Chapters 8-10
Page: 64
Quote: "It was to be decided whether the result of my curiosity and lawless devices would cause the death of two of my fellow beings"
Although Mary Shelley did not physically create a monster, this emotion of guilt may also drag her down. She may feel like she failed as a wife and mother for the deaths of her family.
Page: 65
Quote: "But I do not pretend that my protestations should acquit me; I rest my innocence on a plain and simple explanation of the facts with have been adduced against me"
As Justine is trying to clear her reputation, Mary Shelley may internally be trying to clear her conscience as well.
Page: 66
Quote: "I beg permission to have a few witnesses examined concerning my character, and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed guilt, I must be condemned"
Shelley's experience may not mirror this scene, however, it most likely reflects the agitation of not being able to control her destiny and take control of her life.
Page: 67
Quote: "She was warmly attached to the child who is now dead and acted towards him like a most affectionate mother"
This could reflect Shelley's guilt and blame for not being able to protect her child from death.
Page: 67
Quote: "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine"
Shelley blames herself for the deaths in her family and must live on Earth with no one to console her and comfort her during such tragic times.
Page: 68
Quote: "But she had confessed"
Justine confessed to take control over her destiny. Likewise, Shelley must feel like her life is out of control and feels like she standing on thin ice herself.
Page: 69
Quote: "I soon shall see you again in heaven, where we shall all be happy"
Justine's confession and acceptance of death my reveal Shelley's unconscious hope of dying someday soon as well.
Page: 70
Quote: 'I wish,' cried she 'that I were to die with you'
Each character is a piece of Shelley and her struggles; Elizabeth represents her unconscious maternal guilt.
Page: 71
Quote: "I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts"
Victor struggles with the guilt of not being there to protect these children from death as Mary Shelley regrets being unable to protect her own as well. Both feel like they failed to fulfill their duties.
Page: 72
Quote: "The blood flowed freely in my veins, but a weight of despair and remorse pressed on my heart which nothing could remove"
The "I" of Shelley talking. True emotions felt after the death of her babies and husband.
Page: 73
Quote: "I was now free"
Shelley's desire to free herself from darkness and death. She wants to live in happiness instead of despair.
Page: 73
Quote: "I was tempte to plunge into the silent lake that the waters might close over me and my calamities forever. But I was restrained when I thought of the heroic and suffering Elizabeth"
Like Victor, Shelley held back from suicide in respect to the rest of her family left because each of them lost someone as well.
Page: 73
Quote: "I had been the author of unalterable evils, and I lived in daily fear lest the monster whom I had created should penetrate new wickedness"
From this quote it seems as if the monster is compared to God. Shelley fears her future includes more tragedies.
Page: 74
Quote: "I no longer see the world and its works as they before appeared to me"
Shelley must have experienced the same train of thought when she wrote a science fiction novel during such times.
Page: 75
Quote: "And could not the tenderness of friendship, nor the beauty of Earth, nor of heaven, could redeem my soul from woe; the very accents of love were ineffectual"
While reading this I do not picture and Elizabeth, but Shelley and her husband. It seems as if this describes their relationship after they lost their babies.
Page: 80
Quote: "He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution"
This is the battle of Shelley's mind. The irrational monster and the rational Victor. Freud's theory of the id and ego.
Page: 81
Quote: "Begone, vile insect"
Shelley's inner turmoil. It's her struggle between her conscious and her self-hatred speaking.
Page: 81
Quote: "Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery"
Shelley is torn. She unconsciously blames the deaths on herself and one side is trying to sooth her while the other is guilt ridden.
Page: 82
Quote: "I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend"
Shelley's cry for happiness. She is alone and lost everything she had. The monser's depressions mirrors the grievances of her own heart.
Page: 83
Quote: "I weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at least to listen to his tale"
Her rational consciousness acting to put aside her miseries to seek closure on the tragedies of her life is represented through this scene.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Psychoanalytic Application of Shelley's Frankenstein
Psychoanalytical Application of Shelley’s Frankenstein
Mary Shelley lived a tragic life surrounded by death and despair. Not only did she lose her mother at a young age, but after fleeing from her father and step-mother, lost three of her four children at infancy and her beloved husband. It was a result of these tragic events that the motivation to write the novel, Frankenstein, originated. After studying the tragic life of Mary Shelley and analyzing her literature, one can discover a great amount of interpretation is necessary to understand the true meaning of the novel. Her novel is filled with events and characters that reflect her subconsciously. Psychoanalysts view her book as proof to their theories about the struggle between the unconscious and conscious thoughts of the dual human mind.
The most obvious connection between Shelley and her novel is the played out events of Victor Frankenstein’s life in comparison to her own. Shelley lost her entire family to various deaths where Victor’s entire family and loved ones were killed off. Both lost their mother at a young age which reflects Shelley’s desire for a mother figure in her life. Victor’s father never remarried unconsciously showing readers she did not approve of her fathers remarriage to her careless step mother. Throughout her novel, it is apparent that Victor blames the death of his loved ones on his selfish ambition to create life through science. With so much stress presented on this theme, a reader may assume that Shelley feels responsible for the deaths in her life as well. She obviously did not create a monster to murder her family, however, she may feel there was more she could have done as a mother, wife, and daughter to protect her family. No doubt Shelley was struggling internally as the battles of her conscious are reflected through Victor and his monster.
The monster and Victor play a massive role in the revelation of Mary Shelley’s conscious. The characters show her battle between her conscious and unconscious state of mind. Clearly the monster is the irrational side and Victor is the rational part of her mind. The monster trots around Earth fiery with the rage for being isolated on Earth whereas Victor travels through life with silent, bitterness for his mistakes and consequences. It is unlikely that Mary Shelley intentionally constructed her novel to show such connections, but like Freud believes, we act unconsciously most of the time. She unknowingly engaged herself in writing a catharsis of her life.
Interestingly, Frankenstein was one of the first science fiction novels written during that time period. The era in which Shelley lived was that of the Victorian, romantic, and enlightened genres. Her desire to create a science fiction novel and replace the God’s greatest gift of life with science shows her lack of faith in religion. She unconsciously reveals her lack of faith through the course of events in Victor’s life. As a result of losing everything and everyone she loved, no doubt she would question the existence of a higher being and turn toward the factual life of science. When countless tragic events affect one person, it is hard to maintain a spiritual life which one can see through her literature.
With Mary Shelley nearly family-less and temporarily faithless as well, what keeps her from committing the ultimate sin of suicide? She unconsciously answers this question in her novel as well. After the conviction of young Justine for the murder of William, Victor questions his actions and his life. In the midst of considering this escape, he thinks of his beloved family left on Earth and disregards his selfish thought. Putting ourselves in Mary Shelley’s shoes while she was writing Frankenstein, she had lost most of her family, but not all. One child remained alive. If Mary Shelley committed suicide to rid herself of her miseries, she would place her child in a worse position than she was as he will have no mother, father, or siblings. Through this, Shelley succeeded in being the mother she was not for her other three children.
Mary Shelley may not have intended for her novel to be a mirror of her emotions and thoughts, however, as Sigmund Freud has said, humans are motivated by their unconscious. We as a race relate our inner turmoil to everything around us. By creating a science fiction novel full of tragic events and conflicting emotions, readers can see straight into the heart and mind of the authors like Shelley. If she had not had such a tragic and upsetting life, her novel would most likely have been another typical romance or Victorian style piece of literature. Through researching psychoanalytical criticisms, Shelley’s novel undoubtedly helps prove Freud’s theory that the human mind acts primarily through the unconscious.
Mary Shelley lived a tragic life surrounded by death and despair. Not only did she lose her mother at a young age, but after fleeing from her father and step-mother, lost three of her four children at infancy and her beloved husband. It was a result of these tragic events that the motivation to write the novel, Frankenstein, originated. After studying the tragic life of Mary Shelley and analyzing her literature, one can discover a great amount of interpretation is necessary to understand the true meaning of the novel. Her novel is filled with events and characters that reflect her subconsciously. Psychoanalysts view her book as proof to their theories about the struggle between the unconscious and conscious thoughts of the dual human mind.
The most obvious connection between Shelley and her novel is the played out events of Victor Frankenstein’s life in comparison to her own. Shelley lost her entire family to various deaths where Victor’s entire family and loved ones were killed off. Both lost their mother at a young age which reflects Shelley’s desire for a mother figure in her life. Victor’s father never remarried unconsciously showing readers she did not approve of her fathers remarriage to her careless step mother. Throughout her novel, it is apparent that Victor blames the death of his loved ones on his selfish ambition to create life through science. With so much stress presented on this theme, a reader may assume that Shelley feels responsible for the deaths in her life as well. She obviously did not create a monster to murder her family, however, she may feel there was more she could have done as a mother, wife, and daughter to protect her family. No doubt Shelley was struggling internally as the battles of her conscious are reflected through Victor and his monster.
The monster and Victor play a massive role in the revelation of Mary Shelley’s conscious. The characters show her battle between her conscious and unconscious state of mind. Clearly the monster is the irrational side and Victor is the rational part of her mind. The monster trots around Earth fiery with the rage for being isolated on Earth whereas Victor travels through life with silent, bitterness for his mistakes and consequences. It is unlikely that Mary Shelley intentionally constructed her novel to show such connections, but like Freud believes, we act unconsciously most of the time. She unknowingly engaged herself in writing a catharsis of her life.
Interestingly, Frankenstein was one of the first science fiction novels written during that time period. The era in which Shelley lived was that of the Victorian, romantic, and enlightened genres. Her desire to create a science fiction novel and replace the God’s greatest gift of life with science shows her lack of faith in religion. She unconsciously reveals her lack of faith through the course of events in Victor’s life. As a result of losing everything and everyone she loved, no doubt she would question the existence of a higher being and turn toward the factual life of science. When countless tragic events affect one person, it is hard to maintain a spiritual life which one can see through her literature.
With Mary Shelley nearly family-less and temporarily faithless as well, what keeps her from committing the ultimate sin of suicide? She unconsciously answers this question in her novel as well. After the conviction of young Justine for the murder of William, Victor questions his actions and his life. In the midst of considering this escape, he thinks of his beloved family left on Earth and disregards his selfish thought. Putting ourselves in Mary Shelley’s shoes while she was writing Frankenstein, she had lost most of her family, but not all. One child remained alive. If Mary Shelley committed suicide to rid herself of her miseries, she would place her child in a worse position than she was as he will have no mother, father, or siblings. Through this, Shelley succeeded in being the mother she was not for her other three children.
Mary Shelley may not have intended for her novel to be a mirror of her emotions and thoughts, however, as Sigmund Freud has said, humans are motivated by their unconscious. We as a race relate our inner turmoil to everything around us. By creating a science fiction novel full of tragic events and conflicting emotions, readers can see straight into the heart and mind of the authors like Shelley. If she had not had such a tragic and upsetting life, her novel would most likely have been another typical romance or Victorian style piece of literature. Through researching psychoanalytical criticisms, Shelley’s novel undoubtedly helps prove Freud’s theory that the human mind acts primarily through the unconscious.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Psychoanalytic Criticism Background
Psychoanalytic Criticism of FrankensteinPsychoanalysis can roughly be defined through the comparison between a literary novel and a dream. Both are fictional yet based on reality and must be interpreted to discover the true meaning that lies within. By explaining that “terrifying novels and nightmares affect us much in the same way, plunging us into an atmosphere that continues to cling, even after the last chapter has been read—or the alarm clock has sounded” Sigmund Freud constructed his famous psychoanalytical ideas. Fr
eud believes that it is natural to connect the effects of literature to the mental effect of a dream. Literature is a production of the unconscious mind with which dreams are also created. To understand psychoanalytic criticisms, one must be acquainted with Sigmund Freud’s ideas and theories. He believes that human ambition, from both men and women, derive from primarily the unconscious. He also believes there are two sides to the human mind: the rational, conscious “I” and the irrational, unconscious “it.” At one time or another, all human beings have acted as a result of ego, irrationality, unconscious desires, and social complexes. Some of these states of being are reflected in his other famous theory that assumes children compete with their parent of the same sex for the attention of their parent of the opposite sex. His theories may seem far-fetched and uncanny, however, Sigmund Freud is the epitome of psychoanalysis. Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, is an obvious target for a psychoanalytic
criticism once people realize the author lost her mother, husband, and three out of four of her babies. Her existence was surrounded by death and despair, as was the life of the protagonist in her novel, Victor Frankenstein. Critics feel her novel also reflected her complicated family life and the possibility of oedipal conflicts within her own relationships (Oedipal refers to the theory of child competition with a parent figure). In the novel, Victor Frankenstein produces a life which is believed to be the replacement of his dead mother. Likewise, these turn of events may reveal the inner hopes of Mary Shelley to bring a beloved back to life.
eud believes that it is natural to connect the effects of literature to the mental effect of a dream. Literature is a production of the unconscious mind with which dreams are also created. To understand psychoanalytic criticisms, one must be acquainted with Sigmund Freud’s ideas and theories. He believes that human ambition, from both men and women, derive from primarily the unconscious. He also believes there are two sides to the human mind: the rational, conscious “I” and the irrational, unconscious “it.” At one time or another, all human beings have acted as a result of ego, irrationality, unconscious desires, and social complexes. Some of these states of being are reflected in his other famous theory that assumes children compete with their parent of the same sex for the attention of their parent of the opposite sex. His theories may seem far-fetched and uncanny, however, Sigmund Freud is the epitome of psychoanalysis. Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, is an obvious target for a psychoanalytic
criticism once people realize the author lost her mother, husband, and three out of four of her babies. Her existence was surrounded by death and despair, as was the life of the protagonist in her novel, Victor Frankenstein. Critics feel her novel also reflected her complicated family life and the possibility of oedipal conflicts within her own relationships (Oedipal refers to the theory of child competition with a parent figure). In the novel, Victor Frankenstein produces a life which is believed to be the replacement of his dead mother. Likewise, these turn of events may reveal the inner hopes of Mary Shelley to bring a beloved back to life.Thursday, October 2, 2008
ALLUSIONS
The Fall
In the beginning, God created all. He created a garden called Eden, and in this garden he created man. The first man created was named Adam. In this garden, God created each and every animal, and allowed Adam to give them names. Adam was allowed to eat whatever he wanted from this garden, except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eventually, God created a mate for Adam, her name was Eve. For a short time Adam and Eve were obedient and obeyed God’s wishes and commands. After some time, a serpent talked Eve into trying fruit from the tree. She foolishly listened to the serpent and ate some. When Adam saw Eve eating the fruit, he ate some as well. They were punished for their disobedience, and that they must live by hard work, and eventually will die. They were driven from the garden and not allowed to return. God then doomed them and their descendents to encounter death.
In the beginning, God created all. He created a garden called Eden, and in this garden he created man. The first man created was named Adam. In this garden, God created each and every animal, and allowed Adam to give them names. Adam was allowed to eat whatever he wanted from this garden, except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eventually, God created a mate for Adam, her name was Eve. For a short time Adam and Eve were obedient and obeyed God’s wishes and commands. After some time, a serpent talked Eve into trying fruit from the tree. She foolishly listened to the serpent and ate some. When Adam saw Eve eating the fruit, he ate some as well. They were punished for their disobedience, and that they must live by hard work, and eventually will die. They were driven from the garden and not allowed to return. God then doomed them and their descendents to encounter death.
The Flood
God noticed how wicked the world had become and decided to wipe mankind off of the face of the Earth. However, God favored one man named Noah. God ordered Noah to build an arc that would be designed for himself as well as his family; because he would be flooding the entire world. God then ordered Noah to make the Arc big enough so that he could bring along two of every kind of animal (male and female), as well as every kind of fruit so that everyone would have enough food for the amount of forty days and forty nights. Noah reluctantly built the arc, and loaded it with everything God told him to. The arc eventually came to rest on the mountains of Ararat after the waters had receded. They were allowed to exit the arc after an entire year, and God promised that he would never again flood the entire Earth. As a sign of everlasting promise, God created the rainbow to symbolize peace.
The Creation
The theory that the Lord created both plant and animal life to be tested. It is believed that life on Earth began in the sacred place of the Garden of Eden where he created and placed both Adam and Eve. These were the first two people ever on Earth. They had to commandments to follow, one being not to eat from the good and evil tree, however, Eve failed to follow the commandment and at the apple. Thus comes the fall.
The Mark of Cain
Cain was the eldest son of Adam, his younger brother was named Abel. Cain was extremely envious of his brother Abel, and in an act of revenge and fury, murdered his younger sibling. God then asked Cain where Abel was. Cain replied "I do not know, I am not his keeper." God then realized that Cain had murdered Abel, which then labeled him as the world’s first murderer. Cain was then banished, and placed in exile. A curse was also put upon Cain. God put a mark upon him, so that no one would harm him.
Lot and His Wife
When God discovered that the men in Sodom tried to rape two of his angels, Lot and his family were the only people to survive the wrath of the Lord. The angels advised the family to run as far as they could without looking back, but Lot wished to go as far as the next town known as Zoar. However, while fleeing Sodom, Lot’s wife looked back at the evil city, and with doing so, God turned her into a pillar of salt. Yet, Lot committed the same false action as his wife but was not punished.
Sodom and Gomorrah
Sodom is a city where a man named Lot lives. Gomorrah is a city located near Sodom. The people living in Sodom were wicked. Seeing this; God ordered two angels to destroy the two towns. The two angels [disguised as two travelers] were invited to stay the night in Lot’s house. That night, the men and boys of Sodom went to Lot’s house so that the two travelers could entertain them. However, Lot tried to keep the towns people from disturbing his guests. The angered townspeople then tried to attack Lot and his guests, but the angels protected themselves as well as Lot and his family. After this, the angels revealed themselves to Lot. The angels then told Lot that the city would be destroyed in the morning, and ordered him to take his family outside of the city so that they would not be hurt. They were told not to look back at the city as they escaped. However Lot’s wife was curious. She looked back and was instantly turned into salt.
The Nativity
This represents the birth of Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospels. Jesus was the son of Mary who maritally belong to Joseph and was a relative to the King David. His birth was miraculous in the sense that he was conceived through Holy spirits and not through the mortal man, or Joseph. Mary was still a virgin when she became pregnant which is impossible unless conceived through Holy spirits like baby Jesus. The birth of Jesus also represents the completion of the prophecies.
Lazarus
Jesus had close friends, their names were Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus often visited their home. One day, Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus had was sick. Jesus did not go straight to visit him, and during this time, Lazarus died. When Jesus finally went to go visit Lazarus and his sisters, Martha ran out of the house and blamed Lazarus for Jesus’ death. Jesus told her that her brother would rise again; yet he was talking about resurrection at the end of time. Jesus then asked Martha if she believed, she replied yes. Then Mary came out of the house, and told Jesus that if he would have been at the house, Lazarus would not have died. They then went to the cave in which Lazarus had been buried. Jesus prayed to God, and then said, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus then came out of the cave, wrapped in strips of linen and cloth. Jesus then said, "take off the linen, and go home."
The Crucifixion
Some of the Jewish leaders hated Jesus because he condemned their sins. They didn’t want to believe what Jesus preached. They did not approve of the great crowds that listened and followed Jesus, and eventually decided to get rid of Him by having him Crucified. The Jews took Jesus to Pilate, and put pressure on the Roman Governor to have Jesus killed by Crucifiction. Jesus’ cross was laid across the ground while he was nailed there by his hands and feet. Mercifully, Jesus only survived a few hours on the cross. Even with all the pain Jesus endured, he thought of others rather than Himself. His first words from the cross were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
The Denial
After Jesus’ last supper, he and his disciples went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus predicted that that night, before the rooster crows, peter would deny him three times. However, Peter replied that he would rather die than deny him. The other disciples of Jesus agreed. Later that night, the disciples were put through an intense test to see who would be mentally prepared to support the Lord during Jesus’ time of suffering. However, after the seized Jesus, Peter was questioned three times if he was a disciple of Jesus. Along with the questioning, Peter proved Jesus to be correct, and denied him three times. Immediately after the denial, a rooster crowed.
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by his disciple Judas Iscariot. At the Last Supper, Jesus mysteriously announces that one of his twelve disciples will betray him. Each man denies it, however Jesus already knows who the disciple will be. That night, Jesus is praying in a garden, when an armed crowd led by Judas approaches him. In a prearranged signal, Judas kisses Jesus so that the crowd would know who Jesus is.
David and Goliath
The Philistines and the Israelites were going to fight each other in war. The camp of the Philistines and the camp of the Israelites were on completely opposite sides of the valley. A giant emerged out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath. He wore heavy armor, so that no sword or spear could hurt him. He called out to the Israelites, to send out a man for him to fight, and if the man kills him, then the Philistines would serve the Israelites as slaves, but if Goliath were to kill the man, then the Israelites would serve the Philistines. When the men of Israel heard these words, they were greatly frightened, none of them believed that they could kill Goliath. David was taking care of his father’s sheep at Bethlehem when he was advised to take food and ask how the war was coming along. David appeared and went out to talk to his brothers who were preparing for battle when once again, Goliath spoke the same words he had previously. The Israel men fled in fear, yet David wanted to fight against Goliath. David accepted no armor, and took with him only five smooth stones. Goliath did not take David seriously, however David was able to defeat Goliath without a sword or a spear, simply by using a sling shot and a pebble.
Buddha/Buddhism
Buddhism is considered both philosophy and religion. Buddhism is based upon the teachings of the Indian prince named Siddhartha Guatama. It is said that during his birth celebrations, a seer predicted that Siddhartha would become either a great holy man, or a great king. Upon hearing the seer’s visioin, Siddhartha’s father hoped that his son would become a great king, and therefore shielded his son from any form of religious teaching of knowledge of a greater being. Siddhartha eventually married and had a son. Siddhartha and his family were provided with everything they could ever want or need, making him feel dissatisfied and troubled. Eventually, Siddhartha Guatama was escorted on four visits outside of his abundant palace. On these four visits, he came across an old crippled man, a sick man, a dead body, and an ascetic. These sights opened him to a new feeling in which he had never experienced, seeing that he had never been introduced to the pain and suffering in which humanity endures. Siddhartha then recognized the reality of death and suffering, as well as the nature of human existence. After this lifechanging experience, Siddhartha decided to abandon his old life as a great king, and become a monk, to seek a solution to an end of suffering. He eventually came up with the idea of Middle Way, which is a huge Buddhist idea in both Buddhist thought and practice.
Golgotha
Golgotha is the biblical name for where Jesus was crucified. Although the exact location of Golgotha is unsure, it is said to have been a small hill just outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem. There are two clues provided in the New Testament giving off the location of the mysterious Golgotha spot. One was "Outside the city gate", while the other indicated that the site was near a road that carried lots of foot traffic. Golgotha is a name derived from the Aramic world "gulgulta", which means "place of the skull." Once again, people are unsure of why Golgotha was called the "place of skull", since the gospels don’t exactly specify why the unique name was given. However, it is suggested that the site was on a hill or near a rock that seemed as if it was sculpted into a human skull.
The Prodigal Son
There once was a man with two sons. The younger of the two sons asked his father for a share of the father’s money. The father then provided his estate between his two sons. While the younger son set off for a distant country and began a new lifestyle, the older son lived at home, worked in the fields, and cared for his father. Not long after the son spent everything he owned, a severe famine took over the entire country. He then was forced to work and feed pigs. When the young man realized he was being treated unfairly, he realized how foolish he was to leave home with his father’s money, and carelessly spend it. When the younger son reached home, he told his father how he sinned against him, and was no longer worthy to be considered his son. The father quickly ordered his best robe to be put upon his young son, and kill a calf to prepare for an enormous welcoming meal. When the older son returned from working in the field, he became angry to see how joyful his father was at the return of his brother, who had done nothing but cause anguish to the family and run away. The father then rushed outside to speak to his eldest son. When asked why the father was so reluctant in welcoming the younger son back, the father replied, "We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
Revelations
The revelations are the conclusions to the Scriptures that explain each event that contributes to the creation of human history. It can be interpreted to lay out what our future has in store for us, including a possible speculation on how the world will someday end. It reveals a timeline from beginning to end of life and faith on Earth. Whereas, some believe its purpose of creation is to simply teach the basic principles of spiritual faith and moral. It provides comfort that as long as we make our decisions in the eyes of the Lord we will be victorious for the Lord Jesus Christ is always victorious.
Jonah and the whale
Jonah tried to flee to the sea in order to steal away from the presence of the Lord. While trying to flee to Tarshish on ship, the Lord sent a mighty wind through the sea that could nearly have broken the ship. All the mariners, afraid for their lives, prayed to the Lord for mercy while Jonah slept nonchalantly. The mariners were distraught to find such an evil spirit amongst them and decided to throw Jonah off their ship hoping to cease the wrath of the sea. When thrown into sea, Jonah swallowed up for three days, began to pray to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy. With this actions, the all forgiving Lord, released Jonah from the sea beast and allowed him to go to safety on land.
Sampson and Delilah
Sampson, a leader of Israel, fell in love with the young woman of Philistine, Delilah. She was offered money to lead this man on, discover the secret of his strength, and have her people overpower him. She asked him how he could be tied up securely, and he would repeatedly lie to her and save himself and his secret. Finally he told her the truth that his head could be shaved and his power would leave him, and to his surprise, it became true. He was captured, sent to prison, and treated like a monkey as he performed for the people of Philistine when they wished. Until one day, he grabbed a hold of the temple pillar and with the strength of the Lord, the temple toppled a top of him and other ruthless Philistines. Sampson’s revenge was final.
Moses and the flight from slavery in Egypt
Moses was forced to flee from Egypt as he defended Israelites from his Egyptian master who later died. After forty years, God returned to Moses through the burning bush and advised him to return to his homeland in Egypt. His mission was to help release the Israelites from captivity and take them to the land of Canaan. While the Pharaoh of Egypt refused to follow the commandments of the Lord presented to him by Moses, he was warned that by night all the Egyptians would be destroyed and the Israelites saved. The Israelites were told to kill and lamb and spread its blood along their door posts to signify who they were. The next coming morning, the eldest child of each Egyptian family lie dead leaving the Egyptians no choice but to flee Egypt and leave the Israelites with peace.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
ENTRY 30
Quote: "My uncle John was your uncle John? You, Diana and Mary, are his sister's children; as I am his brother's child?" (387).
Reflection: A crazy twist has just been thrown into the plot of Jane Eyre. The news of death of the River's uncle John is connected to Jane Eyre's dead uncle John of Madeira. The inheritance that went to the other side of the family because of the Rivers' father's quarrel with this Uncle John actually went to Jane Eyre. So basically, Jane received the inheritance St. John and his sisters were supposed to inherit. More importantly, she realizes she has thus been living amongst family members, the only family she has ever had. Her rescuers were her cousins. No wonder she got along so well with the girls, and they had the same interests, they are blood bound. One can only imagine how Jane feels to know she has family alive and well. In one day she went from being a poor, orphan girl to a rich woman with the love of cousins surrounding her. How fate has its way of making circles. She had landed into the hands of family the night she nearly starved to death, what a small, ironic world. Now to see what Jane decides to do with her new found discoveries will be interesting. Will she stay and remain a teacher at the school or will she leave and start a new life for herself?
Reflection: A crazy twist has just been thrown into the plot of Jane Eyre. The news of death of the River's uncle John is connected to Jane Eyre's dead uncle John of Madeira. The inheritance that went to the other side of the family because of the Rivers' father's quarrel with this Uncle John actually went to Jane Eyre. So basically, Jane received the inheritance St. John and his sisters were supposed to inherit. More importantly, she realizes she has thus been living amongst family members, the only family she has ever had. Her rescuers were her cousins. No wonder she got along so well with the girls, and they had the same interests, they are blood bound. One can only imagine how Jane feels to know she has family alive and well. In one day she went from being a poor, orphan girl to a rich woman with the love of cousins surrounding her. How fate has its way of making circles. She had landed into the hands of family the night she nearly starved to death, what a small, ironic world. Now to see what Jane decides to do with her new found discoveries will be interesting. Will she stay and remain a teacher at the school or will she leave and start a new life for herself?
ENTRY 29
Quote: "Merely to tell you that your uncle, Mr. Eyre of Madeira, is dead; that he has left you all his property, and that you are now rich--merely that--nothing more" (384).
Reflection: Jane Eyre, the goddess of simplicity and dullness, is now rich with twenty thousand pounds of inheritance. The young woman who was on the brink of dying of starvation and begging around villages is now ridiculously wealthy. How this girl went from being poor with no family to being left an inheritance, and not some tiny inheritance, but a huge sum of money. Talk about luck or fate, but no doubt in my mind the Lord is on her side. A man she was never blessed with meeting cared and loved her so much to leave his life savings to her. He wanted to raise her and be her legal guardian, and if it wasn't for her selfish aunt she my have had that very priviledge. Her aunt did not want Jane to succeed or prosper without her, her aunt wanted to do whatever she could to cripple Jane from success and especially wealth. It is unfortunate that she could not meet, know, or even thank her uncle for his generosity and love for her. But now she has the rest of her life to be grateful for what he has done for his young niece.
Reflection: Jane Eyre, the goddess of simplicity and dullness, is now rich with twenty thousand pounds of inheritance. The young woman who was on the brink of dying of starvation and begging around villages is now ridiculously wealthy. How this girl went from being poor with no family to being left an inheritance, and not some tiny inheritance, but a huge sum of money. Talk about luck or fate, but no doubt in my mind the Lord is on her side. A man she was never blessed with meeting cared and loved her so much to leave his life savings to her. He wanted to raise her and be her legal guardian, and if it wasn't for her selfish aunt she my have had that very priviledge. Her aunt did not want Jane to succeed or prosper without her, her aunt wanted to do whatever she could to cripple Jane from success and especially wealth. It is unfortunate that she could not meet, know, or even thank her uncle for his generosity and love for her. But now she has the rest of her life to be grateful for what he has done for his young niece.
ENTRY 28
Quote: "I myself have received a letter from one Mr. Briggs, a solicitor, communicating the details I have just imparted. Is it not an odd tale?" (382).
Reflection: Jane is most likely dumbfounded that the odd tale St. John just recited is the story of her life from her wicked childhood to her heartbreaking present. He does not know to the full extent and passion behind the Mr. Rochester situation, however, he knows there was something that happened that should not have. She also gets a little defensive on behalf of Mr. Rochester when St. John takes a stab at his character as a person. How did St. John so far away receive a letter about the missing Jane Eyre. How far Mr. Rochester is searching for the young lady. However, it is Mr. Briggs who sent for her and not Mr. Rochester. Why? I wonder if Mr. Rochester is waiting and searching still for Jane or if he has given up. I hope the reason behind Mr. Briggs' letter is not to reveal the death or a tragedy of Mr. Rochester himself which I am sure is the sole concern in the back of Jane's mind this very moment.
Reflection: Jane is most likely dumbfounded that the odd tale St. John just recited is the story of her life from her wicked childhood to her heartbreaking present. He does not know to the full extent and passion behind the Mr. Rochester situation, however, he knows there was something that happened that should not have. She also gets a little defensive on behalf of Mr. Rochester when St. John takes a stab at his character as a person. How did St. John so far away receive a letter about the missing Jane Eyre. How far Mr. Rochester is searching for the young lady. However, it is Mr. Briggs who sent for her and not Mr. Rochester. Why? I wonder if Mr. Rochester is waiting and searching still for Jane or if he has given up. I hope the reason behind Mr. Briggs' letter is not to reveal the death or a tragedy of Mr. Rochester himself which I am sure is the sole concern in the back of Jane's mind this very moment.
ENTRY 27
Quote: "Which is better?...to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time--for he would--oh, yes, he would have loved me well for a while. He did love me--no one will ever love me so again" (361).
Reflection: Jane is obviously still in love with Mr. Rochester and must think about him daily and ponder about whether or not she made the right decision to leave him behind. She knows Mr. Rochester loves her more than any other man could or ever will. She is not ready to let go of him completely as thoughts of him obviously comfort her and bring her both happiness with sadness. A huge part of her wishes she would have stayed to leave the country and live with him isolated in some huge mansion just the two of them. How peaceful her life would have been. Yet, she would have been morally perplexed because she does not want to live a life of sin and while Mr. Rochester's wife is living and well that's all her life would be. She may think she did the right thing, but I know that if Mr. Rochester's wife ever died, Jane would find her way back to Mr. Rochester to get married like they were supposed to.
Reflection: Jane is obviously still in love with Mr. Rochester and must think about him daily and ponder about whether or not she made the right decision to leave him behind. She knows Mr. Rochester loves her more than any other man could or ever will. She is not ready to let go of him completely as thoughts of him obviously comfort her and bring her both happiness with sadness. A huge part of her wishes she would have stayed to leave the country and live with him isolated in some huge mansion just the two of them. How peaceful her life would have been. Yet, she would have been morally perplexed because she does not want to live a life of sin and while Mr. Rochester's wife is living and well that's all her life would be. She may think she did the right thing, but I know that if Mr. Rochester's wife ever died, Jane would find her way back to Mr. Rochester to get married like they were supposed to.
ENTRY 26
Quote: "Yes; she would certainly have been found dead at the door in the morning, had she been left out all night. I wonder what she has gone through?" (341).
Reflection: Jane's stubbornness left her close to near death. She was too proud to completely beg people for food or drink or offer some sort of exchange for refreshment. She was also too proud to stay at Thornfield where she had shelter, love, and food. Fortunately, she fell upon the door step of a generous man willing to revive her to health and pick her up on her feet. If it had not been for St. John coming home late from his dead father's bed side that night, they would have opened their door to a thinned out corpse. Poor Jane probably looked like a low class beggar woman, but she is quite the opposite. Never begged once in her life, well-educated, plain but by far not a low class woman. She had held a respectable job with an exceptional background and reputation. She will most likely keep her personal life private from her rescuers for she is not the type to air her dirty laundry in public. She likes her business to be kept to herself and no one else.
Reflection: Jane's stubbornness left her close to near death. She was too proud to completely beg people for food or drink or offer some sort of exchange for refreshment. She was also too proud to stay at Thornfield where she had shelter, love, and food. Fortunately, she fell upon the door step of a generous man willing to revive her to health and pick her up on her feet. If it had not been for St. John coming home late from his dead father's bed side that night, they would have opened their door to a thinned out corpse. Poor Jane probably looked like a low class beggar woman, but she is quite the opposite. Never begged once in her life, well-educated, plain but by far not a low class woman. She had held a respectable job with an exceptional background and reputation. She will most likely keep her personal life private from her rescuers for she is not the type to air her dirty laundry in public. She likes her business to be kept to herself and no one else.
ENTRY 25
Quote: "Through that I departed: it, too, I shut; and now I was out of Thornfield" (323).
Reflection: Jane knew she had to flee Thornfield before another meeting with Mr. Rochester which would happen right in the morning when people were to be awake. She knew that any more words from him would restrain her from leaving, and she would yield to staying by his side. Although this is what she wished for and she longed to be with him married, knowing that they could never be real and true pushed her to run away. She was sad to run out on little Adele and Mrs. Fairfax, but she did not want to live a life of sin which is what would have happened if she would have stayed with Mr. Rochester. I wonder how far ahead Jane has thought out leaving Thornfield. Let me remind you that she has no friends, relatives, money, or any kind of connection. Where will she get her next meal? Job? Shilling? How is she going to survive without all these things. For her heart's sake it may be easier to leave Thornfield behind and start over, but for her life's sake she should stay and work out some kind of situation.
Reflection: Jane knew she had to flee Thornfield before another meeting with Mr. Rochester which would happen right in the morning when people were to be awake. She knew that any more words from him would restrain her from leaving, and she would yield to staying by his side. Although this is what she wished for and she longed to be with him married, knowing that they could never be real and true pushed her to run away. She was sad to run out on little Adele and Mrs. Fairfax, but she did not want to live a life of sin which is what would have happened if she would have stayed with Mr. Rochester. I wonder how far ahead Jane has thought out leaving Thornfield. Let me remind you that she has no friends, relatives, money, or any kind of connection. Where will she get her next meal? Job? Shilling? How is she going to survive without all these things. For her heart's sake it may be easier to leave Thornfield behind and start over, but for her life's sake she should stay and work out some kind of situation.
ENTRY 24
Quote: "His language was torture to me; for I knew what I must do--and do soon--and all these reminiscences, and these revelations of his feelings only made my work more difficult" (317).
Reflection: Despite the fact that Mr. Rochester was spilling his heart and soul into the ear of his young beloved, she had already made up her mind to leave him. Which is understandable because she knows she cannot legally bind herself to him which would become a tease to live day by day at his side and not be able to have him as her own. Yet, she could just stay and act as they have always as friends who love each other. She is probably not fond of the second option because she wants to marry and love and have a family. Two would be impossible with Mr. Rochester as he is already married and to do those things with him would be sinful and against the word of the Lord. The strength that young woman contains to be able to stare straight into the eye of a man she worships and refuse to be his mistress or lover. How easily it would be for her to slink back into his arms and forgive him and have comfort but she chooses to torment herself and him for what she feels is right. However, I feel that she is acting with her mind and not her heart which will hurt her in the end.
Reflection: Despite the fact that Mr. Rochester was spilling his heart and soul into the ear of his young beloved, she had already made up her mind to leave him. Which is understandable because she knows she cannot legally bind herself to him which would become a tease to live day by day at his side and not be able to have him as her own. Yet, she could just stay and act as they have always as friends who love each other. She is probably not fond of the second option because she wants to marry and love and have a family. Two would be impossible with Mr. Rochester as he is already married and to do those things with him would be sinful and against the word of the Lord. The strength that young woman contains to be able to stare straight into the eye of a man she worships and refuse to be his mistress or lover. How easily it would be for her to slink back into his arms and forgive him and have comfort but she chooses to torment herself and him for what she feels is right. However, I feel that she is acting with her mind and not her heart which will hurt her in the end.
ENTRY 23
Quote: "I said this whilst I knelt down at, and unlocked a trunk which contained a brace of loaded pistols: I meant to shoot myself" (310).
Reflection: At some point before his meeting with Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester wanted to kill himself. He was so miserable with his faulty marriage to a crazed woman set up by his father and brother that he no longer wanted to experience life. But who could blame him? His family hated him when he lived, his wife wanted to kill him, he had no one to befriend, if I were as unfortunate as he was at that time I may have considered the same solution. His future seemed to lead into a black hole of failure. He could not legally marry or find someone to spend the rest of his life with as long as that demon was still breathing in the third story room. He did not have the chance to prove himself to his father and brother who prejudiced against him for reasons unknown. I do not think anyone should take their own life no matter how distressed or hopeless their life may seem because look how Mr. Rochester's has turned out. No doubt it is kinda crappy now that he betrayed Jane, but for the time being he was happy, in love, and felt a purpose in life. He found his soul mate which everyone will at some point given the chance.
Reflection: At some point before his meeting with Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester wanted to kill himself. He was so miserable with his faulty marriage to a crazed woman set up by his father and brother that he no longer wanted to experience life. But who could blame him? His family hated him when he lived, his wife wanted to kill him, he had no one to befriend, if I were as unfortunate as he was at that time I may have considered the same solution. His future seemed to lead into a black hole of failure. He could not legally marry or find someone to spend the rest of his life with as long as that demon was still breathing in the third story room. He did not have the chance to prove himself to his father and brother who prejudiced against him for reasons unknown. I do not think anyone should take their own life no matter how distressed or hopeless their life may seem because look how Mr. Rochester's has turned out. No doubt it is kinda crappy now that he betrayed Jane, but for the time being he was happy, in love, and felt a purpose in life. He found his soul mate which everyone will at some point given the chance.
ENTRY 22
Quote: "Briggs, Wood, Mason,--I invite you all to come up to the house and visit Mrs. Poole's patient and my wife!-- You shall see what sort of a being I was cheating in espousing" (294).
Reflection: Mr. Rochester has been hiding a huge secret from Jane, the servants, and all his friends. He tried hiding his wife for ten years and starting over because there was no getting rid of his situation unless he killed her. At that time, people did not get divorced the way they do now. Divorcing was completely unheard of and people stuck to the vow til death do us part. That does not mean that people back then loved each other more than people now, they just disrespected their marriage more than people today. Mr. Rochester has been traveling around for ten years hoping that his crazy wife would die off in the mean time and he could freely love and marry another woman. He unfortunately betrayed and lied to the woman he fell in love with and tried to marry in the process of hiding his past. He should have been up front and honest. It is also strange that he still had the courage to live under that same roof as that crazy woman after she tried killing him, her brother, and threatened in a sense the life of his beloved Miss Eyre. I do not see why he does not send her off to some kind of mental institution because they must have had them back during that time. It would make his life a million times easier and less stressful.
Reflection: Mr. Rochester has been hiding a huge secret from Jane, the servants, and all his friends. He tried hiding his wife for ten years and starting over because there was no getting rid of his situation unless he killed her. At that time, people did not get divorced the way they do now. Divorcing was completely unheard of and people stuck to the vow til death do us part. That does not mean that people back then loved each other more than people now, they just disrespected their marriage more than people today. Mr. Rochester has been traveling around for ten years hoping that his crazy wife would die off in the mean time and he could freely love and marry another woman. He unfortunately betrayed and lied to the woman he fell in love with and tried to marry in the process of hiding his past. He should have been up front and honest. It is also strange that he still had the courage to live under that same roof as that crazy woman after she tried killing him, her brother, and threatened in a sense the life of his beloved Miss Eyre. I do not see why he does not send her off to some kind of mental institution because they must have had them back during that time. It would make his life a million times easier and less stressful.
ENTRY 21
Quote: "Just at my bedside the figure stopped: the fiery eye glared upon me--she thrust up her candle close to my face, and extinguished it under my eyes. I was aware her lurid visage flamed over mine, and I lost consciousness for the second time in my life" (286).
Reflection: If this crazed demonic woman was not Mrs. Fairfax, Sophie, or even Grace Poole, then what unknown woman lives under that same roof. Mr. Rochester is convinced that it was Grace Poole, however, that cannot be because the description of the woman in no way fits the description of Miss Poole. I would have wet the bed if I would have awoken to a strange, goblin-like woman rummaging through my room in the middle of the night alone. It gives me the chills to even picture such an event taking place in reality. I would have passed out just as Jane if some blood sucking woman put her face up to mine just glaring at me in the middle of the night through candle light. The image must traumatize Jane, and I do not blame her for sleeping with little Adele the next night. But I do not understand how she could have possibly ever slept after that incident. What troubles me more is who was that woman in her room and why did she break Jane's veil? Was it a past lover of Mr. Rochester's? A jealous servant that no one knows about? Creepy situation that I hope I never have to experience.
Reflection: If this crazed demonic woman was not Mrs. Fairfax, Sophie, or even Grace Poole, then what unknown woman lives under that same roof. Mr. Rochester is convinced that it was Grace Poole, however, that cannot be because the description of the woman in no way fits the description of Miss Poole. I would have wet the bed if I would have awoken to a strange, goblin-like woman rummaging through my room in the middle of the night alone. It gives me the chills to even picture such an event taking place in reality. I would have passed out just as Jane if some blood sucking woman put her face up to mine just glaring at me in the middle of the night through candle light. The image must traumatize Jane, and I do not blame her for sleeping with little Adele the next night. But I do not understand how she could have possibly ever slept after that incident. What troubles me more is who was that woman in her room and why did she break Jane's veil? Was it a past lover of Mr. Rochester's? A jealous servant that no one knows about? Creepy situation that I hope I never have to experience.
ENTRY 20
Quote: "I had expected his arrival before tea; now it was dark: what could keep him? Had an accident happened?" (279).
Reflection: Jane quickly caught the paranoid wife or girlfriend fever that most women have. She is now concerned on his well being and all distraught that he is coming home later than expected. It is cute to see her in that kind of light and situation. One must also wonder, is he late because something bad happened? Maybe Jane does have something to worry about noting that the weather was destructive and dangerous. Maybe he had fallen off his horse or got struck by lightning or something along those lines. And what business did he have to tend to? He may have been preparing for the wedding, tying some ends of his past, or he could have been telling the truth about trouble with his property. However, I feel that Jane has just become paranoid and concerned for her loved ones health. It is precious to see her love struck and wife like.
Reflection: Jane quickly caught the paranoid wife or girlfriend fever that most women have. She is now concerned on his well being and all distraught that he is coming home later than expected. It is cute to see her in that kind of light and situation. One must also wonder, is he late because something bad happened? Maybe Jane does have something to worry about noting that the weather was destructive and dangerous. Maybe he had fallen off his horse or got struck by lightning or something along those lines. And what business did he have to tend to? He may have been preparing for the wedding, tying some ends of his past, or he could have been telling the truth about trouble with his property. However, I feel that Jane has just become paranoid and concerned for her loved ones health. It is precious to see her love struck and wife like.
ENTRY 19
Quote: "But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry" (256).
Reflection: It has been confirmed that all the previous comments made about Miss Ingram and Mr. Rochester's love for her have been false for he has always wanted the hand of Jane. He only spoke those words to convince her to reveal she disapproved of his marriage for status and not love. Unfortunately for him, Jane is discreet and would support him through anything even if it hurt her in the end. I bet she felt a shock wave through her body when she realized that his offer was sincere and he was not just pulling her chain. She realized that he truly wished to marry her and be solely with her when she looked into his eyes. I wonder if Miss Ingram knew about the rumor Mr. Rochester had started and if she really thought it was she he wanted to marry and not Jane. If that is so, then Mr. Rochester has a sticky situation at hand that could use some clearing up.
Reflection: It has been confirmed that all the previous comments made about Miss Ingram and Mr. Rochester's love for her have been false for he has always wanted the hand of Jane. He only spoke those words to convince her to reveal she disapproved of his marriage for status and not love. Unfortunately for him, Jane is discreet and would support him through anything even if it hurt her in the end. I bet she felt a shock wave through her body when she realized that his offer was sincere and he was not just pulling her chain. She realized that he truly wished to marry her and be solely with her when she looked into his eyes. I wonder if Miss Ingram knew about the rumor Mr. Rochester had started and if she really thought it was she he wanted to marry and not Jane. If that is so, then Mr. Rochester has a sticky situation at hand that could use some clearing up.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
ENTRY 18
Quote: "the unchildlike look and voice with which you affirmed that the very thoughts of me made you sick, and asserted that I had treated you with miserable cruelty... I felt fear, as if an animal that I had struck or pushed had looked up at me with human eyes and cursed me in a man's voice" (241).
Reflection: The truth between Jane and her Aunt Reed is Jane's passionate argument with her aunt before she left for boarding school scared her aunt and scarred her for life. No one had ever spoken to Mrs. Reed in such a manner, but I don't think Jane was out of line, even if she was only ten years old. Mrs. Reed treated Jane like dirt and not as her own like she promised her husband she would, and she deserves to die guilty for her cruelty. Interesting that a ten-year old girl can shake the bones of a bitter woman who showed nothing but disgust for the child. Jane may feel one of two emotions from hearing her Aunt speak these words on her death bed. One being proud that she stood up for herself and made her aunt regret the way she treated Jane her whole life to the point that she thought about her everyday on her death bed. Or the other feeling a sense of regret for lashing out the way she did and permanently traumatizing her aunt. I would be proud that I made an impact on her if I were treated in such a horrible manner.
Reflection: The truth between Jane and her Aunt Reed is Jane's passionate argument with her aunt before she left for boarding school scared her aunt and scarred her for life. No one had ever spoken to Mrs. Reed in such a manner, but I don't think Jane was out of line, even if she was only ten years old. Mrs. Reed treated Jane like dirt and not as her own like she promised her husband she would, and she deserves to die guilty for her cruelty. Interesting that a ten-year old girl can shake the bones of a bitter woman who showed nothing but disgust for the child. Jane may feel one of two emotions from hearing her Aunt speak these words on her death bed. One being proud that she stood up for herself and made her aunt regret the way she treated Jane her whole life to the point that she thought about her everyday on her death bed. Or the other feeling a sense of regret for lashing out the way she did and permanently traumatizing her aunt. I would be proud that I made an impact on her if I were treated in such a horrible manner.
ENTRY 17
Quote: "For instance, the night before I am married! I am sure I shall not be able to sleep. Will you promise to sit up with me to bear me company? To you I can talk of my lovely one: for now you have seen her and know her" (221).
Reflection: For some reason I feel like Mr. Rochester intentionally makes comments about Miss Ingram and their marriage to rub it in Jane's face. I don't see why he would propose to Miss Ingram because his love for Jane is so obvious and true. I think Mr. Rochester does not have true intentions to marry Miss Ingram and mentions her only to make Jane jealous and to extract a reaction from her. However, knowing Jane and her solemnity, she will be calm and courteous in front of Mr. Rochester. How painful it must be for her though to listen to the man she loves so dearly talk about his life to be spent with another woman. Her heart must be breaking with every word he speaks, and she still treats him kindly and talks politely about their marriage. She offers him advice and listens to his stories about her and the gifts he wishes to give her. There is nothing more painful than the feeling of rejection and knowing someone you love does not feel the same.
Reflection: For some reason I feel like Mr. Rochester intentionally makes comments about Miss Ingram and their marriage to rub it in Jane's face. I don't see why he would propose to Miss Ingram because his love for Jane is so obvious and true. I think Mr. Rochester does not have true intentions to marry Miss Ingram and mentions her only to make Jane jealous and to extract a reaction from her. However, knowing Jane and her solemnity, she will be calm and courteous in front of Mr. Rochester. How painful it must be for her though to listen to the man she loves so dearly talk about his life to be spent with another woman. Her heart must be breaking with every word he speaks, and she still treats him kindly and talks politely about their marriage. She offers him advice and listens to his stories about her and the gifts he wishes to give her. There is nothing more painful than the feeling of rejection and knowing someone you love does not feel the same.
ENTRY 16
Quote: 'The flesh on the shoulder is torn as well as cut. This wound was not done with a knife: there have been teeth here?'
'She bit me' (214).
Reflection: What did this man do to Grace Poole for her to attack him in such a violent and vicious manner? She would have killed the man if it were not for Mr. Rochester running to Mr. Mason's rescue. To hate with such a passion that when her weapon is stripped from her she attempts to rip him to shreds with her teeth. For what purpose does Mr. Rochester keep such a crazed and savage woman in his custody. There is more the story of Grace Poole; she has some sort of unbreakable connection to Mr. Rochester. Also, what business did Mr. Mason have to be up in the third story in the middle of the night? Suspicious actions that night foreshadow some kind of revelation later on in the novel. There is something peculiar about Grace Poole: her savage behavior, late night visitor, connection to Rochester, etc.
'She bit me' (214).
Reflection: What did this man do to Grace Poole for her to attack him in such a violent and vicious manner? She would have killed the man if it were not for Mr. Rochester running to Mr. Mason's rescue. To hate with such a passion that when her weapon is stripped from her she attempts to rip him to shreds with her teeth. For what purpose does Mr. Rochester keep such a crazed and savage woman in his custody. There is more the story of Grace Poole; she has some sort of unbreakable connection to Mr. Rochester. Also, what business did Mr. Mason have to be up in the third story in the middle of the night? Suspicious actions that night foreshadow some kind of revelation later on in the novel. There is something peculiar about Grace Poole: her savage behavior, late night visitor, connection to Rochester, etc.
ENTRY 15
Quote: "'There, then--'Off, ye lendings!' And Mr. Rochester stepped out of his disguise" (204).
Reflection: Jane must be ecstatic that she kept up her guard while speaking to the supposed gypsy. Genius idea of Mr. Rochester's, unfortunately, his little Jane Eyre did not confess what he was hoping for. He most definitely got the truth of Miss Ingram's intentions as she left the gypsy quite trouble and disappointed. No doubt that if Mr. Rochester was an average man without a mansion but decent home she would snarl at him in the same manner as she does with Jane. Let us not forget also, that he specifically wanted to talk to Jane himself because she was not going to visit the gypsy like the rest of the women. She was specifically sought by the "gypsy" or Mr. Rochester. He wanted to know of her thoughts most of all. Her analysis of Miss Ingram has also just been proven. A lover knows their lover, and Jane recognized certain features of the gypsy to be the same as Mr. Rochester's, Miss Ingram did not. I do wonder if this gypsy idea was established solely on discovering the thoughts of Jane or if he was considering marrying Miss Ingram and wanted to be sure that she was just a gold digger.
Reflection: Jane must be ecstatic that she kept up her guard while speaking to the supposed gypsy. Genius idea of Mr. Rochester's, unfortunately, his little Jane Eyre did not confess what he was hoping for. He most definitely got the truth of Miss Ingram's intentions as she left the gypsy quite trouble and disappointed. No doubt that if Mr. Rochester was an average man without a mansion but decent home she would snarl at him in the same manner as she does with Jane. Let us not forget also, that he specifically wanted to talk to Jane himself because she was not going to visit the gypsy like the rest of the women. She was specifically sought by the "gypsy" or Mr. Rochester. He wanted to know of her thoughts most of all. Her analysis of Miss Ingram has also just been proven. A lover knows their lover, and Jane recognized certain features of the gypsy to be the same as Mr. Rochester's, Miss Ingram did not. I do wonder if this gypsy idea was established solely on discovering the thoughts of Jane or if he was considering marrying Miss Ingram and wanted to be sure that she was just a gold digger.
ENTRY 14
Quote: " If she did, she need not coin her smiles so lavishly; flash her glances so unremittingly; manuracture airs so elaborate, graces so multitudinous. It seems to me, that she might, by merely sitting quietly at his side, saying little and looking less, get nigher his heart. I have seen in his face a far different expression from that which hardens it now while she is so vivaciously accosting him" (189).
Reflection: Jane's jealousy and strength of love is just now showing as she analyzes and criticizes Miss Ingram. Not to mention the confidence shown from Jane to see herself as an equal to the Miss Ingram, equal enough to point out her faults in character. During that time period, it was quite unusual for someone socially inferior to judge or critique someone of a higher social status. It made me laugh to read about Jane's thoughts on the actions of Miss Ingram because she was basically calling Miss Ingram fake in more polite terms. However, her speculations are valid. A girl in love should never have to flaunt about the man of her heart and throw herself at him in the manner of Miss Ingram. Interesting that this very observation created by Bronte is also applicable in today's society. Take notice that there are beautiful girls on campus at Patterson High who long to be in relationships but cannot seem to find one, and not by choice. No matter how beautiful a girl may be, if she throws herself out there and puts on an act, she will forever find herself as the first runner up. Being natural and true, to me at least, is more appealing than being flirty and over the top.
Reflection: Jane's jealousy and strength of love is just now showing as she analyzes and criticizes Miss Ingram. Not to mention the confidence shown from Jane to see herself as an equal to the Miss Ingram, equal enough to point out her faults in character. During that time period, it was quite unusual for someone socially inferior to judge or critique someone of a higher social status. It made me laugh to read about Jane's thoughts on the actions of Miss Ingram because she was basically calling Miss Ingram fake in more polite terms. However, her speculations are valid. A girl in love should never have to flaunt about the man of her heart and throw herself at him in the manner of Miss Ingram. Interesting that this very observation created by Bronte is also applicable in today's society. Take notice that there are beautiful girls on campus at Patterson High who long to be in relationships but cannot seem to find one, and not by choice. No matter how beautiful a girl may be, if she throws herself out there and puts on an act, she will forever find herself as the first runner up. Being natural and true, to me at least, is more appealing than being flirty and over the top.
ENTRY 13
Quote: 'Well, tonight I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing room every evening; it is my wish; don't neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adele. Good-night, my---' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me" (183).
Reflection: I have affirmed that my previous notion that Mr. Rochester wants more in a woman than beauty has been confirmed by this very meeting between him and Miss Eyre. He instantly notices her exit from the party when no one else in the room noticed her existence. Why would Mr. Rochester care the slightest bit that Jane left if his heart and passion lied with a woman still present in the other room? The answer is simply that Jane is the beholder of his love. He is disappointed to see her bail out from the party so early and reassures her that this will be the last of her early retire. If Mr. Rochester did not feel anything for his governess, then why does he demand her presence every evening the guests are there. It most definitely is not because his guest have taken a liking to her, they refuse to even acknowledge her existence or presence in the room. Not to mention, a sweet endearment nearly slipped from Mr. Rochesters lips as he bid Jane Eyre good night. That does not happen out of politeness or by accident, he nearly revealed his love for her at that moment. He left abruptly through embarrassment no doubt and fear of his feelings being revealed so soon.
Reflection: I have affirmed that my previous notion that Mr. Rochester wants more in a woman than beauty has been confirmed by this very meeting between him and Miss Eyre. He instantly notices her exit from the party when no one else in the room noticed her existence. Why would Mr. Rochester care the slightest bit that Jane left if his heart and passion lied with a woman still present in the other room? The answer is simply that Jane is the beholder of his love. He is disappointed to see her bail out from the party so early and reassures her that this will be the last of her early retire. If Mr. Rochester did not feel anything for his governess, then why does he demand her presence every evening the guests are there. It most definitely is not because his guest have taken a liking to her, they refuse to even acknowledge her existence or presence in the room. Not to mention, a sweet endearment nearly slipped from Mr. Rochesters lips as he bid Jane Eyre good night. That does not happen out of politeness or by accident, he nearly revealed his love for her at that moment. He left abruptly through embarrassment no doubt and fear of his feelings being revealed so soon.
ENTRY 12
Quote: "I must, then, repeat continually that we are for ever sundered: and yet, while I breathe and think I must love him" (177).
Reflection: Finally, a confession. It has been made clear that Jane felt for Mr. Rochester with more than a master-servant kind of relationship. She gets nervous when he enters her presence, summons her company, or takes interest in her knowledge. He is on her mind at all times, and she sits and waits for his return when he leaves Thornfield on business. She keeps attempting to ignore and set aside her feelings for Mr. Rochester but hope remains in her heart. She knows deep down that the way he looks at her, talks to her, and acts towards her that the feelings are mutually. However, she is afraid to pursue her love because she could be setting herself up for disappointment and heartbreak. It does seem unlikely that Mr. Rochester would love someone as plain and simple as Jane Eyre over the extravagant and gorgeous Miss Ingram, however, Mr. Rochester may be a different kind of man that looks for more in a woman than her physical beauty. Like he previously said, he has experienced much more life than Jane so he must be at a point in life where he realizes physical beauty only goes so far until that instant glow begins to dim with stupidity or ignorance.
Reflection: Finally, a confession. It has been made clear that Jane felt for Mr. Rochester with more than a master-servant kind of relationship. She gets nervous when he enters her presence, summons her company, or takes interest in her knowledge. He is on her mind at all times, and she sits and waits for his return when he leaves Thornfield on business. She keeps attempting to ignore and set aside her feelings for Mr. Rochester but hope remains in her heart. She knows deep down that the way he looks at her, talks to her, and acts towards her that the feelings are mutually. However, she is afraid to pursue her love because she could be setting herself up for disappointment and heartbreak. It does seem unlikely that Mr. Rochester would love someone as plain and simple as Jane Eyre over the extravagant and gorgeous Miss Ingram, however, Mr. Rochester may be a different kind of man that looks for more in a woman than her physical beauty. Like he previously said, he has experienced much more life than Jane so he must be at a point in life where he realizes physical beauty only goes so far until that instant glow begins to dim with stupidity or ignorance.
ENTRY 11
Quote: 'Whenever, in future, you should chance to fancy Mr. Rochester thinks well of you, take out these two pictures and compare them: say, 'Mr. Rochester might probably win that noble lady's love, if he chose to strive for it; is it likely he would waste a serious thought on this indigent and insignificant plebeian?' (163).
Reflection: It is sad to see someone admit their lack of physical beauty in the same manner as Jane. She is so dedicated to suppressing her feelings for her master that she took the time to draw a boring and dull self portrait and an extravagant portrait of the woman Mr. Rochester "fancies" through the described physical features from Mrs. Fairfax. Jane is superficial to think that all beauty lies on the outside. I believe quite the contrary. A physically beautiful woman with a wicked heart is as useful as a wilted rose whereas a physically plain and simple woman with a heart of passion delivers a bouquet of roses plus more. Jane clearly doubts herself worthy of a wealthy and insightful man such as Mr. Rochester, however, she must no see how fond of her he truly is. Her picture idea, although brilliant, cannot turn fire to ice. Her feelings and passion for Mr. Rochester will not stipen from a mere comparison of pictures.
Reflection: It is sad to see someone admit their lack of physical beauty in the same manner as Jane. She is so dedicated to suppressing her feelings for her master that she took the time to draw a boring and dull self portrait and an extravagant portrait of the woman Mr. Rochester "fancies" through the described physical features from Mrs. Fairfax. Jane is superficial to think that all beauty lies on the outside. I believe quite the contrary. A physically beautiful woman with a wicked heart is as useful as a wilted rose whereas a physically plain and simple woman with a heart of passion delivers a bouquet of roses plus more. Jane clearly doubts herself worthy of a wealthy and insightful man such as Mr. Rochester, however, she must no see how fond of her he truly is. Her picture idea, although brilliant, cannot turn fire to ice. Her feelings and passion for Mr. Rochester will not stipen from a mere comparison of pictures.
ENTRY 10
Quote: "Tongues of flame darted round the bed: the curtains were on fire. In the midst of blaze and vapour, Mr. Rochester lay stretched motionless, in deep sleep" (151).
Reflection: How lucky the residents of Thornfield are that Jane came to Mr. Rochester's rescue and put out the fire in his room and saved his life. The house most likely would have burst into flames thus losing their home, belongings, or life. If they had been a survivor, they most likely would have lost their master and would be screwed out of an income and shelter. It is amazing that Mr. Rochester would not wake from the fire and smell of smoke within his own room, but the tiny Jane Eyre can from across the way. Jane reacted calmly and rationally under the pressure of fire and a life threatening situation. She was able to put out the fire solely, save the life of her master and lover, and keep the entire event a secret from the rest of the servants in the household. Jane may be plain and simple on the exterior, but inside she is superwoman. She is so talented that she was able to distinguish the fire with some water left over to drench Mr. Rochester in. If that does not take skill, then I don't know what does.
Reflection: How lucky the residents of Thornfield are that Jane came to Mr. Rochester's rescue and put out the fire in his room and saved his life. The house most likely would have burst into flames thus losing their home, belongings, or life. If they had been a survivor, they most likely would have lost their master and would be screwed out of an income and shelter. It is amazing that Mr. Rochester would not wake from the fire and smell of smoke within his own room, but the tiny Jane Eyre can from across the way. Jane reacted calmly and rationally under the pressure of fire and a life threatening situation. She was able to put out the fire solely, save the life of her master and lover, and keep the entire event a secret from the rest of the servants in the household. Jane may be plain and simple on the exterior, but inside she is superwoman. She is so talented that she was able to distinguish the fire with some water left over to drench Mr. Rochester in. If that does not take skill, then I don't know what does.
ENTRY 9
Quote: "But unluckily the Varens, six months before, had given me this fillette Adele; who she affirmed was my daughter; and perhaps she may be, though I see no proofs of such grim paternity written in her countenance: Pilot is more like me than she" (147).
Reflection: The story behind Adele makes much more sense now. It is understandable to see why Mr. Rochester gets a bit annoyed or agitated with Adele because in the exposition, the author made the reader believe that he willingly chose to take custody of Adele because he cared for her. However, he realized that his previous love had left her daughter and knew it was not the young child's fault and should not be left to foster care. It must be hard for Rochester to be reminded every day of his previous love who betrayed him after he cared for her so sweetly. I do not blame Rochester for not believing Adele was his true daughter; obviously her mother slept around so how is she to keep tabs on who exactly impregnated her. It is a shame that Rochester connects his bad past with the Varens to the poor young girl who had no involvement in her mother's scandals. Jane does try to open Mr. Rochester's eyes to the brighter side of Adele and the situation. Bronte shows Mr. Rochester's sarcasm through that last phrase expressing how obvious it is that Adele is not his true offspring.
Reflection: The story behind Adele makes much more sense now. It is understandable to see why Mr. Rochester gets a bit annoyed or agitated with Adele because in the exposition, the author made the reader believe that he willingly chose to take custody of Adele because he cared for her. However, he realized that his previous love had left her daughter and knew it was not the young child's fault and should not be left to foster care. It must be hard for Rochester to be reminded every day of his previous love who betrayed him after he cared for her so sweetly. I do not blame Rochester for not believing Adele was his true daughter; obviously her mother slept around so how is she to keep tabs on who exactly impregnated her. It is a shame that Rochester connects his bad past with the Varens to the poor young girl who had no involvement in her mother's scandals. Jane does try to open Mr. Rochester's eyes to the brighter side of Adele and the situation. Bronte shows Mr. Rochester's sarcasm through that last phrase expressing how obvious it is that Adele is not his true offspring.
ENTRY 8
Quote: "I believe there were some misunderstandings between them. Mr. Rowland Rochester was not quite just to Mr. Edward; and, perhaps, he prejudiced his father against him" (130).
Reflection: This observation of Mrs. Fairfax's brings light to the attitude and behavior of Mr. Rochester. No wonder the man is bitter and grave; he was betrayed by both his brother and his father. Like Jane Eyre, he never had anyone to befriend or love him til later in life when he inherited his fortune. This must be the spark behind the strong connection between Mr. Rochester and Miss Eyre. He can relate to her life style, gloom, and isolation because he was once in her position with no one to fall back on or be there for him. The death of Rochester's brother cannot be the reason why Mr. Rochester is still bitter and grave, something from his past is still weighing him down. I am curious to know whether or not Rowland Rochester turned their father against Edward or if his father always had higher regards for Rowland. If so, why? A parent should never favor one child over another especially without just cause.
Reflection: This observation of Mrs. Fairfax's brings light to the attitude and behavior of Mr. Rochester. No wonder the man is bitter and grave; he was betrayed by both his brother and his father. Like Jane Eyre, he never had anyone to befriend or love him til later in life when he inherited his fortune. This must be the spark behind the strong connection between Mr. Rochester and Miss Eyre. He can relate to her life style, gloom, and isolation because he was once in her position with no one to fall back on or be there for him. The death of Rochester's brother cannot be the reason why Mr. Rochester is still bitter and grave, something from his past is still weighing him down. I am curious to know whether or not Rowland Rochester turned their father against Edward or if his father always had higher regards for Rowland. If so, why? A parent should never favor one child over another especially without just cause.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
ENTRY 7
Quote: "While I paced softly on, the last sound I expected to hear in so still a region, a laugh, struck my ear. It was a curious laugh; distinct, formal, mirthless. I stopped: the sound ceased, only for an instant; it began again louder: for at first, though distinct, it was very low" (110).
Reflection: Probably the most terrifying sound one can witness when they wake up in the middle of the night in a huge lonely mansion. I can only imagine what was running through Jane's mind when she realized that someone lurked in the house around her with her door unbolted and vulnerable to an attack of some sort. Not to mention, she most likely experienced an awful flashback to her childhood when her cruel aunt locked her in the haunted room of the Reed mansion. I do not see how she had the courage to get out of her bed and lock her door knowing there was someone half crazy under the same roof. I don't know what would be worse, the sound of the laugh itself, or the reason behind the laugh. No one just chuckles to themself for no reason, whoever laughed must have been up to something mischievous.
Reflection: Probably the most terrifying sound one can witness when they wake up in the middle of the night in a huge lonely mansion. I can only imagine what was running through Jane's mind when she realized that someone lurked in the house around her with her door unbolted and vulnerable to an attack of some sort. Not to mention, she most likely experienced an awful flashback to her childhood when her cruel aunt locked her in the haunted room of the Reed mansion. I do not see how she had the courage to get out of her bed and lock her door knowing there was someone half crazy under the same roof. I don't know what would be worse, the sound of the laugh itself, or the reason behind the laugh. No one just chuckles to themself for no reason, whoever laughed must have been up to something mischievous.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
ENTRY 6
Quote: "This phrase, uttered in my hearing yesterday, would have only conveyed the notion that she was about to be removed to Northumberland, to her own home. I should not have suspected that it meant she was dying" (82).
Reflection: This must have been so heartbreaking for Jane to take in that her only friend she ever had is now about to die. Such a hard concept for a young girl to accept, death. I was surprised to read these statements that were spoken with such a calm tone and manner. This also goes to show that my previous prediction was correct, and Helen's health truly was life threatening. It is unfortunate that every person with a place in Jane's heart ends up dying in the end. Jane lost both of her parents, her beloved uncle, and now is about to loser her only friend at the grim institution. Putting my sympathy for Jane aside, the worst part of this statement is it reflects the truth of these correctional schools. Thousands of girls would die every winter across the country as a result of the unacceptable living conditions. It's despicable that they served meager meals and expected them to walk miles in the freezing cold with hardly any protection from their paper thin clothes.
Reflection: This must have been so heartbreaking for Jane to take in that her only friend she ever had is now about to die. Such a hard concept for a young girl to accept, death. I was surprised to read these statements that were spoken with such a calm tone and manner. This also goes to show that my previous prediction was correct, and Helen's health truly was life threatening. It is unfortunate that every person with a place in Jane's heart ends up dying in the end. Jane lost both of her parents, her beloved uncle, and now is about to loser her only friend at the grim institution. Putting my sympathy for Jane aside, the worst part of this statement is it reflects the truth of these correctional schools. Thousands of girls would die every winter across the country as a result of the unacceptable living conditions. It's despicable that they served meager meals and expected them to walk miles in the freezing cold with hardly any protection from their paper thin clothes.
ENTRY 5
Quote: "Helen she held a little longer than me: she let her go more reluctantly; it was Helen her eye followed to the door; it was for her she a second time breathed a sad sigh; for her she wiped a tear from her cheek" (76).
Reflection: There is an obvious purpose to the length and separation of this statement. Miss Temple must have known more about Helen than what was placed right in the eyes of the reader. Noticing that Helen had an ongoing cough that never ceased and that Miss Temple checked on from time to time, I feel the cough is more than a little cold like the author makes it seem. Knowing that the conditions at these kind of institutions were generally rough, it seems like Helen may be one of the victims who fall ill during the destructive winter weather. I do not think she cried because Helen endured cruel treatment from her teachers day to day because she is not the only girl at the school with "faults." The observation digs deeper, and I feel the tear was shed because Helen does not have a lot of time left in the world. I may be reaching too much so soon, but it makes sense and the actions taken by Miss Temple earlier and the history of the schools make my prediction quite reasonable.
Reflection: There is an obvious purpose to the length and separation of this statement. Miss Temple must have known more about Helen than what was placed right in the eyes of the reader. Noticing that Helen had an ongoing cough that never ceased and that Miss Temple checked on from time to time, I feel the cough is more than a little cold like the author makes it seem. Knowing that the conditions at these kind of institutions were generally rough, it seems like Helen may be one of the victims who fall ill during the destructive winter weather. I do not think she cried because Helen endured cruel treatment from her teachers day to day because she is not the only girl at the school with "faults." The observation digs deeper, and I feel the tear was shed because Helen does not have a lot of time left in the world. I may be reaching too much so soon, but it makes sense and the actions taken by Miss Temple earlier and the history of the schools make my prediction quite reasonable.
Monday, September 22, 2008
ENTRY 4
Quote: "Why, in defiance of every precept and principle of this house, does she conform to the world so openly...as to wear her hair one mass of curls?" (66).
Reflection: The institution is obviously strict to actually punish a young girl for having naturally full and curly hair. The man in charge forced the girls to cut off all of their hair because somehow having hair affects their learning ability. Mr. Brocklehurst is the epitomy of a hipocrit. He bashed the students at Lowood for not looking dull and simple enough, yet two seconds after his little rant his elaborately dressed wife and daughters come strutting in. Their hair was all curled, their dresses velvet, their shawls of fur, and their skin decked with jewels. It's upsetting to read about Mr. Brocklehurst downgrading the women of the institution for allowing a young girl to keep her curly locks when his daughters are more than likely spoiled brats. He was simply finding an excuse to bash Lowood and act like he was helping the school improve when all he did was create drama and cause pain. How pathetic to make such an outrage over a girl with naturally curly hair.
Reflection: The institution is obviously strict to actually punish a young girl for having naturally full and curly hair. The man in charge forced the girls to cut off all of their hair because somehow having hair affects their learning ability. Mr. Brocklehurst is the epitomy of a hipocrit. He bashed the students at Lowood for not looking dull and simple enough, yet two seconds after his little rant his elaborately dressed wife and daughters come strutting in. Their hair was all curled, their dresses velvet, their shawls of fur, and their skin decked with jewels. It's upsetting to read about Mr. Brocklehurst downgrading the women of the institution for allowing a young girl to keep her curly locks when his daughters are more than likely spoiled brats. He was simply finding an excuse to bash Lowood and act like he was helping the school improve when all he did was create drama and cause pain. How pathetic to make such an outrage over a girl with naturally curly hair.
ENTRY 3
Quote: "I hardly know where I found the hardihood thus to open a conversation with a stranger; the step was contrary to my nature and habits" (51).
Reflection: This unusual step out of Jane's comfort zone shows an immediate change in confidence from moving away from her aunt and onto the school grounds. She gets a fresh start at life, a chance for friendship, and the opportunity to be praised. Her entire life while living with her Aunt Reed was miserable as no one appreciated or even cared much for her. Her new found confidence brings hope for a brighter future for Jane and a happier outlook on life. The author foreshadows that attending Lowood will benefit Jane's attitude and social life. She quickly became bold to confront and question a young woman years older than her, and that is not common for even vivacious little girls. This action encourages the reader to believe that Jane will be a success at Lowood and learn her duties with zest.
Reflection: This unusual step out of Jane's comfort zone shows an immediate change in confidence from moving away from her aunt and onto the school grounds. She gets a fresh start at life, a chance for friendship, and the opportunity to be praised. Her entire life while living with her Aunt Reed was miserable as no one appreciated or even cared much for her. Her new found confidence brings hope for a brighter future for Jane and a happier outlook on life. The author foreshadows that attending Lowood will benefit Jane's attitude and social life. She quickly became bold to confront and question a young woman years older than her, and that is not common for even vivacious little girls. This action encourages the reader to believe that Jane will be a success at Lowood and learn her duties with zest.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
ENTRY 2
Quote: "and Resolve, equally wrought up, instigated some strange expedient to achieve escape from insupportable oppression-as running away, or, if that could not be effected, never eating or drinking more, and letting myself die" (17).
Reflection: The idea that a small child is miserable enough to conjure up a plan to commit suicide shows the severity of Jane's emotions and her abnormal maturity. Not saying that turning to death is a mature solution to one's problems, however, it is liable to say that kind of thought process normally comes from adults. It is not shocking that she considered running away because most children of her age and relative situation react the same way. Although her brief consideration of starving herself to death may have been irrational, it allows readers to understand not only her level of depression, but also her level of competence and srength compared to her peers. Most ten year old girls would not seriously consider killing themself assuming that they are mature enough to understand that it is possible. It's upsetting to read about how misinterpretted Jane is in the house because she's not the rude, dark, and solemn girl by nature. If anything, she would be lively, cheerful, and bright spirited had she been loved and spoiled like the rest of the young children. This thought stood out from the rest of her dark thoughts because a ten year old girl wanted to starve herself to death to rid of her miseries.
Reflection: The idea that a small child is miserable enough to conjure up a plan to commit suicide shows the severity of Jane's emotions and her abnormal maturity. Not saying that turning to death is a mature solution to one's problems, however, it is liable to say that kind of thought process normally comes from adults. It is not shocking that she considered running away because most children of her age and relative situation react the same way. Although her brief consideration of starving herself to death may have been irrational, it allows readers to understand not only her level of depression, but also her level of competence and srength compared to her peers. Most ten year old girls would not seriously consider killing themself assuming that they are mature enough to understand that it is possible. It's upsetting to read about how misinterpretted Jane is in the house because she's not the rude, dark, and solemn girl by nature. If anything, she would be lively, cheerful, and bright spirited had she been loved and spoiled like the rest of the young children. This thought stood out from the rest of her dark thoughts because a ten year old girl wanted to starve herself to death to rid of her miseries.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ENTRY 1
Quote: "I knew he would soon strike, and while dreading the blow, I mused on the disgusting and ugly appearance of him who would presently deal it" (12).
Reflection: I cannot understand how someone can accept being repeatedly beaten for no purpose or plausible reason. However, I greatly admire her courage and strength to fight silently within herself day after day. It is surprising that such a solemn and sorrowful girl could find any kind of light or amusement in that kind of lose-lose situation. Personally, if I knew full and well that I was going to get the snot knocked out of me, I do not think I would have had the energy to internally mock my abuser's lack of physical attraction. From reading this one small quote, I can confidently say that I cannot relate to Jane Eyre's personality. I could never silence myself or accept wrongful punishment the way that young girl does every day, however, that is not something I am ashamed of. It is wise for her to be patient and quiet because the consequences would be radical, yet, with my personality, I would prefer to face the consequences of a poor home then let myself be degraded by some immature, spoiled brat.
Reflection: I cannot understand how someone can accept being repeatedly beaten for no purpose or plausible reason. However, I greatly admire her courage and strength to fight silently within herself day after day. It is surprising that such a solemn and sorrowful girl could find any kind of light or amusement in that kind of lose-lose situation. Personally, if I knew full and well that I was going to get the snot knocked out of me, I do not think I would have had the energy to internally mock my abuser's lack of physical attraction. From reading this one small quote, I can confidently say that I cannot relate to Jane Eyre's personality. I could never silence myself or accept wrongful punishment the way that young girl does every day, however, that is not something I am ashamed of. It is wise for her to be patient and quiet because the consequences would be radical, yet, with my personality, I would prefer to face the consequences of a poor home then let myself be degraded by some immature, spoiled brat.
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