Background

VICTORIAN AGE: 1837-1901

British Culture:

-Britain was very snobby towards Irish people.
-Rochester is an Irish symbol, stereotyped as having a rowdy personality and personal defects. He had dark features, also a British-assumed characterization.
-Opposite of Rochester was St.John. St. John was a �true� Englishman. He was described as handsome and sane.
-Their society was very judgemental, confining Jane and Rochester by controlling how they act and live.

World Interactions:

-England established Oriental colonies but was having troubles.
-The oriental despot was a theme of starting out with nothing and amassing a great wealth.
-Rochester represents oriental despot. He led the elegant life and lavished in his riches.

Cultural Symbols:

-Lowood is a representation of Irish opression.
-There was a famine, and the overall tone was desolate.
-Rochester is a stereotypical Irish, roudy and raunchy.
-Jane's second painting which depicted an almost angelic woman was a reference to Blache. Blache was the culturally accepted woman of the time. In chapter one, Jane is also reading a book called *History of British Birds* which symbolizes a yearing for freedom.

Marxism:

-It views culture in relation to ideologies.