So far, my favorite character in Jane Eyre is Bessie. I think Bessie is an intriguing character because her true personality is revealed piece-by-piece as the story progresses. At first, I thought that Bessie was merely a foil for Mrs. Reed, as she appeared to be ignorant to Jane's plight and failed to show compassion. As the story progresses, however, Bronte gives the reader clues that there is far more to Bessie than appears. For example, when Bessie sings the song about the poor orphan child, the reader gets the sense that Bessie's song serves as a lament for Jane's state; thus, despite the hard, rigid exterior, Bessie is actually a concerned, caring woman. I couldn't help but wonder whether Bessie's behavior was driven by a need to maintain the hierarchy in the Reed residence. Perhaps Bessie is afraid that if she shows Jane praise that Mrs. Reed will view Bessie as insubordinate attempting to thwart the family bond?
I agree 100%. It was upsetting to see that everyone at Gateshead was so ignorant to the fact that Jane was being abused. The pages do show the reader that there is far more to Bessie. I think a lot of her actions not only have to do with Mrs. Reed, but Bessie's life in general . If she is caught doing something that Mrs. Reed would not approve of she would suffer her from Mrs. Reeds wrath and potentially loose everything she has. It was be very hard for a house made to find work in which she was accustomed to if word got out that she was not god at her job and a disgrace to her previous home.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great observation, I agree with you Maria. When I reread Jane Eyre I got a better picture of Bessie. She is a smart women and knows what Jane needs! She works behind the scenes as an advocate for Jane, even when Jane does not realize it. She supports Jane in her moments of need.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed thinking about Bessie as I re-read Jane Eyre this time. The fact that she isn't perfect--that she can be hard on Jane and says unkind things to her, that she continues to support an unfair hierarchy, etc--strikes me as so realistic. She lives in a world of hierarchies--a world where she knows her place and Jane *ought* to know hers.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all the comments posted here. After learning Bessie is hard on Jane, but loves her most, it reminded me of Tyra Banks. Yes, I admit it. In one show, Tyra was saying that her mother would yell at her and be tough on her when Tyra had really messed up. Tyra said something to the effect of "My mother would say 'Do you hear my voice? I can't help but yell at you because I love you so much and I cannot stand to see you making these choices!'" I also can't help but feel that if Mrs. Reed extended this kind of motherly treatment to, say, her son, that his adult life would have turned out better for him.
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