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H 2 >Estimable Elizabeth Jane There are few fictional characters that possess venerable qualities. One character that has these characteristics is a young lady by the name of Elizabeth Jane; who is a character from Thomas Hardy's, The Mayor of Casterbridge. This novel was set in Victorian England in a small rural town named Casterbridge; it is here that Elizabeth Jane grows up in an environment full of deception and falseness dictated by her parents and close relations. One would expect her to exhibit these loathsome traits, but throughout the novel Elizabeth Jane remains the most admirable through her humble, loyal and strengthening traits. Elizabeth Janes ability to remain humble caused people to regard her with great respect. For example, when Elizabeth Jane and her mother first arrived in Casterbridge with very little money, out of charity, they received free board at The Three Mariners Inn.
Elizabeth Jane felt much obliged to the innkeeper and this single hearted girl sacrifice (d) her personal comfort and dignity to the common weal (Hardy 42). Elizabeth Jane never felt too proud to help anyone out. Moreover, when Elizabeth Jane moved into Henchard's house, and was suddenly flooded with riches, She had thought it over, her usual fear of exaggerating appearances endangered a deep sadness. There is something wrong in all this, she mused, If only they knew what an unfinished girl I am- that I cant talk Italian, or use globes (Hardy 95).
Elizabeth Jane could have had every piece of clothing or accessory she ever desired, but instead, bought books and tried to better her education and not succumb to superficial desires. Furthermore, when Lucetta asks Elizabeth Jane to move in with her, Elizabeth Jane can only look to the negative and dissuade her for she believes she is not adequate enough. In a conversation with Lucetta she said, I am no accomplished person. And a companion to you, dear madam, must be that Oh, not necessarily.
Not? But I cant help using rural words sometimes, when I dont mean to. Never mind. I shall like to know them. (Hardy 136) Elizabeth Jane does not try to conceal what she is from Lucetta, but admits to Lucetta that she is not educated, and has many faults but would like to learn and better herself. By remaining humble, Elizabeth Jane stayed true to herself and set and example for young ladies in her community. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth Jane remains loyal to many people.
In particular, Henchard asks Elizabeth Jane to change her name even though her mother Susan is clearly against it but she consulted Elizabeth Jane anyway, She went to Elizabeth Jane, whom she found sewing in her own sitting-room upstairs, and told her what had been proposed about her surname Elizabeth reflected. Ill think of it, mother (Hardy 87). Elizabeth Jane is still very much attached to her father Newson, and since he is dead, his name is all she has left and she wishes to preserve its sentimental value. Also, when Henchard begins to treat Elizabeth Jane with dislike and she is desperate to get away, she cannot openly defy him, But your father, Mr. Henchard. He is living?
Yes, he is living, said Elizabeth Jane Is he not kind to you? Ive no wish to complain of him (Hardy 135). After all the pain that Henchard has caused her, Elizabeth Jane still remembers he is her father and respects that fact. Additionally, after Henchard's fall in social class, Henchard has much animosity towards Farfrae. Elizabeth Jane witnesses his acts towards Farfrae and knows what he thinks of him and concludes that Henchard will most likely harm Farfrae. Since Elizabeth Jane and Farfrae used to be close, she warned Farfrae, I sometimes fear, she said with an effort, that he may be betrayed into some attempt to-insult you, sir (Hardy 237).
Elizabeth Jane still feels some sort of tie towards Farfrae and warns him so he will watch out for his safety. Loyalty proved to aid Elizabeth Jane because it only solidified the conclusion that she was a good person. Elizabeth Jane finds strength from within to stand up for herself. For instance, when her father Michael Henchard the mayor, was being temperamental and distant for reasons unknown to her, she took action and mustered up the courage to ask him if she could leave, Father, have you any objection to my going away? Going away?
No- none whatever. Where are you going? I have heard of an opportunity of getting more cultivated and finished and being less idle, she answered, with hesitation, (Hardy 139 - 140). Henchard's mood swings often made him difficult to talk to, and even though Elizabeth Jane hesitated with her answers, she completed her task and got out of that environment. Another instance is when her manipulative and vivacious room mate Lucetta asks for advice about who she should marry between Henchard, whom she promised or Farfrae, her new object of affection. Elizabeth Jane has very strong convictions and tells Lucetta, I have guessed who the man is, My father, and I say it is him or nobody for you (Hardy 213).
Elizabeth Jane stands up for her beliefs, even though Lucetta has shown her much charity by asking her to live at High Place Hall, Elizabeth Jane does not degrade herself by telling Lucetta what she wants to hear. After this event, Elizabeth Jane no longer desires to live with Lucetta and her new love, Donald Farfrae and in the evenings he hastily put on her things and went out. In a few minutes, knowing the ground, she had found suitable lodging and arranged to enter it that night (Hardy 214 - 215). Elizabeth Jane who was exiled from her fathers had now left her second home to live on her own, alone. Elizabeth Janes strength clearly illustrates her amiability. In brief, humbleness, loyalty and strength obviously establish Elizabeth Jane as the most deserving character.
By remaining grounded, Elizabeth Jane established respect throughout the community; as well her loyalty caused the townsfolk to recognize her goodness, which was intensified by her strength, which helped her state her convictions. A truly great person is composed by what they do in their community and in turn, by what their community thinks of them.
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Research essay sample on Elizabeth Jane H 2
