Roles of the Housekeeper and Nursemaid in Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre essays

Roles of the Housekeeper and Nursemaid in Brontes Jane Eyre Just as servants played an essential role in tight-laced England, they also played an essential role in the novel Jane Eyre. Bronte uses servants in a variety of ways. For example the housekeeper is used to bring terror and utter rejection on Jane. The nursemaid is used to teach Jane to love and nurture without neglecting discipline. The housekeeper was most often a widow, wor kinsfolkg for her kin (H sickish 119). Mrs. Fairfax falls under the category of the widowed elderly lady working for her kin (107 ch. 11). It is Mrs. Fairfax who responds to Janes ad and hires her (96 ch. 10). It is also Mrs. Fairfax who warns Jane before her wedding to Rochester that she should not trust him. Being the housekeeper as well as kin Mrs. Fairfax knows a lot about Rochester. She suggests that Jane keep Mr. Rochester at a distance distrust yourself as well as him ( 263 ch. 24). Bronte uses the stern housekeeper in the novel to entice Ja ne. The stern and disproving Mrs. Fairfax signifies the distress and turmoil that is soon to take place with the pending wedding. The housekeeper was often a terror to other servants in the home, and is the character of many stories pursue (Huggert 33). Mrs. Fairfax adhering to her role as housekeeper attempts to stir terror in Jane about marrying Rochester by telling her to distrust him (263 ch. 24). We find that Mrs. Fairfaxs warning does indeed take a toll on Janes behavior toward Rochester. After treating Rochester coolly for weeks, Jane says, Mrs. Fairfax, I saw, approved me (272 ch. 25). The similar kind of attributes are displayed by Hannah the housekeeper at Moor House. The same kind of close loyal bond is also displayed by Hannah. When Jane knocks on the door of Moor House , it is Hannah who answers and turns her away. Hannahs loyalty to the family causes her to distrust strangers and attempt to treasure their interests. She refuses to allow Jane to even speak to her mis tresses (329 ch. 28 ). Jane continues claiming she will die if turned away. Hannah responds Not you. Im feard you have some ill plans agate, that bring you about folks houses at this time o night. If youve any followers- housebreakers or such like- anywhere near, you may tell them we are not by ourselves in the house we have a gentleman, and dogs, and guns.