Gothic Fiction Essay -- Literary Analysis, Jane Eyre

Introduction Since the 18th century, Gothic Fiction has become a famous genre. As its popularity has increased during the decades it is still a well-known and much appreciated theme nowadays. Whereas many female authors were restricted to feminist novels and had the reputation of being unable to compose works valuable for everyone, the onset of Gothic writing bore a whole new prospect for them (Heiland 1-8). A famous example for such female authors is Charlotte Brontà «. When she wrote Jane Eyre in 1847 she enqueued herself to the list of successful women of that genre. Even though Jane Eyre contains several aspects of the classic Gothic novel it differs in the font of the uncanny. Whilst novels such as Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian Gray or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde allude to a supernatural matter and maintain surreal, Jane Eyre originates from an earthly reason. In this paper a brief definition shall be given of what Gothic Fiction is. The main part will deal with the Gothic elements within Jane Eyre in chronological order. In a final step special attention will be given to the uncanny as it is found during several incidents within Thornfield Hall and why it is different from the classic Gothic. This will be done with special attention to the character of Bertha Mason – the protagonist when it comes to the Gothic aspect of the novel. Gothic Fiction Gothic Fiction is a literary field which emerged in the late 18th century. When it comes to defining its genesis, a precise point in time can hardly be given. Depending on the definition of what Gothic Fiction is, several literary periods bear elements of Gothic – from ancient prose to Shakespearean works, from post-medieval to post-Renaissance. However, the most defined pe... ...extinguished, Jane and Mr. Rochester are able to spend their lives together and to restore peace. She was both a symbol and the reason herself for the burdens which especially Mr. Rochester carried during his life. Without her having died there would have been no way for Jane and Rochester to lead a prosperous consolidated life. Conclusion Jane Eyre indeed is a Gothic novel which shares a great deal of characteristics with the most famous Gothics. Still, its content and reason are beyond surreal factors. It incorporates mysteries and myths and some veritable supernatural happenings. Especially the real, psychological and social origins of the character's fears are the root of emotions and fears haunting the characters. Jane Eyre is a perfect sample for the challenges one has to face in life and the way they obsess one's thoughts and limit the ability to proceed.