A new example of Polish Brontë research, section let's-correct-Charlotte-because-Rochester-is-evil.
by Katarzyna Chojowska
Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie, 2023
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre has been famous, as well as highly influential ever since its publication in 1847. There exists, however, a possibility of the novel having a harmful impact on its readership, as it depicts romanticization of abusive behaviour. Abuse in literature, disguised as romantic and thus normalized and excused, may reinforce unhealthy relationship dynamics as well as contribute to more domestic violence and acceptance of it. Romanticized abuse often takes means of implementing the virgin-beast trope into the story. This theme is clearly present in the novel, as Jane reflects the characteristics of a submissive suffering woman believing she can redeem her husband, and Rochester of a cruel, cursed, beastly male. Mr. Rochester has been widely considered to be a deeply flawed Byronic hero, and there have been many critical receptions of his character, as well as of the messages suggested by his maltreatment of Jane. Brontë, however, idealizes Rochester herself, which can be noticed in her correspondence, as well as in the novel. Through the analysis suggested by the The Abuse Litmus Test (Bonomi 2017), one can easily establish that Mr Rochester’s behaviour towards Jane consists of emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, and blaming, manipulation and even threats of physical abuse. Yet, it continues to be heavily romanticized by the author.
Cruel, cursed, beastly male. We wonder if the author has read Emily's Wuthering Heights. The collection of adjectives describing Heathcliff would be something.
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