Gothis Elementa In Jane Eyre

The first 200 words of this essay...

Explore the Gothic Features Used In

The Novel "Jane Eyre"

Gothic features are all through the novel 'Jane Eyre'. Even though the novel is romantic, not gothic, metatonamy, references to the supernatural, and other gothic features can all be found in 'Jane Eyre'.

Charlotte Bronte uses metatonamy throughout her novel as a gothic technique, creating atmosphere.

The novel begins with pathetic fallacy, with 'sombre clouds' and 'penetrating rain', which reflects Jane's 'sombre' mood. This makes the reader immediately aware of the sadness of Jane's childhood.

Another example of this technique is in Chapter 5, where, on the journey to Lowood, it is 'wet and somewhat misty'. The word 'misty' gives the effect of insecurity and secrecy surrounding Lowood, and Jane's future there. It also creates a gloomy atmosphere, which reflects Jane's life at the school.

The weather is also described as 'misty' when Jane arrives at Thornfield in Chapter 11. This has the same effect, and also reflects Jane's life at Thornfield, as it is where she discovers Mr.Rochesters' secret.

This use of pathetic fallacy to forewarn the reader of Mr.Rochester is also employed when Jane