Jane Eyre's search for the power of influence: An analysis of how the main character in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre becomes able to influence her surroundings through scene descriptions

Abstract

This master's thesis examines how the main character in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre uses scene descriptions to develop as an independent human being with the ability to influence her surroundings. The narrator is the grown and married Mrs. Jane Rochester, who provides the reader with the scene descriptions. The character uses particular elements in the environment, such as doors, hallways and moonlight to access what is called thresholds, spaces where Jane is able to create meaning freely. The key to Jane's development is her ability to create meaning. When she is able to create meaning she is attempting or even able to influence her surroundings. At the three first locations Jane learns how to create meaning within thresholds. The turning point for the character in relation to being able to make an impact on her environment and the people around her, is when she inherits money at Moor House. After this event, Jane is able to influence her surroundings to a larger extent than earlier, and especially outside of thresholds. Her final stage of development is at Ferndean, where Jane has to describe every surrounding object to the blind Mr. Rochester. At this stage the narrator and the character becomes the same person, which is emphasised as Jane and Mr. Rochester marry, making her Mrs. Jane Rochester. Because of this, she is now capable of influencing her surroundings as she pleases, without being concerned with society's conventions or staying within thresholds.