For my comparative coursework essay, I will use Charlotte Bronte's novel, 'Jane Eyre' and possibly Daphne du Maurier's novel 'Rebecca'. As I have not finished reading Rebecca, I will focus this on possible themes within Jane Eyre.
One of the themes is the social status of women. Jane Eyre is treated with little, or no respect throughout her life, but this is due to her situation rather than her gender. The wealthy, upper class women that Rochester mixes with are treated completely different to Jane, so this is an argument against the idea that women are degraded. However, even the noble women are expected to marry and have children, in contrast today, where they can have a career, and it is not expected of them. Another woman in the novel is Rochester's mentally ill wife, Bertha Mason. She is hidden in the attic of Thornfield, and is kept as a prisoner in secret to keep Rochester's name and reputation safe. The three main male characters each try to keep Jane in a typical 'womanly' role, where she is not permitted to voice her emotions and opinions.
From this, I could look at the importance of status/reputation. How Jane and Rochester cannot be together as Jane refuses to stay while Bertha Mason is still around. She only returns having come into an inheritance, so that could signify that she does not want to be seen as needing him. Her pride, morals and self-respect prevent her from staying with him. Rochester hides his wife, as he is ashamed. His pride prevents him from acknowledging her existence. A theme of pride?
There are also the themes of love/passion, independence, morality and religion.
Good ideas. Consider concealment. Perhaps looking at what characters keep from themselves as well as others. we'll talk about this in class.
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