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Jane Eyre - a Book for and About the Neglected and the Neglectful

In: Novels

Submitted By nush480
Words 1872
Pages 8
"A book for and about the neglected and the neglectful".
Explore the methods which writers use to present the idea of neglect in light of this statement.
'Neglect' is defined as 'the state of being uncared for' and within Jane Eyre, neglect is a constant theme. This is evident in the way Jane is neglected from childhood, and how this has a knock-on effect on the way she behaves throughout the rest of her life. Other minor characters such as: Adela Varens, Mrs Fairfax and Bertha are victims of neglect. Through language, structure and the form of the novel Bronte creates an air of isolation. This in turn emphasises, primarily, Jane's neglect. The main way in which this is explored throughout Jane Eyre is how the main protagonist finds herself in states of constant isolation in every main stage of her life. It can be said that, essentially one of Jane's main aims during her journey through life is to finally experience reciprocated love and care, that lasts.
Jane was arguably at her height of neglect during her childhood years and it is here that Bronte is able to present it most effectively. By emphasising that Jane was a neglected child, Bronte can elicit the most amount of sympathy from the reader. This theme is most apparent; firstly during her early childhood with the Reeds' and then at Lowood Institute. In the opening chapter, Jane sits at window sill which is described as the following; "Folds of scarlet drapery shut in my view to the right". The use of the phrase 'folds of scarlet' evokes a strong image of the womb and the protection that she seeks. Something she does not receive whilst living with the Reeds'. The sentences during the first chapter, are long and full of descriptive words which the highlight the melancholy and introspective state that Jane is in at this time. This is also significant because you don't expect a child to have such a mature

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