Victorian England and Gothic Elements

The moral attitudes of Victorian England are displayed in the novel through both parallels and contrasts. Bronte writes of strong and determined women, which went against Victorian standards. There does exist a parallel, however, in that a strong social ethic was valued at the time, and in the novel, Jane lives a life of moral ethics and tries to refine her life through attained goals.

The elements of the Gothic novel are portrayed in Jane Eyre through Rochester’s wife, Bertha, as well as through the red room. The supernatural is dealt with in these situations with mysterious and dreadful undertones. Like other Gothic literature, the novel illustrates a gloomy house, the supernatural, mystery, ghosts, insanity, and family curses. Rochester’s secret (his marital status and the fact that his wife is locked up) also contributes to the Gothic elements present.