Why is Jane Eyre Classified as a Gothic Novel?

Atmospheric Setting:

The novel by Charlotte Bront?, Jane Eyre (1847), is characterized by its dark and moody landscapes, e.g., Thornfield Hall, a place noted for its enigmatic and deteriorated architecture. This setting creates an atmosphere of foreboding and isolation, aligning with the essential qualities of Gothic literature.

Supernatural Elements:

While the novel does not heavily rely on supernatural occurrences, it does include elements that evoke the uncanny. The mysterious laughter of Bertha Mason, for instance, is a central supernatural element that contributes to the eerie atmosphere of the story.

Themes of Isolation and Madness:

Gothic literature often explores themes of isolation and madness, and Jané's experiences, particularly her social alienation and confrontation with Bertha, reflect these themes. These elements contribute to the overall intensity and emotional depth of the narrative.

Melodrama and Emotional Intensity:

The novel is rich in emotional extremes, including passion, despair, and tension. The intensity of Jané's feelings, especially in her relationship with Mr. Rochester, aligns with the melodramatic style typical of Gothic fiction. This emotional intensity is a cornerstone of Gothic literature.

Complex Characters:

The characters in Jane Eyre are multi-dimensional and complex, each contributing to the unfolding narrative. From the enigmatic Mr. Rochester to the mysterious Bertha, the characters add depth to the story and keep readers engaged.

Exploration of Identity and Gender:

The novel delves into issues of identity, class, and gender, with Jané's struggle for autonomy and self-definition against oppressive societal norms. This theme is a common element in Gothic works and serves as a powerful social commentary.

Analyzing Jane Eyre: A Layered Gothic Fiction

Jane Eyre is both a Gothic novel and a Feminist Gothic, boasting a feminist social commentary and incorporating gothic elements like the supernatural, the mysterious setting, nightmares, fear, antihero romance, the sublime, and enclosed spaces. The use of sublime imagery underscores the narrative, inviting readers to delve into its layers of darkly romantic storytelling.

Jane Eyre employs gothic elements to highlight the plight of women who are not confined within the limits of socially approved domesticity. If they were free to express themselves, they would be shut behind doors and repressed. This is exemplified by the character of Bertha Mason, who, like many Gothic characters, personifies the suppression of female desires.

Unlike many Gothic works of the 1st wave (1765–1820), Jane Eyre is personally far from provoking grotesque emotions. It gives a more realistic and humane portrayal of the inner life of a woman, capturing her natural desires, struggles, and social conditions. Jané's choice between desire and ethical duty belongs to the mode of moral realism. Her escape from a bigamous marriage with Edward Rochester and the story surrounding Bertha, her mental health, and her death, echo Gothic traditions.

Jane Eyre is set in the Victorian era (1832–1901), a time of rapid industrialization and social change. The novel serves as a social critique, highlighting the oppression faced by women in society. Jané's journey from being a young orphan to becoming a governess, and eventually a married woman, illustrates the struggle for freedom and identity in a patriarchal society.

The Role of Female Characters in Gothic Literature

The character of Jané Eyre is used as a voice of female rebellion and search for identity, marking the rise of the Feminist Gothic genre. Charlotte Bront? uses the moon and its light to symbolize matriarchal guiding forces, asserting the importance of Jané finding such a figure to establish her identity in a patriarchal society. This is a subversion of the status quo and highlights female anxiety and the feeling of being trapped through marriage.

The narrative also reveals that Bront? was not satisfied with 19th-century society being unprepared for such feminist representation. By incorporating gothic elements, she seamlessly integrates her feminist perspective into the narrative, leaving a profound social commentary. This novel has served as an inspiration for many female contemporary writers, including Angela Carter’s “Bloody Chamber” (1979), which further explores the intersection of gothic and feminist themes.

Racism in Gothic Literature: A Critical Perspective

Apart from its feminist undertones, Jane Eyre also reflects the racist attitudes prevalent in its time. Bertha Mason, the 'madwoman in the attic,' is from the Caribbean, and her madness is insinuated to be a result of her cultural background. Similarly, in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (1818), Safie’s father, a Muslim Turk, is portrayed as a threat, reflecting the prejudiced racial opinions of the time.

These portrayals reveal a critical perspective on the biases and prejudices that shaped the narratives of the 19th century. Jane Eyre not only criticizes the societal norms but also highlights the need for social and racial equality.

Conclusion and Legacy of Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre represents a transcendental masterpiece that fits within various genres, making it a milestone in Gothic literature. Furthermore, it is a bildungsroman, a genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. Charlotte Bront?'s use of gothic, feminist, and romantic elements creates a narrative that is not only emotionally intense but also socially relevant. The novel has had several film adaptations, further cementing its place in literary history.

Let us return to the words of the 18th-century political thinker, Edmund Burke: “Whatever is fitted in any sort to excite the ideas of pain and danger, that is to say, whatever is in any sort terrible, or is conversant about terrible objects, or operates in a manner analogous to terror, is a source of the sublime.” Burke’s definition captures the essence of Gothic literature and perfectly encapsulates the elements present in Charlotte Bront?’s Jane Eyre.

Bibliography:

Jane Eyre, Summary, Characters, Analysis, Facts Bathos, Sentiment: Interpreting Sublime Imagery in Jane Eyre Bildungsroman - Wikipedia Amy Sophiamehr’s Sublimely Gothic Podcasts

Note: The image collage referenced above is from the Octagon Theatre performance of Jane Eyre in October 2019.