English Literature

LECTURER: CALUM LEATHAM UNIT 12

Todays Seminar
Part 1 Part 2

Jane Austen Charlotte Bronte

Romantic Analysis:
Plot, Setting & Jane Eyre
Characters
Jane Austen
 Born (1775- 1817 Aged 41).
 Seventh of eight children. Her father was a clergyman, and her
mother was from a wealthy family.
 Educated: Mixture of formal and home. (French, drama, dancing…).
Sense and Sensibility & Pride and
Prejudice
While Sense and Sensibility is the first novel by the English author
Jane Austen, published in 1811.
Pride and Prejudice is the second novel published in 1813.
The novel is set in South West England, Longbourn estate in
Hertfordshire, in the early 1800s. Similar to the first novel.

Why is it called Pride and Prejudice?

Plot

In your groups write down the plot to Pride and Prejudice

How does the plot reflect romantic literature of the period.
Setting
Characters
Charlotte Brontë
 (1816–1855) Died age 38 (born when Austen died)
 Similar education to Jane Austen (primarily home schooled)
but from a different part of England and not as wealthy.
 Charlotte's novel "Jane Eyre" was published in 1847 under
the pseudonym "Currer Bell" and was met with critical
acclaim.
 ‘young ladies’ should not write.
Charlotte Brontë & Jane Austen
 Claimed to have never read Jane Austen’s work.
 Was highly critical of Jane Austen
 Didn’t like to be compared with them from the critics.
 As both female writers hated having her works described as
similar based solely on their gender.

 Austen’s focus was on comedy, nobility and fanciful romance

 Bronte was focused on darker themes (drama), emotions
and forbidden love.
 Jane Eyre Plot
Jane Eyre takes place in the same time period as Pride & P.
1. Orphaned Childhood: Jane Eyre is orphaned and raised by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, who mistreats her. She is sent
to Lowood School.
2. Governess at Thornfield: Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she teaches the ward of the enigmatic
Mr. Rochester, Edward Rochester. They develop a deep connection, despite their differences in social status.
3. Mystery at Thornfield: Strange occurrences at Thornfield, including a mysterious laugh and a fire, unsettle Jane. She
discovers that Mr. Rochester is hiding his insane wife, Bertha Mason, in the attic.
4. Revelations and Departure: Jane leaves Thornfield upon learning the truth about Bertha and Mr. Rochester's attempt
to marry her while still married to Bertha. She refuses to become his mistress and flees, penniless and alone.
5. Independence and Love: Jane finds refuge with the Rivers family, who turn out to be her long-lost relatives. She
discovers that she has inherited wealth and shares it with them. Meanwhile, she realizes her love for Mr. Rochester.
6. Reunion and Redemption: Jane returns to Thornfield to find it in ruins after Bertha's death in the fire she started. Mr.
Rochester has been injured and blinded. They reconcile, and Jane cares for him, ultimately leading to their marriage.
7. Conclusion: Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester marry and start a new life together, their love overcoming the obstacles
of social conventions and personal hardships.
Additional Assignments
Analyse: Characters, Symbols & Themes in Pride & P.