Nature Themes in Victorian Literature

Like concentric ripples in a pond, our surroundings extend outward in ever-widening circles of meaning and interpretation. It can refer to the tangible landscape around us or the intangible, spiritual environment that influences our inner world. In Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the description of the environment serves a crucial purpose. The question arises: how does Brontë employ her depiction of surroundings to enhance the novel's narrative? According to literary scholar Delia Da Sousa Correa, there is an "intense relationship between the description of external environments and the portrayal of individual thoughts and feelings," which allows each description to convey Jane's emotions, foreshadowing events and settings to come.

This interplay between environment and emotion is a key element in Brontë's storytelling.

Imagery and Symbolism

Brontë’s use of vivid imagery and potent symbolism in her environmental descriptions is integral to the novel's thematic depth. Through these descriptions, she enhances the reader’s understanding of Jane’s inner life, complementing and intensifying her emotions and eliciting empathy. The first-person, autobiographical narrative allows readers to connect directly with Jane Eyre's complex surroundings. This perspective immerses the reader in Jane’s mental and physical states, revealing how her choices and philosophies are influenced by her environment. Brontë's language not only paints a picture of the physical world but also mirrors Jane's psychological landscape.

The Bildungsroman Structure

The chronological nature of the 'Bildungsroman,' a literary genre focused on the protagonist's growth and development, is adeptly employed by Brontë. This structure allows Jane's personal and emotional evolution to be viewed in conjunction with her surroundings at five pivotal stages in the novel: Gateshead Hall, Lowood School, Thornfield Hall, Moor House, and Ferndean. These settings represent different phases of Jane’s life, from childhood to maturity. Each environment positions Jane as an outsider, highlighting her struggle and growth. This progression underscores her journey from entrapment to eventual fulfillment, an era-defining theme in the novel.

Tone and Setting

Each setting in "Jane Eyre" is dominated by a distinct tone that reflects Jane's evolving character. At Gateshead, the tone is wild and passionate, mirroring the child Jane's irrationality and rebellious nature. The opening scene, set in isolation amid a bustling family environment, is rich with Gothic elements, particularly in the oppressive ‘Red Room,’ which symbolizes Jane's alienation. Gateshead is a place of confinement, not a home.

In contrast, Lowood’s tone is cold, hard, and restrained. Here, Jane faces the harsh realities of societal constraints, especially those imposed on women. She is introduced to death and religion through her friendship with Helen Burns. Although Lowood is more oppressive than Gateshead, it offers Jane an escape from Mrs. Reed and a chance for development. Sanctuaries like Miss Temple’s room and Jane’s solitary rock in the stream provide refuge from this oppressive setting.

Thornfield Hall, associated with Rochester and the Romantic and Gothic genres, presents a personal and symbolic tone. The narrative oscillates between rapid and restrained, reflecting Jane's internal conflict between passion and self-control. Thornfield, with its hidden secrets and eventual destruction, symbolizes Rochester’s complexities. It is also the site of joyful moments, such as Rochester’s proposal in the orchard, highlighting the dual nature of the setting.

At Moor House, Jane finds sanctuary, but the tone remains stifling and oppressive. Although she is among equals, she is not yet whole. St. John’s psychological manipulation and Rochester’s disembodied voice demonstrate Brontë's blend of Realism and Gothic styles. Moor House contrasts with Thornfield, representing the differences between St. John and Rochester: self-denial versus indulgence.

Ferndean Manor House, set in a desolate natural environment, is hidden and overgrown, reflecting Rochester’s blindness and gloom. Yet, Jane brings him into the light, reminiscent of their time in Thornfield’s orchard. Ferndean is where Jane truly finds home and freedom, as Rochester now depends on her. She achieves independence, equality, and satisfaction in her moral sense and relationship with Rochester. This progression from irrationality to rationality across the novel's settings mirrors Jane’s internal divisions until she finds fulfillment at Ferndean.

Conclusion

Brontë’s masterful use of Romantic and Gothic styles in "Jane Eyre" does not overshadow her focus on social issues. Her descriptions of settings not only create atmosphere but also advance the novel’s exploration of realism and Gothic elements. Through her portrayal of environments, Brontë skillfully reflects Jane’s emotional and personal development, crafting a narrative that remains relevant across eras. The novel's exploration of themes such as independence, social constraints, and the search for identity is deeply intertwined with its settings. By examining how these environments shape and reflect Jane’s journey, we gain a deeper understanding of Brontë’s literary genius and the enduring impact of "Jane Eyre."

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