Jane Eyre- Engaging Techniques

Question #7

Charlotte Bronte uses many techniques to engage her audience when reading Jane Eyre. One of the most important parts of the story is Jane herself. Charlotte introduces Jane to readers when she is very young. Jane narrates in first person, and through her descriptive language, readers witness the abuse of the child almost as if they were truly there. Seeing Jane at an early age with such hardships invites readers’ sympathy and good feelings towards Jane. Thus, the readers are drawn in at the first chapter, anxious to know what becomes of this unfortunate young girl.

                In addition to a vivid character in a horrid situation, Charlotte depicts, in the style of a Victorian gothic novel, scenes of horror and suspense. Mr. Rochester does not reveal the identity of Bertha until he is forced to do so. He places false suspicion on Grace Poole, but even so, there is an aura of mystery and suspense in the building that Jane (and the readers) cannot figure out until all is revealed. As Jane herself says, “There was a mystery at Thornfield; and that from participation in this mystery, I was purposely excluded.” (page 94) Using these techniques, Charlotte is able to keep her readers interested in the plot until the very end of the novel.

                Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print