The phenomenon of extension/contraction of the text: Images of nature in Ch. Brontë's novel jane eyre and its screen adaptations

Abstract

© Journal of Language and Literature. The article deals with the issue of artistic implementation of images of nature and its symbolic role in Jane Eyre, the most popular novel by Ch. Brontë, and its well-known screen adaptations. The issue is discussed considering 'the text extension/contraction' phenomenon which is determined by a particular novel setting - the composition includes a few relatively complete and independent parts. As envisioned by the writer, Nature is supposed to play a special role in her work. It becomes one of the components of the first-person narration that is not only the background of the narrative, but a unique psychological code, providing a key to understanding emotional state and character of the title heroine. Nature gains an active role and interferes with the plot. In each of the narrative parts of the novel images of nature act a corresponding role. Ch. Brontë's novel has been adapted for the screen more than once. The producers interpret the novel in their own way extending or contracting a certain part and provide a unique understanding of images of nature. The latter either complies with the loneness and fatality motif and escaping the circle of misery as in the film of 2011 or is connected with the romance line as in F. Zeffirelli's motion picture version.