Bloom's Article Summaries

“Almost my Hope of Heaven: Idolatry and Messianic Symbolism in Jane Eyre”

                In this article, Essaka discusses St. John’s life, death, and the symbolism that accompanies it. He also makes many major points about the idolatry between characters. The essay starts with a description of St. John and his attributes that might justify his sainthood. It goes on to describe how St. John, Jane, and Mr. Rochester act as symbols in the novel, while a large portion of the essay is devoted to the analysis of biblical references and the message that Charlotte Bronte might be sending through them. After the analysis of the biblical references, the author goes on to discuss the differences between Mr. Rochester and St. John Rivers, concluding with references from other authors to add credibility to his work.

“Jane Eyre’s Moral Choices”

                At the beginning of this essay, Benvenuto speaks of Jane Eyre’s multi-faceted personality, and how it could be the root of all conflict in the book. Indeed, if Jane only had one personality, “the conflict would be resolvable.” Jane, however, chooses to move between passion and conscience, making very firm commitments to each path she takes. Neither Rochester nor St. John is truly right or wrong, says Benvenuto. Jane has a right to a “self-made moral life.” The essay talks about Jane’s fluctuation between the two sides of her personality, and how it is resolved in the end.

“The Struggle between Jane Eyre and Rochester”

                The essay begins with a description of Jane’s tragic loving fascination for Mr. Rochester; speaking of Jane’s moral scruples fighting against her worshipping feelings. Chase refers to Charlotte Bronte’s life before the novel and the character that inspired the madwoman Bertha, transitioning to Jane’s flight from her husband to be. Jane was acting out of duty, but she refuses her “duty” when she refuses St. John’s hand in marriage. Chase concludes the article by summarizing the conclusion of the novel. He ends on this powerful concluding phrase: “The tempo and energy of the universe can be quelled, we see, by a patient, practical woman.”

Jane Eyre- Thesis

Both Jane and Mr. Rochester, through many terrible trials, finally come to accept God as their supreme ruler and accept his guidance and judgement.