Jane Eyre

Social class is an important theme that runs through Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre. Within the Victorian time period the social hierarchy determined where in society you moved about and also how others within society would treat you. Social standing was usually an unwavering state, but Jane blurred the lines when she accepted the governess position at Thornfield. The governess position in of itself was an awkward spot to be in and Jane being as smart and reserved as she was made the position even more uncomfortable. Jane was definitely everyone's intellectual equal, in some cases even their superior. However, her social standing kept her from flourishing and bogged her down instead. Jane had to dress appropriately and nicely because as a governess she was basically a part of the family, but she was at the same time not equal to the family. Being a governess seems to be an under appreciated position to hold. The only thing keeping governesses down is something they cannot help, because they were born into their social ranking.

Jane realizes the awkward tension that comes with being a governess, but realizes it even more so when she falls for Rochester. Her desires for him run deep but her social standing is in the way of her happiness. Jane seems to be the outlet for critique of Victorian social statuses for Charlotte Bronte within this novel. Jane becomes fed up with her situation and actually voices her concerns to Rochester, "Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!—I have as much soul as you—and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you"(132). Jane is saying that she is as much of a person as Rochester is and if she had been born into different circumstances and had maybe even been prettier, he would not be able to resist or leave her; he would understand how she felt at that moment, wanting someone so baldly but not being able to have them. Bronte does not stray from the social class structure and only allows Jane to marry Rochester once she inherits a great sum of money and becomes his social equal. I think that it is an important point to make that she does not stray from the social class structure just for the sake of writing an interesting story. It seems that even in her somewhat imagined world of Jane Eyre she feels restricted by social class and does not betray its strict guidelines.   

Paradise Lost Book 1

Some readers consider Lucifer to be the hero, or protagonist, of the story, because he struggles to overcome his own doubts and weaknesses and accomplishes his goal of corrupting humankind. This goal, however, is evil, and Adam and Eve are the moral heroes at the end of the story, as they help to begin humankind’s slow process of redemption and salvation. Lucifer is far cry away from being an object of admiration as most typical heroes are. It does not make sense for readers to emulate him. However, there is no denying that he is a compelling character.

                Lucifer is such a contrast to the pure and perfect characters of Adam and Eve, God the Father, and God the Son that it becomes a treat for us to read about an interesting and flawed character such as Lucifer. Milton deliberately makes Lucifer seem heroic and appealing early in the poem to draw us into sympathizing with him against our will, so that we may see how seductive evil really can be.

                In literature, when Lucifer is mentioned, he is imagined to be a very strong and powerful individual. He is thought to be an unforgiving fallen angel. This is partially due to Milton’s portrayal of him in Paradise Lost. In Book 1 Lucifer is indeed a strong and imposing figure who is also a great leader. Lucifer is also thought of as bitter about being cast down to Hell from Paradisio. He believes that he can overthrow God, which shows immense pride and confidence. This is another reason why he is viewed as being so powerful. He believes in himself so much that no one can doubt his abilities. Even though he shows great confidence in himself, he is selfish and cruel and is not to be admired

The Tempest

                                        There be some sports are painful, and their labour
                                        Delight in them sets off. Some kinds of baseness
                                        Are nobly undergone, and most poor matters
                                        Point to rich ends. This my mean task
                                        Would be as heavy to me as odious, but
                                        The mistress which I serve quickens what’s dead
                                        And makes my labours pleasures. (III.i.1-7)

     This passage is spoken by Ferdinand to MIranda. He is expressing to her how he is willing to perform the tasks that Prospero has set for him to do, for her sake. Within this passage, there is a balance of desire for balance expressed by Prospero's speech to Miranda. There are a series of antithesis's within the passage, for example: “sports . . . painful” is followed by “labour . . . delights”; “baseness” can be undergone “nobly”; “poor matters” lead to “rich ends." 

      Throughout The Tempest, the themes compromise and balance are important. It is exemplified within many relationships throughout the book. Alonso must seem to lose his son in order to be forgiven for his treachery; Ferdinand must suffer Prospero’s feigned wrath in order to truly receive and enjoy his love for Miranda; Ariel must serve Prospero in order to be set free.