Understanding the Gothic Elements in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

05.16.2023 // By Tome Tailor

Charlotte Bronte’s seminal work, Jane Eyre, is not only a classic of Victorian literature, but it also has fascinating elements of gothic fiction. Published in 1847, the novel narrates the tale of an orphan, Jane, who grows up to become a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. Throughout the novel, several gothic elements are apparent, which make the story incredibly captivating and intense.

In this article, we will explore the different ways in which Charlotte Bronte incorporated gothic elements into Jane Eyre, emphasizing the dark and supernatural atmosphere, eerie settings, and psychological torment suffered by the characters.

An Atmosphere Shrouded in Darkness and the Supernatural

One of the most prominent features of gothic fiction is the presence of a dark and malevolent atmosphere, often involving elements of the supernatural. In Jane Eyre, this is evident from the very beginning when young Jane is locked in the Red Room after an altercation with her cousin John Reed. The Red Room is described as a mysterious, haunted place where Jane’s uncle had died, and she is terrified by her own imagination, believing that she sees her uncle’s ghost.

Throughout the novel, Jane continuously encounters mysterious occurrences and eerie events that suggest supernatural forces at work. For example, the mysterious laughter she hears at Thornfield, which is later revealed to be Bertha Mason, Mr. Rochester’s secret wife imprisoned in the attic. Additionally, Jane experiences prophetic dreams and communicates with Mr. Rochester through telepathy, further fueling the sense of the supernatural.

These dark and mysterious elements in the atmosphere of the novel serve primarily to heighten the tension and underscore the psychological struggles faced by the characters, most notably Jane and Mr. Rochester.

Eerie Settings and Melancholic Landscapes

Gothic literature often involves eerie, isolated, and decrepit environments, which function to heighten the feelings of fear, mystery, and apprehension. In Jane Eyre, the primary setting of the novel is the gloomy Thornfield Hall, an imposing and mysterious place described as a “dark, low, and ancient” building with a “narrow, winding approach”.

Thornfield Hall embodies many of the characteristics of a traditional gothic setting, with its secret rooms, hidden passageways, and the haunting presence of Bertha Mason. The house itself seems to possess an inherent menace, and at times, it seems as if Thornfield is a malevolent force that seeks to manipulate and torment the characters.

Apart from Thornfield Hall, the novel is also abundant with melancholic landscapes that further enhance the gothic elements. This is particularly evident in the dreary and wild moors surrounding the house, which are mentioned several times throughout the novel. The desolate and harsh landscapes complement the dark, foreboding atmosphere and serve as a metaphor for the turmoil faced by the characters.

Psychological Torment and Emotional Turmoil

Characters in gothic fiction often experience deep psychological torment and emotional turmoil, which is reflected in their actions and relationships with others. In Jane Eyre, both the protagonist, Jane, and her employer, Mr. Rochester, face tremendous internal conflict and suffer greatly as a result.

Jane struggles with her self-identity and yearns for a sense of belonging, as she faces discrimination and maltreatment from various individuals in her life, including her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, and her hypocritical headmaster, Mr. Brocklehurst. Additionally, her moral conscience is challenged when she discovers Mr. Rochester’s dark secret and must decide whether to stay with him or follow her principles.

Similarly, Mr. Rochester is a man haunted by his past and tormented by his actions. He lives with the immense guilt and shame of imprisoning his mentally unstable wife, Bertha Mason, and attempts to atone for his sins by attempting to develop a relationship with Jane, believing her purity and goodness can redeem him.

These psychological struggles enhance the gothic tone of the novel by providing a depth to the characters and exploring themes of morality, love, and redemption.

Conclusion

In summary, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is rich in gothic elements that contribute to the dark and intense atmosphere that pervades the novel. The presence of the supernatural, eerie settings, and psychological torment experienced by the characters makes Jane Eyre a fascinating study in gothic fiction. These elements enhance the characters’ depth and the novel’s themes, creating a captivating and timeless work of literature.

If you haven’t read or listened to Jane Eyre yet, now is the time to dive into this immersive gothic tale. Click here to buy it on Amazon and begin your journey through the mysterious world of Thornfield Hall.

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