Jane Eyre: 19th Century Literature

Jany Eyre is a book written by Charlotte Bronte in the 19th Century.  Although this book is a classic, it breaks the stereotypes for books in this time. It fits the classification of 19th century with it's focus on the4 middle class, romantic plots, textual subtities, and view of the ordinary as art, however, it differs from the mold with its underlying yet prevalent sense of Feminism and an adamant inner self questioning of authority. Though Jane is only a 10 year old girl, she is constant affliction with the not only authority, but her society as well. She analyzes the actions of the people around her and criticizes them on the hypocriticism, ignorance, and bigotry. Such as her aunt who is blind to the tyranny that her son inflicts upon Jane, and the school master who embarrasses and disgraces Jane in front of the whole school while calling her a liar and deceitful. Jane's qeustioning of her society can be seen as a clear parallel of Charlotte questioning hers.

The Children's Hour by Longfellow

In the poem "The Children's Hour" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a father, in the 1800's, play with his children in a very physical manor. Though the poem shows this family being loving and compassionate, it is not the norm for the 19th century society. Children had a place of their own, which was not in the area of adults. they also did not recieve nuturment from the father because it was generally the mothers role. This poem is a contrast to that society and shows the new focus and importance of children as members in society.

                    ~ Onyx L.
View the original poem here.

Mrs. Elliott

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