Gypsies, among other things, are known for their free spirits and diverse, spirited travels. By Brontë comparing the girls to gypsies she is simply saying that they took everything in, every bit of nature that surrounded them and appreciated every inch She also meant that the girls frolicked to and fro through the woods with out a care in the world or a destination, much like gypsies.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jane Eyre 6.
" . . .Solomon said . . . "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith . . . " (Brontë 75)
Solomon was known not only for creating Jerusalem and the Holy Temple but also for his wisdom, his wealth, and his writing. He is often times quoted much as he was in Jane Eyre. This particular quote has been paraphrased an umpteenth amount of times over the years. It is saying that it is better to be poor and have love than to have all the riches in the world and know only hate. Brontë used this quote because she was explaining the differences between Lowood and Gateshead. Although Gateshead was much more pristine and seemed to be "better" at a glance it was filled with nothing more than bitter memories for Jane.
Jane Eyre 5.
". . .we feasted that evening as on nectar and ambrosia. . . " (Brontë 73)
Nectar and ambrosia are said to be "foods of the Gods". They were fortunate enough to have the luxury to dine on nectar and ambrosia. Food played a large role in greek mythology ; those who ate deserved to eat and those who went hungry deserved that as well. Hunger was seen as a punishment. By Brontë saying that they feasted on nectar and ambrosia she means that the food was fit for a God and truly decadent.
Jane Eyre 4.
"...heathen who says his prayers to Brahma and kneels before Juggernaut . . . " (Brontë 67)
The Brahma and the Juggernaut are both important figures in the Hindu religion. Brahma is said to be their God and the Juggernaut is said to be not only a God but the Lord of the entire World. At this point in the novel Jane is being accused of having sinned because she has "lied". By Brontë comparing her to someone who worships Hindu Gods she is stating that Jane is a misbeliever and a traitor and has obviously committed sins. Not only did Brontë compare her to a "heathen" but she said that she was worse.
Jane Eyre 3.
". . . march forward . . . "as stalwart soldiers" . . . " (Brontë 60)
The definition of a stalwart soldier is "one who is physically and morally strong". The students had to face the elements and endure a two mile walk to church every Sunday. Their spirits were always slow as they had to deal with the frigid air and bitter snow. Miss Temple referred to them as stalwart soldiers to lift their spirits. Brontë used this particular term to compare the girl to strong minded soldiers because in this part of the novel that's what they seemed to be. They seemed to be an army, marching to their destination of church. The battle they fought were the elements.
Jane Eyre 2.
". . . You are like a murderer . . . you are like the Roman Emperors . . . " (Brontë 10)
Roman Emperors were often known as cruel and evil. They obtained unlimited power and did with such power as they pleased. They were dictators and the lives of commoners and people that inhabited Rome had no effect on the way they chose to rule their territory. They only saw people as stepping stones to better themselves. When Brontë refers John Reed to not only a Roman Emperor but also a slave-driver she truly means that he is repulsive. That he is a retched little boy who believes that he deserves better than everyone else, especially Jane.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Jane Eyre 1.
"..I sat cross-legged like a Turk..." (Brontë 7)
When Brontë says that Jane was sitting as a Turk he means that she was sitting cross-legged. In Turkey Islam is the most prominent religion, Islam is a distinct sect of Muslim. A Muslim is bound to perform the Salaah five times a day. While performing this religious ritual of prayer they spend most of the time in the "indian style" cross-legged position, among others. When Brontë states that she was sitting as a Turk he could also have meant that she was in an almost meditative state; she was calm and serene.
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