The Tides of Jane Eyre

Along with the idea of the preternatural that Jane is so often related to by Mr Rochester, I want to call attention to her relationship with the moon. The concept of the unknown or supernatural and the moon are tied together in this book because one signifies the other. Jane (as the narrator not the character) often refers to the moon on the eve of disturbance. The moon has, up to this point in the novel (page 362), represented the storm before the calm or signified imminent change. I am curious to see if this relationship continues throughout the rest of the novel and if the moon is used to signify the unveiling of the mysterious canine creature on the third floor.

Perhaps the first time we see Jane's attention turned to the moon is when she is locked into the red-room after John Reed has struck her. In her delirium and despair she begins to fear the room due to past events that have occurred in it like the death of Mr. Reed. She perceives a "light gleamed on the wall" and rationally tries to blame it on the moon (Bronte, 75). The instant launches her into hysterics, more punishment ensues, and by her take she is overcome by a phantom. This instant, signaled by the presence of the moon, sparks the conversation of Jane leaving Gateshead to go to school, a change to her present situation. The moon is not called attention to again until we see that idea come to fruition.

Another telling instance of the moon appears when Jane leaves Gateshead. In her silent excitement to move away from the Mansion and onto her journey at Lowood as a pupil the "half-moon" is her companion in the early morning before her departure. When change ensues, and Jane leaves, the moon is no longer with her in her travels. "The moon was set, and it was very dark; Bessie carried a lantern whose light glanced on wet steps and gravel road sodden by a recent thaw"(Bronte 100). It could be argued that only the setting, half moon was present on the eve of Jane's departure from Gateshead because only a change of place was to follow, not a preternatural experience.

In contrast to the last example is the night that Mr Rochester's guest, Richard Mason, is attacked by the wild thing believed to Mrs. Poole on the third floor of the great house. We are immediately aware that the coming night is going to be tumultuous because Jane is awoken by the light of the moon. After forgetting to close her shades "the moon, which was full and bright...roused [Jane]. Awaking [her] in the dead of night..."(Bronte 287). Immediately following this observation, the raucous above her bedroom begins. Following the commotion and excitement, Jane has to quietly endure the oddities that ensue when Mr Rochester seeks her help. Luckily Jane is already prepared, dressed, as if she has a sixth sense.

Mr, Rochester's jests and comments about Jane's relation to the supernatural may be more than just banter. She appears to be a daughter of the moon, constantly signaled and looked after by the moon's light, it seems Jane and the moon have a special relationship. I am sure that these examples just begin to scratch the surface of the moon and her significance in Jane's ever evolving positions in life and I will continues to pay special attention to their interactions.