Summary of Clarkes Brontes Jane Eyre and the Grimms...

Clarke, Micael M. Brontes Jane Eyre and the Grimms Cinderella. SEL: Studies in English Literature 1500-1900. 40.4 (2000): 695-710. Clarke explores the similarities and importance of Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s use of the Grimms’ version of Cinderella within the story of Jane Eyre. She outlines how the two stories are parallel and then skillfully explores the symbolism that is present in both. Through her analysis of the ways the two stories are similar, Clarke concludes that the combination of the Grimms’ Cinderella within Jane Eyre allowed Brontà « to critique and explore societal views and treatment of women as well as question and suggest alternative religious views such as those of a maternalist system. Critics have had much trouble†¦show more content†¦Clarke analyzes the symbol of the hearth which is a central theme in both stories, and as she suggests points to pre-Christian religious symbolism of the goddess or the divine mother. The hearth in Jane Eyre is associated with homecomings and precious caregiving qualities of the hearthkeepers, as well as family, emotional intimacy, intellectual companionship, and even life. Clarke suggests more concisely that hearths are symbols of all that is needed, desired, and inspiring. The hearthfire also contains a potential for devastation and destruction as Clarke points to in the examples of Helen Burns dying by fever as well as Rochester’s bed of fire. Also, Clarke emphasizes that the hearth is associated with domesticity which within Jane Eyre is associated with a resistance to the life-denying principles of a tainted social system and with this spirituality that seeks to reintegrate ancient maternalist principals in C hristianity. Clarke states the in a world like Jane Eyre’s or Cinderella’s where women become competitive and cruel or are swallowed up because it does not value them the hearth is representative of an alternative or choice for life as well as a sacred space. The moon is another symbol of religious significance in Jane Eyre in that it is a