousins. He is at first an unlikable character who is distant, cold and strict with himself. He is love with a woman named Rosamund who is kind and obliging. However, St John controls himself as he sees her as a wanton desire and impractical for his way of life as a missionary. Rosamund Oliver reciprocates these feelings but after no attempt is made on St Johns part she agrees to marry someone else. St John, who has in the past doubted his call to God, is certain that e should move to India. This shows him to be committed to his cause but unromantic otherwise as there is no love between Jane and himself. The pressure he places on Jane after her denial shows his manipulative characteristics. He later leaves for India without a wife and Jane never expects to hear from him again.
Bertha is removed from the novel, her death proving her to be insane and unmanageable. Mr Rochester is re-introduced as a cripple somewhat different from the strong man he was earlier in the novel. His valiant efforts to save Bertha and his successful saviours of others make him out to be a strong, good man who has concern for others. He is now dependent on Jane. It is clear that he is still in love with Jane and this shows loyalty. He becomes a father and a husband once more. Jane has developed throughout the novel but it is only in the conclusion that she is truly happy and at ease without some foreboding feeling. She has family and relations. She is stable, both financially and emotionally. She remains kind, proven by her division of her inheritance. She is with the man she loves. She is married.
Themes:
Dependence: Examples of this are as follows; Jane’s dependence on the Rivers, The Rivers dependence on fiancé, and Rochester’s dependence on Jane. Which is a contradiction to the previous workings of the novel as it has always been Jane who is dependent on Rochester.
Family: Jane discovers trough the death of an uncle that she has cousins. Mary and Diana also form families, as we know they both marry. Jane gains yet more family after marrying Rochester and having children.
Submittance: Jane’s submittance to Rochester as his wife and carer and St John’s submittance to his duty, regardless of his love for Rosamund.
Co-incidence: The fact that the Rivers were Jane’s cousins. Something that may be seen as co-incidence or maybe something supernatural is Rochester’s call to Jane and Jane's hearing it and answering. To Rochester, it is a co-incidence that he called out to her and she retuned but to Jane who felt as if she heard him- it is supernatural.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Chapters 22-26
Summary:
Jane stays at Gateshead for the sake of Georgiana. Eliza leaves to London and soon after Jane also departs. We are told that later in life Georgiana leaves for France and enters a convent finally becoming mother superior, Eliza marries a wealthy man. Jan leaves for Thornfield and perchance meets Rochester. She is happy for his welcoming manner. They speak about Blanche Ingram and Jane says that “one needs only the light of love in the eyes to look pleasing enough”. She goes on to say that wherever he is, she feels at home. Days later Jane is walking in the orchard and is called over by Rochester. He informs her that he is to marry Blanche and that he has arranged for a new posting for Jane in Ireland. This is a test however and the conversation turns when Jane’s emotion and feelings toward Rochester are displayed. Rochester goes on to say that he is in love with Jane and he wishes to marry her. She accepts. Mrs Fairfax is uncertain about the match and expresses her concerns. Rochester tries to buy Jane jewellery and fine clothes which make s Jane uncomfortable. She feels that the wedding wills not take place and writes to her uncle in Madeira thinking that if she were financially independent she and Rochester would not be so socially separated. The night before the wedding Jane tells Rochester of disturbing dreams she has had. Upon waking form these dreams she discovered a strange woman in her room, trying on her bridal veil. The woman then went on to tear and trample it. Rochester dismisses the occurrence as a figment of Jane’s imagination but when Jane offers the veil as proof he suggest s that it was grace pole. He promises Jane that a year after their marriage, he will divulge the history of Grace Poole.
Rochester is impatient in the weddings proceedings. At the ceremony a lawyer interrupts stating that Rochester is already married. Mr Mason corroborates this and says that he is married to his sister Bertha Mason. Mr Rochester admits that he was tricked into a marriage and they return to Thornfield to see the maniacal wife. He compares Bertha to Jane who, “who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon”. Bertha was the woman who tore Jane’s veil. When alone, Jane contemplates the day’s happenings.
Characters:
Mrs Fairfax could either been seen as concerned or nosy in the beginning of this section. Her disapproval shows her t be expressive and conformist. Bertha is a new character- she is insane and violent. She has been kept secret and isolated by Rochester. Mr Mason, her brother, is a straightforward man who turned Mr Rochester in after finding out that he intended t commit polygamy.
Rochester develops as a remorseful man unable to redeem himself of his past. He is own to be foolish, both in his marrying Bertha and in his attempt to marry Jane as a way of erasing his past. His act was selfish and self-centred. He though only of himself and his love for Jane and did not care about Jane’s honour or humiliation nor the law or what was moral. Jane’s emotions play a large part of her development in this section. Her misfortune has finally caught up with her and she is once again left alone, betrayed and dejected. She becomes o helpless toward the end that she can no longer pray, something that normally comes to Jane easily.
Themes/ Motifs:
Deception and betrayal are major themes in this section of the novel. Proof of this is the obvious grand betrayal of Jane by Rochester. His deception of the courts and Mr mason too. And his self-deception, he so wished to be rid of this baggage that he thought by marrying Jan ethos would be done away with. He was in denial. Isolation is another theme. Isolation of Bertha for all that time and also Jane’s isolation following the day’s events.
Endings are another theme. It is the end of the wedding and Jane’s hopes for a relationship between Rochester and herself. It is the end of the mystery as to the woman, the third floor and many of the other strange goings on at Thornfield.
Jane stays at Gateshead for the sake of Georgiana. Eliza leaves to London and soon after Jane also departs. We are told that later in life Georgiana leaves for France and enters a convent finally becoming mother superior, Eliza marries a wealthy man. Jan leaves for Thornfield and perchance meets Rochester. She is happy for his welcoming manner. They speak about Blanche Ingram and Jane says that “one needs only the light of love in the eyes to look pleasing enough”. She goes on to say that wherever he is, she feels at home. Days later Jane is walking in the orchard and is called over by Rochester. He informs her that he is to marry Blanche and that he has arranged for a new posting for Jane in Ireland. This is a test however and the conversation turns when Jane’s emotion and feelings toward Rochester are displayed. Rochester goes on to say that he is in love with Jane and he wishes to marry her. She accepts. Mrs Fairfax is uncertain about the match and expresses her concerns. Rochester tries to buy Jane jewellery and fine clothes which make s Jane uncomfortable. She feels that the wedding wills not take place and writes to her uncle in Madeira thinking that if she were financially independent she and Rochester would not be so socially separated. The night before the wedding Jane tells Rochester of disturbing dreams she has had. Upon waking form these dreams she discovered a strange woman in her room, trying on her bridal veil. The woman then went on to tear and trample it. Rochester dismisses the occurrence as a figment of Jane’s imagination but when Jane offers the veil as proof he suggest s that it was grace pole. He promises Jane that a year after their marriage, he will divulge the history of Grace Poole.
Rochester is impatient in the weddings proceedings. At the ceremony a lawyer interrupts stating that Rochester is already married. Mr Mason corroborates this and says that he is married to his sister Bertha Mason. Mr Rochester admits that he was tricked into a marriage and they return to Thornfield to see the maniacal wife. He compares Bertha to Jane who, “who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon”. Bertha was the woman who tore Jane’s veil. When alone, Jane contemplates the day’s happenings.
Characters:
Mrs Fairfax could either been seen as concerned or nosy in the beginning of this section. Her disapproval shows her t be expressive and conformist. Bertha is a new character- she is insane and violent. She has been kept secret and isolated by Rochester. Mr Mason, her brother, is a straightforward man who turned Mr Rochester in after finding out that he intended t commit polygamy.
Rochester develops as a remorseful man unable to redeem himself of his past. He is own to be foolish, both in his marrying Bertha and in his attempt to marry Jane as a way of erasing his past. His act was selfish and self-centred. He though only of himself and his love for Jane and did not care about Jane’s honour or humiliation nor the law or what was moral. Jane’s emotions play a large part of her development in this section. Her misfortune has finally caught up with her and she is once again left alone, betrayed and dejected. She becomes o helpless toward the end that she can no longer pray, something that normally comes to Jane easily.
Themes/ Motifs:
Deception and betrayal are major themes in this section of the novel. Proof of this is the obvious grand betrayal of Jane by Rochester. His deception of the courts and Mr mason too. And his self-deception, he so wished to be rid of this baggage that he thought by marrying Jan ethos would be done away with. He was in denial. Isolation is another theme. Isolation of Bertha for all that time and also Jane’s isolation following the day’s events.
Endings are another theme. It is the end of the wedding and Jane’s hopes for a relationship between Rochester and herself. It is the end of the mystery as to the woman, the third floor and many of the other strange goings on at Thornfield.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Chapters 17-21
Summary:
Mr Rochester leaves for a while and Jane is strangely aware of her disappointment. He arrives back accompanied by guests including Blanche Ingram. Mr Rochester insists that Jane is present with Adele in the drawing room along with his guests. Mr Rochester seems at ease with the social gathering but Jane is ridiculed by the Ingram’s for her lack of social status. As Jane attempts to leave, Rochester stops her but finding her upset; he allows her to depart. Jane believes that Rochester and Blanche will be married but she realizes that there is no love between them. Later a man named Mr Mason arrives; Rochester is slightly distressed but goes on to meet with him. A gypsy woman comes to Thornfield and tells the fortunes of the ladies. Blanche is disappointed, as she was told that Rochester was not as wealthy as she thought. The woman insists on meeting Jane. Jane reveals nothing of her feelings toward Rochester. During Jane’s time with the gypsy woman, Jane recognizes Rochester’s voice and he reveals himself to her.
That night, Jane is woken by a scream and struggles coming from the third floor. Rochester asks her to aid Mr Mason who has been stabbed-they are instructed not to talk. The surgeon comes and finally Mr Mason leaves. Soon after Jane receives word of John Reed’s death and Mrs’ Reed dire health. She asks for leave and Rochester unwillingly grants it. She discovers before Mrs Reed dies that Jane’s uncle had a desire to adopt Jane and bequeath her with his wealth.
Characters:
Blanche Ingram is shown to be a beautiful, yet spiteful young lady. It seems that she could make a fine wife for Rochester although her disappointment upon being tricked into thinking that Rochester’s wealth was not as plentiful as expected shows her to be materialistic. Mr Mason is introduced as a mysterious character, His strange coming and the events that take place following. The fact that he was stabbed is bizarre and when Jane tends to him, their lack of conversation is peculiar to say the least. More evidence is given to show that Mrs Reed is a spiteful, cruel, jealous old woman. Her deception towards Jane’s uncle to spite Jane and thwart her chance of a happy childhood was cruel. Her children seem to have done no better for themselves. John Reed is removed from the story as he has committed suicide and his sisters are bitter and hateful towards each other.
Rochester is proven to be a farcical man, it shows how easy it is for him to lie and deceive. Even to Jane who he loves. His insecurities can be seen by his provocation of Jane’s emotions to discover whether or not Jane loves him or not. He must do this under the cover of another identity. Jane is always developing. She allows herself to have emotions yet keeps them to herself. Even to a fortune teller who is “guessing” correctly she does not give herself up. This may be due to her belief that she has no chance of ever being with Rochester, and if no one were to know here feelings then she remains dignified rather than rejected. This would show here insecurities and lack of self-worth coming out again. Jane displays immense strength in her treat men towards Mrs Reed. Her dying aunt- upon discovering that she has perhaps prevented her from having a more comfortable life by deceiving her uncle- Jane does nothing. Her lack of action shows Jane to be a forgiving kind woman.
Themes/Motifs:
Social status is definitely a recurring theme. The Ingram’s taunting towards Jane was based on the fact that she was of a lower social status than they were. They ridicule governess’ knowing perfectly well that they are in the company of one. A reason for Jane’s discomfort is the social divide between herself and the guests. Jane however does not see this social divide between herself and Rochester as in the seventeenth chapter she says; “he is not of their kind, I believe he is of mine” Religion appears several times in this section of the book. In the form of Eliza, who goes on to become mother superior in a convent and also it can be found in the conversations that are had between Jane and Mr Rochester.
Mr Rochester leaves for a while and Jane is strangely aware of her disappointment. He arrives back accompanied by guests including Blanche Ingram. Mr Rochester insists that Jane is present with Adele in the drawing room along with his guests. Mr Rochester seems at ease with the social gathering but Jane is ridiculed by the Ingram’s for her lack of social status. As Jane attempts to leave, Rochester stops her but finding her upset; he allows her to depart. Jane believes that Rochester and Blanche will be married but she realizes that there is no love between them. Later a man named Mr Mason arrives; Rochester is slightly distressed but goes on to meet with him. A gypsy woman comes to Thornfield and tells the fortunes of the ladies. Blanche is disappointed, as she was told that Rochester was not as wealthy as she thought. The woman insists on meeting Jane. Jane reveals nothing of her feelings toward Rochester. During Jane’s time with the gypsy woman, Jane recognizes Rochester’s voice and he reveals himself to her.
That night, Jane is woken by a scream and struggles coming from the third floor. Rochester asks her to aid Mr Mason who has been stabbed-they are instructed not to talk. The surgeon comes and finally Mr Mason leaves. Soon after Jane receives word of John Reed’s death and Mrs’ Reed dire health. She asks for leave and Rochester unwillingly grants it. She discovers before Mrs Reed dies that Jane’s uncle had a desire to adopt Jane and bequeath her with his wealth.
Characters:
Blanche Ingram is shown to be a beautiful, yet spiteful young lady. It seems that she could make a fine wife for Rochester although her disappointment upon being tricked into thinking that Rochester’s wealth was not as plentiful as expected shows her to be materialistic. Mr Mason is introduced as a mysterious character, His strange coming and the events that take place following. The fact that he was stabbed is bizarre and when Jane tends to him, their lack of conversation is peculiar to say the least. More evidence is given to show that Mrs Reed is a spiteful, cruel, jealous old woman. Her deception towards Jane’s uncle to spite Jane and thwart her chance of a happy childhood was cruel. Her children seem to have done no better for themselves. John Reed is removed from the story as he has committed suicide and his sisters are bitter and hateful towards each other.
Rochester is proven to be a farcical man, it shows how easy it is for him to lie and deceive. Even to Jane who he loves. His insecurities can be seen by his provocation of Jane’s emotions to discover whether or not Jane loves him or not. He must do this under the cover of another identity. Jane is always developing. She allows herself to have emotions yet keeps them to herself. Even to a fortune teller who is “guessing” correctly she does not give herself up. This may be due to her belief that she has no chance of ever being with Rochester, and if no one were to know here feelings then she remains dignified rather than rejected. This would show here insecurities and lack of self-worth coming out again. Jane displays immense strength in her treat men towards Mrs Reed. Her dying aunt- upon discovering that she has perhaps prevented her from having a more comfortable life by deceiving her uncle- Jane does nothing. Her lack of action shows Jane to be a forgiving kind woman.
Themes/Motifs:
Social status is definitely a recurring theme. The Ingram’s taunting towards Jane was based on the fact that she was of a lower social status than they were. They ridicule governess’ knowing perfectly well that they are in the company of one. A reason for Jane’s discomfort is the social divide between herself and the guests. Jane however does not see this social divide between herself and Rochester as in the seventeenth chapter she says; “he is not of their kind, I believe he is of mine” Religion appears several times in this section of the book. In the form of Eliza, who goes on to become mother superior in a convent and also it can be found in the conversations that are had between Jane and Mr Rochester.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Chapters 14-16
Summary:
Jane does not see much of Rochester for the following days but is then called for one evening, they converse over very many subjects, including Adele’s background. Rochester had an affair with Celine Varens and ended it after discovering that she was otherwise involved. He does not believe Adele to be his offspring but he provides for her despite. That night Jane saves Rochester’s life after saving him from a fire. Rochester thanks jane and reacts very strangely, immediately leaving to the third floor. This event causes no distress and life at Thornfield resumes as usual. Mr Rochester is to leave for a social gathering where he will be in the company of a beautiful woman Blanche Ingram.
Characters:
Mr Rochester becomes mysterious and secretive. For example his immediate reaction to his attempted murder and his lack of action following. Although his character may be construed as cynical, he exerts a positive influence over Jane. Adele remains much the same as ever, however, more of her past is revealed; she is later thought of as a “lonely little orphan”, which parallels on Jane’s upbringing. Grace Poole’s character is expanded upon. She is unusal, unattractive and appears to be demented and quite dangerous(through Jane’s eyes at least).
Jane’s confidence in chapter’s fourteen and fifteen is steadily growing. Showcased by her reaction to Mr Rochester’s domination; “I don’t think sir, you have the right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I”. Jane adopts a new role as confidante; I am unsure as to whether this new role was brought about by Jane’s trustworthiness or Rochester’s willingness to speak about himself. Jane however does recede somewhat to her unconfident, pitying self. She scolds herself for allowing herself to have romantic fantasies towards her master. She continues with her self-deprecating nature that can be observed in the previous chapters. This is demonstrated by her comparative illustrations between beautiful Blanche Ingram and herself.
Themes/Motifs:
Unusual circumstances are a definite recurring element in these chapters. The fire for one, it’s eerie and mysterious nature, following that is the lack of action taken. This is very odd as an attempt was made on Rochester’s life and nothing is done even though it is believed to be Grace Poole. Rochester’s affair is also an unusual circumstance. Subsequent to this Adele’s situation at Thornfield is strange. If Rochester does not believe her to be his, then why does he care for her?
Jane does not see much of Rochester for the following days but is then called for one evening, they converse over very many subjects, including Adele’s background. Rochester had an affair with Celine Varens and ended it after discovering that she was otherwise involved. He does not believe Adele to be his offspring but he provides for her despite. That night Jane saves Rochester’s life after saving him from a fire. Rochester thanks jane and reacts very strangely, immediately leaving to the third floor. This event causes no distress and life at Thornfield resumes as usual. Mr Rochester is to leave for a social gathering where he will be in the company of a beautiful woman Blanche Ingram.
Characters:
Mr Rochester becomes mysterious and secretive. For example his immediate reaction to his attempted murder and his lack of action following. Although his character may be construed as cynical, he exerts a positive influence over Jane. Adele remains much the same as ever, however, more of her past is revealed; she is later thought of as a “lonely little orphan”, which parallels on Jane’s upbringing. Grace Poole’s character is expanded upon. She is unusal, unattractive and appears to be demented and quite dangerous(through Jane’s eyes at least).
Jane’s confidence in chapter’s fourteen and fifteen is steadily growing. Showcased by her reaction to Mr Rochester’s domination; “I don’t think sir, you have the right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I”. Jane adopts a new role as confidante; I am unsure as to whether this new role was brought about by Jane’s trustworthiness or Rochester’s willingness to speak about himself. Jane however does recede somewhat to her unconfident, pitying self. She scolds herself for allowing herself to have romantic fantasies towards her master. She continues with her self-deprecating nature that can be observed in the previous chapters. This is demonstrated by her comparative illustrations between beautiful Blanche Ingram and herself.
Themes/Motifs:
Unusual circumstances are a definite recurring element in these chapters. The fire for one, it’s eerie and mysterious nature, following that is the lack of action taken. This is very odd as an attempt was made on Rochester’s life and nothing is done even though it is believed to be Grace Poole. Rochester’s affair is also an unusual circumstance. Subsequent to this Adele’s situation at Thornfield is strange. If Rochester does not believe her to be his, then why does he care for her?
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