Listening to the Perpetual Mind’s Inward Tale: A Study of the Psyche of Jane in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre

Arkanil Das

Psychoanalysis, Subconscious, Individuation, Repression, Societal norms.

This dissertation project intends to explore Charlotte Bronte's seminal novel, Jane Eyre, through the lens of psychoanalysis. By employing Freudian psycho-analytical theories, it tries to bring out the subconscious motivations, desires, and conflicts embedded within the protagonist, Jane Eyre. The main focus of this analysis is the exploration of Jane's psyche, from her traumatic childhood experiences to her complex relationships and inner turmoil. Freud's concepts of the conscious, subconscious and preconscious minds provide a foundation for understanding Jane's ‘subconscious drives’. Additionally, this dissertation gives some more insights on Jane's journey towards her personality and self-realisation. The paper examines key moments in Jane's life, such as her traumatic experiences at her aunt’s house in Gateshead and Lowood Institution, her conflicted romance with Mr. Rochester, and her quest for freedom and identity. Through the psychoanalytic lens, it uncovers the underlying psychological dynamics at play, including repression, trauma and the resolution of Electra complexes. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of external factors, such as societal norms and gender expectations, on Jane's psyche and development. Ultimately, this dissertation offers a brief understanding of Jane Eyre as a character, focusing on her psychological complexities and the ways in which her journey reflects universal human experiences. By applying psychoanalytic theory to Bronte's masterpiece, it contributes to a deeper appreciation of the novel's psychological depth.

https://doi.org/10.31871/WJRR.20.5.17