While an “autobiography,” Jane is constantly being defined by those around her: Rochester, St. John, even Bertha Mason. Her identity as a woman is oen a part of these definitions, yet Jane refuses to fit into the neat and tidy labels society tries to force on her.
In your essay, analyze how Jane’s relationship with another character – either Rochester, St. John, or Bertha Mason – defines or challenges gender roles in society.
Include discussion of Jane either accepts or rebels against these definitions.
To help focus your analysis, it is strongly recommended that you choose a quote/passage to analyze in depth for each body paragraph. This could also be a focus on quotes that deal with a specific idea – for example, analyzing Rochester’s use of avian descriptions.
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This essay should include a clear, concise argument expressed in a thesis statement and supported using evidence directly from the novel in the form of quotations. In each body paragraph, you should identify quotes, analyze them (close read), and draw connections between them to come to a conclusion of meaning.
Use literary terminology throughout your essay.
While you may need to do some research, you will not depend on other people’s research. Research should be limited to understanding literary and conceptual elements of the story, then, using this information, YOU determine what it means. This is your opportunity to take your unconnected thoughts and put them together to form an argument about meaning. How and what do all these pieces – characters, syntax, diction, metaphor, etc. – add up to? What does the story say?
