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How Does Bronte Use Imagery In Jane Eyre

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In this passage, Bronte uses forewarning imagery to compare Jane’s internal conflict to her sense of obligation to stay due to her loyalty and affection toward Mr. Rochester. Jane illustrates that “the shadows darken, grow black, and quiver strangely” which conveys the uncertainty and impending danger she feels as she is locked in this room. This reveals an ominous sense of the house and also could be foreshadowing what could occur in this disturbing place in the future. Adding to this unsettling feeling, the images of this room as “mystic cells” depict something similar to a jail. The illustration of a jail emphasizes that Jane is confined physically and mentally, restricted only to the orders and thoughts of Mr. Rochester. Continuing with …show more content…

Rochester, it makes it easy for Jane to conform to what he says. Jane’s loyalty and obedience to Mr. Rochester is apparent when he “put the now bloody sponge into my hand, and I proceeded to use it as he had done.” This act symbolizes how Jane is forced to soak up her own internal thoughts, to hold back her curiosity and questions, and oblige to what Mr. Rochester says. The blood represents her thoughts and the sponge represents herself. It is evident that Jane does and will conform to the orders and thoughts of Mr. Rochester, but the repetitive diction of “I must…” illustrates the lingering hesitation and discomfort that Jane has. The fact that she has to remind and order herself to stay in the room and obey the wishes of Mr. Rochester alludes to the fact that she has an inner voice. Finally, Bronte highlights Jane’s inner voice with the imagery of a candle and how “the shifting obscurity and flickering gleam covered here or glanced there.” This quote illustrates the internal conflicts Jane is facing as she chooses to obey Mr. Rochester’s orders or follow her own instincts. Concluding this passage with rhetorical questions such as “What crime…?” and “What mystery…?” highlights Jane’s growing uncertainty of the situation and of Mr.

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