Gothic Setting In Jane Eyre

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Human beings love to be scared, they love to scare, in short, they love to be put through situations that they would never experience for themselves. Take horror movies, and books regarding the supernatural for example. A culture that is heavily influenced by the horror stories of the past, more specifically, Gothic novels. Undeniably, the setting of a Gothic story is what creates the atmosphere of stories of this era of storytelling. This is demonstrated by the use of nature and setting in the novel Jane Eyre; and how such factors reveal the themes and conflicts in the story. Throughout Jane Eyre, Jane is forced to grow into a strong-willed and independent woman. Evidence of this is found with the setting of Gateshead, and environment it is placed in. As Jane is recalling her childhood, she describes Gateshead as, “Afar it offered a pale blank mist and cloud; near a scene of wet lawn and storm-beat shrub, with ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly before a long and lamentable blast” (Brontë 12). This description of the scenery outside displays the effect of the Reed family on Jane. Jane is constantly belittled and treated coldly by her extended family, making her feel unappreciated and miserable, yet like she should be grateful that she is not suffering on the streets. These external and internal conflicts are mirrored firmly in the harsh nature of Gateshead. And these conflicts are only confirmed through Jane’s interaction with Mrs. Reed after learning that she was to be