Jane Eyre: a Language Analysis of an Extract

The following language analysis explores how Charlotte Brontë uses language, particularly personal pronouns and possessive adjectives, to depict Bertha Mason in a key scene from Jane Eyre. We will examine specific word choices, phrases, and descriptions to understand Bertha's character and the way she is presented to the reader. The focus is on how Brontë's use of pronouns like "it," "she," "her," and "him," creates a sense of mystery, fear, and even pity surrounding Bertha, highlighting her physical and mental state, and her role in the story. We will also consider how the use of pronouns reflects the social attitudes and beliefs of the Victorian era, particularly about madness and women. Let's get started.

Dehumanization through Pronouns:

The passage initially refers to Bertha as "it," immediately establishing her as something less than human. This dehumanization is reinforced by the description of her actions: "it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal." The use of "it" and the comparison to an animal strips her of her humanity, portraying her as a creature to be feared and contained. Even when her gender is implicitly acknowledged, the language used to describe her – "clothed hyena," "maniac" – continues to emphasize her otherness and distance her from conventional human identity.

Shifting Pronouns and Emerging Humanity:

As the scene progresses, the pronoun usage shifts slightly. While "it" is still used occasionally, "she" and "her" become more frequent, particularly when her physical appearance is described ("she parted her shaggy locks," "her visage"). This shift suggests a reluctant acknowledgment of her humanity. The recognition of her "purple face" and "bloated features" even hints at a recognition of her suffering from a physical ailment rather than just a generalized monstrous condition. This fluctuation in pronoun usage reflects the ambiguity in how the characters, and perhaps the readers, perceive Bertha – caught between fear and a dawning understanding of her as a person in distress.

The Gaze of the "Other":

The passage also uses pronouns to position the other characters in relation to Bertha. The use of "you" in Grace Poole's warnings ("she sees you," "you'd better not stay") places the reader and Mr. Rochester in the position of being observed and potentially threatened by Bertha. This creates a sense of suspense. Conversely, the use of "him" and "her" when describing Rochester restraining Bertha ("He could have settled her...") highlights the power dynamics at play. The pronouns, therefore, not only define Bertha's identity but also illustrate her relationship with the other characters in the scene.

Through the strategic use of personal pronouns and possessive adjectives, Brontë creates a complex and multifaceted portrait of Bertha Mason. It reflects the ambiguity surrounding her character, caught between dehumanization and a scarse recognition of her humanity. The pronouns also highlight the social context of her existence, revealing the power dynamics of the Victorian era and the constraints placed upon women, particularly those deemed "mad." By paying close attention to these linguistic choices, you can gain a better understanding of Bertha's role in the novel and the tragic nature of her situation.