There is a reoccurring theme throughout the entirety of the
chapter, this being the power that Mr. Brocklehurst has over Miss Temple, and
the larger view of power that men had over women as a part of the setting of
the novel. Bronte uses this theme as a way
to portray a belief that she believes need to be fixed in society. This desire to present her belief allows
Bronte to use many different stylistic features to create a setting that will
enhance the audience’s reception of her belief to invoke a response. Bronte’s target audience would be women
around the world who are oppressed by men and men that are oppressing
women. This novel therefore has two
differing purposes, which are dependent on the reader.
An example
of a stylistic feature the Bronte utilizes in this chapter is, “"Your directions shall be attended to, sir," said
Miss Temple. "And, ma'am," he
continued, "the laundress tells me some of the girls have two clean
tuckers in the week: it is too much; the rules limit them to one." (Bronte
Par 14-15). The choice of using quotes
to show a characters response allows for the reader to see an emotional aspect
of each character, it enhances Bronte’s characterization. This quote is revealing of the power that Mr.
Brocklehurst had over Miss Temple and the fear that Miss Temple had of him due
to her quick and professional response.
