Jane Eyre chapters 1 and 2 analysis

Chapter 1

Summary

• Jane as a child at Gateshead-scene is set and reader is introduced to Jane's inferior positiion within the Reed household
• Retrospective narrative voice introdcued
• Jane uses books as a form of escapism-power of the imagination 
• Altercation with John reed and so Jane is take away to the Red Room.

Context links/perios detail (A03)

• Social position of orphans in Victorian era
• Gender roles-female inferiority in Victorian era/gender expectations on female behaviour- Jane doesn't adhere to conventions.

Other interpretations-eg critical views/debates in text (A05)

• Marxist approach- class differences evident from begining-Jan'es ambiguous social situation
• Feminist approach-Jane shrouding herself in a curtain at the start of novel symbolises inferior position of women in Victorian era
• "every woman in a patriarchal society must meet and overcome;oppression" Gilbert and Gubar

Themes dealt with

Journeys, family, relationships, poverty/wealth, belonging, identitity, entrapment, imagination.

General analysis

'cold winter wind' pathetic fallacy- represents Jane's life and feelings

Colour red used-symbolises fire and passion-theme in novel with Jane's own passion. 

Also contrasts to the 'dreary november day'.

Birds used as they have…