Summary Of Gothic Elements In Jane Eyre

Gothic literature can be classified by various characteristics. These characteristics can show up alone in some works, but when they appear simultaneously, the work can be determined as gothic. “Jane Eyre” (I would just italicize instead of “ but you do you) fully exhibits these common gothic elements; however, another work that incorporates many of these elements is “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Although at first glance, it appears to simply be a fairytale, upon deeper inspection, there are certain elements tied into the plotline that, I believe, classify it as a gothic tale.
“Jane Eyre” is a classic example of gothic literature. It is comprised of all the components that ultimately designate a piece as gothic. These components include …show more content…
In conjunction, these elements produce a novel that lies between mimesis and fantasy. Throughout the story, almost every setting has a dark and dreary atmosphere; this is especially prominent at Gateshead, Lowood, and Thornfield. Gateshead is where Jane’s story begins and is home to many unpleasant memories. Lowood, her boarding school for the next eight years, is not much different with its stringent and drab air, but Jane is much happier here because she is away from the Reeds. When she moves to Thornfield for her new job as a governess, she discovers it to be a large and mysterious house. When Jane is being ushered to her new room, her first thoughts are, “The steps and banisters were of oak; the staircase window was high and latticed; both it and the long gallery into which the bedroom doors opened looked as if they belonged to a church rather than a house. A very chill and vault- like air pervaded the stairs and …show more content…
Although the mood and setting change drastically at different parts, they are very dark and chilling in some scenes of the film, especially when Snow White is running through the dark forest after she is nearly killed. The forest seems to be haunted and is full of lurking animals that she thinks are trying to kill her. Another prominent gothic setting is the castle belonging to the Evil Queen who is also known as Snow White’s stepmother. The dungeon is full of skeletons and it is here where the Queen practices her dark magic in her attempts to kill Snow White. Because of this, Snow White is the damsel in distress, but she happens to find her heroes herself. Her heroes are not only the seven dwarves who welcome Snow White into their cottage but also the huntsman who spares her life and warns her of the queen’s plot to kill her. The Evil Queen uses spells and potions to brew a poisoned apple that will put a curse on Snow White, causing her to fall into a “sleeping death.” This wicked plan is the main supernatural element in the