Literary Allusions:
* Shakespeare:
* The title "Jane Eyre" itself echoes the structure of Shakespearean plays, like "Hamlet" or "Othello".
* Jane's repeated questioning of "Who am I?" is reminiscent of Hamlet's famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be."
* The line "Reader, I married him" echoes the famous "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves" from Julius Caesar.
* The Bible:
* The motif of "fallen women" like Bertha Mason reflects the biblical story of Eve's fall from grace.
* Jane's journey of self-discovery and her eventual finding of happiness parallels the biblical stories of redemption and salvation.
* The recurring themes of God's will and the importance of faith reflect the influence of Christian values.
* Romantic Poetry:
* The novel's depiction of nature and its powerful connection to Jane's emotional states is reminiscent of Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.
* Jane's yearning for freedom and her passion for self-expression mirror the Romantic spirit of rebellion against societal norms.
* Gothic Literature:
* The setting of Thornfield Hall, with its dark secrets and mysterious atmosphere, recalls classic gothic novels like "Wuthering Heights."
* The presence of Bertha Mason, the mad woman in the attic, and the haunting atmosphere of the house create a sense of gothic suspense.
Historical Allusions:
* Victorian Society: The novel reflects the social injustices and rigid class structure of Victorian England, particularly regarding women's rights and the treatment of the poor.
* Industrial Revolution: The contrasting lifestyles of Jane and Rochester, with Jane experiencing poverty and hardship while Rochester enjoys wealth and privilege, reflect the social disparities created by the Industrial Revolution.
Mythological Allusions:
* Greek Mythology: Jane's struggles with her own identity and her yearning for love and freedom echo the themes of Greek myths like Orpheus and Eurydice.
* Roman Mythology: The name "Rochester" alludes to the Roman city of Rochester, known for its Roman legacy, implying a sense of historical weight and power.
Symbolic Allusions:
* The Fire: The recurring motif of fire, from the burning of Gateshead to the fire in Thornfield, symbolizes both destruction and renewal, mirroring Jane's own internal struggles and transformations.
* The Red Room: The claustrophobic, oppressive space of the red room symbolizes Jane's childhood experiences of neglect and abuse, highlighting the power dynamics within the family.
These are just a few of the many allusions in Jane Eyre. By understanding these references, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the novel's complexities, its social commentary, and its enduring relevance.