- Evaluate the statement and start with open mind. Approach both sides of the
argument. Express original ideas fluently, synthesise your idea’s, pull different points
together to make something fresh.
- Always know WHAT to compare. E.g., Form, structure, language. Like different or
similar views on a theme, e.g., passion. Different characteristic use of language
throughout each text etc.
Jane Eyre (JE) vs A Room with A View (ARWAV)
- Lucy and Jane both long to experience more of the world. Lucy by her sadness of
someone with a Cockney accent in Florence and Jane with
- Chapter 4 in ARWAV and Chapter 12 in JE. Ideas of rebellion against female
expectations
- Chapter 4: Lucy tries (with some difficulty) to rebel against the strictness of her
environment. Since she just sat through a boring conversation, she wants to try
something fun – ride a tram. However, she concludes that such an activity would be
inappropriate for someone of her social station. She has been trained to think
women should be always calm and docile, rather than pursing her own ‘selfish’
desires. Lucy’s conception of women and femininity reflects sexism in English society
and reflects the strength of English tradition. Forster continues to expound on the
notion of a medieval lady, idea of obeying men always. However, it is made clear
that the notion of a ‘calm docile obedient woman’ is breaking down in Lucy’s
lifetime, if it ever really was stable.
- Chapter 12 in JE: Jane has felt trapped and restless because she is a female without
family and is poor, therefore opportunities are scarce. However, even in her desire
for freedom Jane is aware that she must be realistic and humble as she cannot have
a totally different lifestyle. She recognises that because of her social position and
because of current circumstances, there are few things that she could do that would
give her the greater liberty and life she craves. She finally accepts that she will feel
oppressed no matter where she goes. Jane highlights the paradox about the way
women's roles are defined at the time, they are considered weak and fragile so
unable to support themselves and they would let their feelings overwhelm them.
Yet, at the same time, women are expected to curb outbursts of feeling – something
only possible if they use their full capacities of rational judgement.
- Honesty and deception in a room with a view and jane Eyre. (Chapter 18 ARWAV)