Essay
Extract Question from Jane Eyre
- Module
- AS Unit 1 - Prose and Drama
- Institution
- WJEC
- Full extract including quotes highlighted in yellow and my detailed answer exploring how Bronte creates tension (AO1 and 2)
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Read the following extract from chapter 26 and then answer the question that follows.In this extract, Jane is about to be married to Rochester when there is an interruption.
“The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment."
The clergyman looked up at the speaker and stood mute; the clerk did the same; Mr.
Rochester moved slightly, as if an earthquake had rolled under his feet: taking a firmer
footing, and not turning his head or eyes, he said, "Proceed."
Profound silence fell when he had uttered that word, with deep but low intonation. Presently
Mr. Wood said -
"I cannot proceed without some investigation into what has been asserted, and evidence of its
truth or falsehood."
"The ceremony is quite broken off," subjoined the voice behind us. "I am in a condition to
prove my allegation: an insuperable impediment to this marriage exists."
Mr. Rochester heard, but heeded not: he stood stubborn and rigid, making no movement but
to possess himself of my hand. What a hot and strong grasp he had! and how like quarried
marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! How his eye shone, still watchful,
and yet wild beneath!
Mr. Wood seemed at a loss. "What is the nature of the impediment?" he asked. "Perhaps it
may be got over--explained away?"
"Hardly," was the answer. "I have called it insuperable, and I speak advisedly."
The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails. He continued, uttering each word
distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly -
"It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. Mr. Rochester has a wife now
living."
How does Bronte create tension in this extract?
The extract begins with an interruption to Jane and Mr Rochester’s wedding ceremony, as the
intruder reveals that there is ‘an impediment’. Brontë withholds what the nature of it is,
which builds suspense, as it is only at the end of this extract that we learn the reason for Mr
Brigg’s interjection.
After hearing his objection, there is a sense that Jane doesn’t know how to act, as she looks
from person to person, observing their response. This further builds tension, as it is not
explicitly revealed what Jane is feeling. The narration becomes more objective, which is
unsettling, as Jane confides in the reader throughout the novel. In addition, the order in which
we are informed of each person’s reaction is purposeful, as Mr Rochester is placed last,
although his response is the most important.
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