young age.
PLOT OF JANE EYRE
presents: Jane Eyre: A Plot Summary /watch?v=2wavPu4r5TI
MAJOR THEMES &CONFLICTS
Critics consider the text to be ahead of its time because of the
characterization of the female protagonist, Jane.
SYNTHESIS OF CRITICISM
Kirkus Review, “Jane: A Modern Romantic Retelling of Jane Eyre.” Review published Sept. 15, 2010. Viewed Feb. 12. 2013. Web.
Rochester locks her in the attic of his house. She repeatedly breaks out and tries to kill
Jane and Rochester. Eventually kills herself by setting fire to Thornfield Manor. Mrs. Alice Fairfax: Housekeeper of Thornfield Manor. Elderly widow. She keeps an eye on both Jane and Mr. Rochester.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Adèle Varens: Daughter of Rochester’s French mistress. Rochester takes her in as his ward when her mother dies. Jane becomes her governess. Very excitable.
CONTEXT
Originally published as Jane Eyre: An Autobiography in 1847 under the male pen name “Currer Bell”.
Best seller in 1847.
The novel contains elements of social criticism and explores classism, sexuality, religion and feminism.
Blanche Ingram: Rich socialite who tries to marry Mr. Rochester. Rochester flirts
with her to make Jane jealous. St. John Rivers: He and his sisters take Jane in after she leaves Rochester. An extremely moral, duty-bound Christian man. In love with Rosamond Oliver, but decides to marry Jane instead because she’d make a better wife for him as a missionary in India. Turns out to be Jane’s cousin. John Eyre: Rich uncle of Jane and the Rivers siblings. Tries to adopt Jane after her parents’ deaths, but is stopped by the Reeds. Leaen he dies. Helen Burns: Jane’s school friend. A devout Christian. Dies of consumption at a
Edward Rochester: Dark and broody master of Thornfield Manor. Has one previous
wife he keeps locked in the attic. Falls in love with Jane and attempts to marry her. Is disfigured and blinded by Bertha Mason. Byronic hero. Bertha Mason: Rochester’s first wife via arranged marriage. She is insane and
Upholding Moral Convictions Searching for home and family Trying to be an independent woman in a male-driven world Navigating between social/moral obligation and passion
JANE EYRE
By Charlotte Brontë
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jane Eyre: orphaned as a child she’s sent to live with her abusive aunt and cousins (the Reeds). Later in life, becomes a governess to Mr. Rochester’s ward, Adè le. Falls in love with Mr. Rochester. Opinionated, independent, and very moral.