Being Earnest
Forsyth
Major Works Data Sheet
AP Literature and Composition
Class Period: 3B
Title of Work: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Date of Publication: October 16, 1847
Genre: Bildungsroman, Governess Novel, Gothic (Romantic), Victorian (Realism) Characteristics of the Genre:
Bildungsroman: A Bildungsroman is translated from German to literally mean a “novel of education.” It is a coming-of-age novel. It is clear that Jane Eyre is a Bildungsroman because the novel tracks Jane’s life from the time she is a 10 year-old girl to the time that she is a 22 year-old woman. In this span of time, Jane changes as a character, as she becomes wiser and older. She evolves from a well-meaning but impulsive small girl to a calm but witty woman. The categorizing of this novel into the Bildungsroman genre allows for these changes to occur.
Governess Novel: This genre is similar to Bildungsroman in that it conveys the transition from young, naïve student to sharp, wise teacher. Obviously, a Governess Novel includes a protagonist who is a governess, which is a tutor for the children of the wealthy. In Jane Eyre, Jane is this governess character. The novel is significant as a Governess Novel because the fact that Jane Eyre is a governess makes her vulnerable. She has no wealth, but she relies on a wealthy family to raise her social status. This causes her to be vulnerable to sudden changes in job status which help to move along the novel’s plot.
Gothicism (Romanticism): Jane Eyre is an example of a Gothic novel because of its medieval settings, supernatural events, mysterious characters, and striking atmosphere. An example of a medieval setting is Thornfield. Thornfield is described as a vast house with many dark rooms. Throughout the novel, Brontë portrays Jane’s encounter with supernatural events. During her walk with St. John at Marsh Glen, Jane hears a mysterious voice that calls her name. During her stay at Thornfield,
Major Works Data Sheet
AP Literature and Composition
Class Period: 3B
Title of Work: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Date of Publication: October 16, 1847
Genre: Bildungsroman, Governess Novel, Gothic (Romantic), Victorian (Realism) Characteristics of the Genre:
Bildungsroman: A Bildungsroman is translated from German to literally mean a “novel of education.” It is a coming-of-age novel. It is clear that Jane Eyre is a Bildungsroman because the novel tracks Jane’s life from the time she is a 10 year-old girl to the time that she is a 22 year-old woman. In this span of time, Jane changes as a character, as she becomes wiser and older. She evolves from a well-meaning but impulsive small girl to a calm but witty woman. The categorizing of this novel into the Bildungsroman genre allows for these changes to occur.
Governess Novel: This genre is similar to Bildungsroman in that it conveys the transition from young, naïve student to sharp, wise teacher. Obviously, a Governess Novel includes a protagonist who is a governess, which is a tutor for the children of the wealthy. In Jane Eyre, Jane is this governess character. The novel is significant as a Governess Novel because the fact that Jane Eyre is a governess makes her vulnerable. She has no wealth, but she relies on a wealthy family to raise her social status. This causes her to be vulnerable to sudden changes in job status which help to move along the novel’s plot.
Gothicism (Romanticism): Jane Eyre is an example of a Gothic novel because of its medieval settings, supernatural events, mysterious characters, and striking atmosphere. An example of a medieval setting is Thornfield. Thornfield is described as a vast house with many dark rooms. Throughout the novel, Brontë portrays Jane’s encounter with supernatural events. During her walk with St. John at Marsh Glen, Jane hears a mysterious voice that calls her name. During her stay at Thornfield,