Henry James, the novelist, once said “What is character but the determination of plot? What is incident but the illustration of character?” In James’ view of literature, events in the plot are determined by the characters, by their personalities and their natures. In other words, who the character is determines what happens to her and to others in the story. Conversely, if we look at the plot of the story, we will understand the nature of the characters. Consider the main character in Jane Eyre. What is it about Jane Eyres character that leads to her happy ending? Or is James wrong and plot is not determined by character?

This assignment requires a writer who has read or has knowledge of the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront. This may take some time to find a writer with essaybox.

These prompts require you write about the novel Jane Eyre. If you write about the novel, choose ONE of these.

1. Henry James, the novelist, once said “What is character but the determination of plot? What is incident but the illustration of character?” In James’ view of literature, events in the plot are determined by the characters, by their personalities and their natures. In other words, who the character is determines what happens to her and to others in the story. Conversely, if we look at the plot of the story, we will understand the nature of the characters. Consider the main character in Jane Eyre. What is it about Jane Eyres character that leads to her happy ending? Or is James wrong and plot is not determined by character?

2. In Jane Eyre, the heroine has more than one opportunity to marry. For instance, St. John proposes to Jane, although she rejects his offer. Eventually Jane ends up marrying the man most suited to her. What is the ideal relationship between a man and a woman presented in Jane Eyre? Why are the other possible relationships for the heroine less than ideal?

3. Based on characters and events in Jane Eyre, what can you deduce about the expectations for a middle or upper-middle class woman in the 1800’s? In your response, you might address any or all of the following questions: What are women expected to do with their time? What makes a woman desirable or attractive? What sorts of opportunities are available or unavailable to women?

4. How is Jane Eyre an unconventional heroine? That is, her character deviate from the conventional expectations for upper or middle-class women of her time and even for literary heroines of her time?

5. Not only does Jane Eyre have a strong female protagonist, the novel also has a strong main male character: Mr. Rochester. Since the heroine ends up marrying this man, he must have some good qualities. But also, since the heroine leaves him, we might assume there are some less than desirable qualities in him. Compare and contrast the attractive and undesirable qualities of the main male character and explain how he is able to win the heroine’s love.

6. Jane Eyre is regarded as a classic work of literature: it was well received when written and is still read and enjoyed today (and not just in Women’s Literature classes). What is it about the novel that makes it appealing to readers (or to you, if you enjoyed the book) over 200 years after it was written?

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