While Realism is concerned primarily with representing the world objectively and truthfully, I will examine how Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, use and develop the genre further by establishing representation as subjective to the perspective of the writer, and therefore dependent upon his inner reality. I will firstly clarify Realism as a genre limited to representation, and how this in turn is fuelled by the characters’ illusory self-consciousness. Focusing on Miss Gwilt and her interpretation of the dreams and shadows, this essay will argue towards her identity crisis and her fall in power. Similarly, by analysing Jane Eyre’s and Mr. Rochester’s relationship, this essay will discuss the ways in which each character is continually striving to dive into the depths of the other’s eyes, while simultaneously keeping their own inner-self hidden from the outsider’s gaze. When concealment fails, and the inner is open to manipulation, the narrative is placed away from them, and their power over their own destiny is reflective of the power we give away to the subjectivity of the perceived world.
Table of Contents
1. The uses and development of Realism in Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Objectives and Themes
This essay explores how the novels Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë expand the realist genre by shifting from objective world-representation to a focus on the subjective, inner psychological reality of their characters, ultimately arguing that narrative perspective determines the perceived truth of the world.
- The evolution of Realism from objective observation to subjective psychological depth.
- The role of self-consciousness and identity construction in Victorian literature.
- The dichotomy between outward appearances and inner hidden selves.
- The subversion of narrative structures and the use of multi-layered plots.
- The influence of Victorian psychology and the interpretation of dreams.
Excerpt from the Book
The uses and development of Realism in Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
While Realism is concerned primarily with representing the world objectively and truthfully, I will examine how Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, use and develop the genre further by establishing representation as subjective to the perspective of the writer, and therefore dependent upon his inner reality. I will firstly clarify Realism as a genre limited to representation, and how this in turn is fuelled by the characters’ illusory self-consciousness. Focusing on Miss Gwilt and her interpretation of the dreams and shadows, this essay will argue towards her identity crisis and her fall in power. Similarly, by analysing Jane Eyre’s and Mr. Rochester’s relationship, this essay will discuss the ways in which each character is continually striving to dive into the depths of the other’s eyes, while simultaneously keeping their own inner-self hidden from the outsider’s gaze. When concealment fails, and the inner is open to manipulation, the narrative is placed away from them, and their power over their own destiny is reflective of the power we give away to the subjectivity of the perceived world.
Summary of Chapters
1. The uses and development of Realism in Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: The essay investigates how both novels transform the realist genre by prioritizing subjective psychological experience over empirical observation and exploring the complex relationship between the inner self and external reality.
Keywords
Realism, Victorian Literature, Armadale, Jane Eyre, Subjectivity, Representation, Identity, Psychology, Narrative, Self-consciousness, Wilkie Collins, Charlotte Brontë, Dreams, Concealment, Perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic work?
The essay examines the development of the realist genre in the nineteenth century, specifically focusing on how Wilkie Collins and Charlotte Brontë move beyond mere objective representation to explore the subjective inner lives of their characters.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The core themes include the tension between the individual's inner psychology and their public persona, the role of dreams and hidden identities, and how narrative structures are used to reflect fragmented Victorian realities.
What is the primary research argument?
The author argues that these novels subvert traditional realism by emphasizing that "truth" in fiction is inherently subjective, dependent on the author's and the reader's perspective rather than objective reality.
Which scientific or theoretical methods are applied?
The analysis employs literary criticism and psychoanalytic approaches, drawing upon theories of Victorian psychology and realism to interpret the characters' motivations and the narrative frameworks of the novels.
What does the main body of the work address?
The body of the work analyzes specific character arcs, such as Miss Gwilt’s identity crisis in Armadale and the complex relationship between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, to demonstrate how concealment and observation shape individual power.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Realism, Subjectivity, Identity, Victorian Psychology, Narrative Structure, and Representation.
How does the author interpret the significance of "dreams" in Armadale?
The author views the dreams in Armadale not as mere plot devices, but as manifestations of the characters' unconscious desires and fears, illustrating how the past is transmitted and internalised within the individual.
In what way does the essay contrast Mr. Brock's perspective with the reality of Midwinter?
The essay illustrates that Mr. Brock acts like a scientist, attempting to reduce Midwinter to an empirical, observable object, which leads to a failure in understanding the true, complex inner self of the character.
How does Jane Eyre achieve self-control according to the text?
Jane achieves control by subverting the plot and directly addressing the reader, thereby transitioning from being a subject of the story to becoming the architect of her own narrative reality.
What is the conclusion regarding Miss Gwilt’s fall?
The author concludes that Miss Gwilt is eventually "killed by a metaphor" because she allows her external disguise to become her total reality, losing the necessary concealment that defines her identity and falling victim to her own manipulations.
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- Michael Amos (Autor:in), 2015, The uses and development of Realism in "Armadale" by Wilkie Collins and "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/374180
