Storm imagery in Villette
Charlotte Brontë uses imagery to portray the feelings and emotions of her characters. Many episodes in the novel involve friction between individuals and even within the individuals themselves, the imagery employed helps to convey this. The imagery use of storms is seen throughout the story."These strange accents in the storm -- this restless, hopeless cry -- denote a coming state of the atmosphere unpropitious to life." (Bronté, p. 46) The Romantic and Victorian periods saw a flowering of imagery: for the Romantics, because it often proved the best way to express their vague philosophical yearnings and ideas; for the Victorians, because societal taboos all too often prevented discussion of topics unless they were "coded" in acceptable images. In Villette, we see one main symbol being used, storms. Storms provide a dominant textual metaphor for violent and confusing turning points in the main character's development. For Lucy, storms usher her along in her development from shy, frigid nursemaid to more open, self-sufficient schoolmistress: though fearful and traumatic, the storms, and experiences, tend to mold and enhance her personality. Villette practically opens with a storm: after the initial exposition, Lucy tells of h
Some topics in this essay:
Romantic Victorian, Pensionnat Beck, Graham/Dr John, Charlotte Brontë, Miss Marchmont, Malevola Walravens, Paul Emanuel, Lucy Snowe, Chapter IV, Lucy Pensionnat, storm novel, paul emanuel, inner outer storms, miss marchmont, ill weather, outer storms, inner outer,
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Approximate Word count = 959
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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