Analysis,on,Symbolism,of,Names,in,Jane,Eyre


  Abstract:Through studying the symbolic meaning of names in Jane Eyre,readers has got a clear and comprehensive understanding of the creation process of Jane Eyre.
  Key words:Jane Eyre;symbolism;names
  1 Introduction
  Jane Eyre,one of the most well-known classical works in the nineteenth century aroused great controversy when it was first published.The success Jane Eyre has achieved not only depends on the characteristics of Jane Eyre,as well as the writing style and techniques.Symbolism,one of the techniques makes Charlotte’s novel lively and last from generation to generation.Critic Mrs.Levis pointed out that the greatest distinction between former novels and Jane Eyre is that Jane Eyre is a whole organism combined with symbols and symbolism,not the connection with each plot (Jingguo Luo 76).
  2 The Analysis of Symbolism in Jane Eyre
  2.1 Eyre—the Combination of Eye and Fire
  Researchers hypothesized that the last name“Eyre”is the combination of two symbols “eye”and“fire”in cognitive linguistic aspect(Han 1),they contained a variety of symbolic meanings which make the novel lively and deep.
  2.1.1 Eye
  “Eye”appeared approximately more than seventy times in the novel.Because of Rochester’s special magnetic personality that expressed through his eyes,Jane Eyre was deeply attracted.In Rochester’s eyes,it is easy to find his charm and his emotion.
  His eyes and gathered eyebrows looked ireful and thwarted just now.(Brontё 164)
  Jane Eyre firmly believed the power of eyes which can express emotions,communicate,observe inner heart and even approach to mutual soul.
  I had rendered him...looking down on my face,surveyed me with eyes that revealed a heart full and eager to overflow...(Brontё 254)
  There is no doubt that every expression of Rochester’s eyes touched Jane Eyre’s heart,because it revealed the real feeling of Rochester.
  Lifting his eyes to its battlements,he cast over them a glare,such as I never saw before or since...under his ebony eyebrow...(Brontё 208)
  Even afterwards,Rochester was blind,Jane did not abandon him,and she was willing to become his eyes forever.In the novel,Jane’s eyes—the radiant hazel eyes,also greatly attracted Rochester’s attention.
  ...for it keeps those searching eyes of yours away from my physiognomy,and busies them with the worsted flowers of the rug ...(Brontё 193)
  In Jane Eyre’s mind,Rochester’s eyes brought her warm and happiness,while Mrs.Reed’s eyes were cruel and merciless.