Comparing “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë and “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Date originally created:  November 1, 2001

The novels Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, published in the early 19th century, are two foundational works in English literature that engage with Gothic themes and social commentary. Though markedly different in their plots and characters, both novels explore the nature of isolation, the quest for self-identity, and the consequences of breaking societal norms. This essay will compare and contrast Jane Eyre and Frankenstein in terms of their plots, characters, and themes, while highlighting their unique contributions to the literary landscape.

Plot Comparison
At the core of Jane Eyre is the story of its titular character's journey toward self-discovery and independence. The novel follows Jane's life from her troubled childhood as an orphan under the abusive care of her aunt, to her schooling at Lowood, and eventually to her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. Throughout her journey, Jane faces various trials - poverty, mistreatment, heartbreak - but she remains steadfast in her pursuit of personal integrity and moral righteousness. The climax of the novel occurs when Jane discovers Mr. Rochester's dark secret - his hidden, insane wife Bertha Mason - forcing her to make a moral decision to leave despite her love for him.

Frankenstein, on the other hand, is a cautionary tale of ambition and scientific hubris. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but obsessive scientist, creates a living being from dead matter, which leads to catastrophic consequences. The creature, rejected by its creator and society, seeks vengeance on Victor, resulting in the tragic destruction of everyone close to him. The plot of Frankenstein is cyclical, as Victor and his creature become locked in a deadly chase across Europe and into the Arctic, ending with both characters' deaths. Unlike Jane Eyre, which focuses on personal growth and eventual reconciliation, Frankenstein depicts the ruinous effects of isolation and unchecked ambition.

While both novels are driven by personal journeys, Jane Eyre centers on moral and emotional development, whereas Frankenstein focuses on the consequences of transgressing natural boundaries. Brontë's novel is ultimately redemptive, offering Jane a chance at happiness, while Shelley's narrative ends in despair and destruction.

Characters
The protagonists of Jane Eyre and Frankenstein - Jane Eyre and Victor Frankenstein, respectively - are central to understanding the contrasting messages of the novels. Jane Eyre is a strong-willed, morally upright woman who strives to balance her desire for love and companionship with her need for independence and self-respect. Despite the many hardships she faces, Jane remains true to her principles, demonstrating resilience and inner strength. Her journey is one of self-empowerment, as she grows from a powerless orphan into a woman who asserts control over her own destiny.

Victor Frankenstein, by contrast, is deeply flawed. He is consumed by his ambition to unlock the secrets of life and defy death, which blinds him to the moral implications of his actions. Unlike Jane, Victor lacks self-awareness and responsibility, leading to his downfall. His failure to acknowledge his responsibility toward his creation results in the creature's alienation and subsequent vengeance. In this way, Victor represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the failure to take responsibility for one's actions.

The creature in Frankenstein can also be compared to Jane, as both characters experience profound isolation. However, while Jane overcomes her alienation through her moral strength and perseverance, the creature succumbs to violence and bitterness. Jane's isolation is largely due to societal structures, but her response is one of self-empowerment. The creature, meanwhile, is ostracized due to his grotesque appearance, and his descent into violence reflects his rejection by society and his creator. The contrast between Jane and the creature highlights the different ways in which isolation can shape a person's destiny.

Themes
One of the key themes shared by Jane Eyre and Frankenstein is isolation, though it is portrayed differently in each novel. Jane Eyre's isolation is both physical and emotional - she is often cut off from others due to her status as an orphan, a governess, and a woman of limited means. Yet Jane uses her isolation as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Her resilience enables her to find connection and community, first at Lowood and later with the Rivers family, before ultimately reconciling with Mr. Rochester on her own terms.

In Frankenstein, isolation leads to destruction. Victor isolates himself in his obsessive quest to create life, shutting himself off from his family and loved ones. Similarly, the creature is isolated not by choice but by his monstrous appearance, which causes others to shun him. Unlike Jane, who seeks connection, the creature's loneliness drives him to seek revenge, turning him into the very monster that society perceives him to be. Shelley's novel thus explores the dangers of alienation and the need for social connection, suggesting that unchecked isolation can lead to moral and emotional decay.

Both novels also grapple with questions of identity and the self. Jane Eyre's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to assert her individuality and autonomy in a society that seeks to confine her to specific roles - first as a dependent orphan, then as a subservient governess. Jane's refusal to compromise her sense of self, even when it would be easier to conform, is an admirable element of her character.

Victor Frankenstein, conversely, loses his sense of identity through his obsessive pursuit of scientific knowledge. His creation, the creature, also struggles with his identity, questioning whether he is inherently evil or if he has been made monstrous by the way he has been treated. In this way, Frankenstein delves into questions of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god.

Conclusion
While Jane Eyre and Frankenstein are vastly different in terms of their plots, they share common themes of isolation, identity, and societal transgression. Jane Eyre's journey toward self-empowerment and emotional fulfillment contrasts with Victor Frankenstein's tragic downfall, yet both characters grapple with societal expectations and personal limitations. Brontë's novel ultimately offers hope and redemption, while Shelley's paints a bleak picture of human ambition and its consequences. Together, these novels provide a rich exploration of the human condition, reflecting both the triumphs and tragedies of individual experience.