Jane Eyre: A Glossary For Readers

Oct 29, 2025 by Admin 34 views

Hey bookworms! Ever found yourself diving into a classic like Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and hitting a snag with some of the older lingo? Don't worry, guys, we've all been there! Jane Eyre is an absolute masterpiece, a story of a strong, independent woman navigating a tough Victorian world. But let's be real, some of the words and phrases used back then can be a bit of a head-scratcher. That's why we've put together this super handy glossary. Think of it as your secret weapon to unlock the full richness of Jane's journey, from her stormy beginnings at Lowood to her passionate, complicated romance with Mr. Rochester. We're going to break down some of the trickiest bits so you can fully immerse yourself in the drama, the emotion, and the sheer brilliance of this iconic novel without missing a beat. So grab your copy, maybe a comfy blanket, and let's get this literary party started!

Understanding Victorian Vocabulary in Jane Eyre

One of the biggest hurdles readers face when picking up Jane Eyre is the sheer density of Victorian vocabulary. This isn't your everyday chat, is it? Brontë was writing in a time when language was a bit more formal, a bit more elaborate, and frankly, a bit more… wordy. Words that were common then might sound archaic or even nonsensical to us now. For instance, you might stumble across terms like 'vexed' (meaning annoyed or bothered), 'countenance' (referring to someone's facial expression or face), or 'peremptory' (describing something that's final and not open to discussion). Understanding these terms is crucial because they often carry significant weight in revealing character motivations, social contexts, and the overall mood of a scene. When Jane describes herself as feeling 'mortified,' it's a much stronger, deeper sense of shame and humiliation than just feeling a bit embarrassed. Similarly, a character's 'grave countenance' tells you a lot more about their mood than just saying they looked serious. We're diving deep into this linguistic landscape to make sure you're not just reading the words, but truly grasping the nuances Brontë so carefully crafted. This glossary isn't just about defining words; it's about understanding the feel and meaning behind them, adding layers to your appreciation of Jane's story. So, let's get started with some of the most common and impactful words you'll encounter.

Key Terms and Definitions

Alright team, let's get down to business with some of the most frequent and potentially confusing words you'll bump into while reading Jane Eyre. We're going to tackle them head-on, giving you clear, easy-to-understand definitions and maybe even a little context to help them stick.

Abashed: Ever felt totally embarrassed and a bit flustered? That's being abashed! It means to be embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed. Think about Jane when she's first confronted by Mr. Brocklehurst; she might feel quite abashed by his harsh words and the stares of others.
Abhorrence: This one's a biggie and means a feeling of strong dislike or disgust. If Jane abhors injustice or cruelty, it means she absolutely hates it. This is a core part of her character, right?
Affliction: Simply put, this refers to something that causes pain or suffering. Lowood School is definitely an affliction for Jane and the other girls, isn't it?
Alacrity: This means cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness. If Jane agrees to do something with alacrity, she's doing it eagerly and without hesitation. It’s the opposite of dragging your feet!
Amiable: This describes someone who is having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. Someone who is amiable is generally well-liked because they are nice to be around.
Apprehension: This can mean two things: understanding or grip; OR anxiety or dread. In Jane Eyre, it's often used in the sense of anxiousness about the future. Jane might feel apprehension about her next steps.
Ascetic: This refers to severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Think of characters who are very strict, perhaps overly so, with themselves and others. Mr. Brocklehurst might have elements of an ascetic, but his hypocrisy makes it twisted.
Austerity: Similar to ascetic, this means sternness or severity of manner or attitude. It can also refer to a state of living with extreme plainness and lack of comfort, often due to economic hardship. Lowood definitely embodies austerity.
Avidity: This means extreme eagerness or enthusiasm. If someone pursues knowledge with avidity, they are incredibly keen to learn.
Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause. Jane receives help from a benefactor after leaving Thornfield, which is a pretty big deal.
Benevolence: This is the quality of being well-meaning; kindness. A benevolent person wants to do good things for others.
Caprice: A sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behaviour. Think of a sudden whim or fancy. Rochester can be prone to caprice at times.
Censure: This is the expression of formal disapproval; an official reprimand. If someone is censured, they are being told off officially for doing something wrong.
Coquettish: A woman who is trying to attract attention in a playful, teasing way. Think of someone being flirtatious.
Corpulent: This simply means plump or fat. It's a description of physical build.
Countenance: As we touched on, this means a person's facial expression or face. It's a more formal way of referring to someone's face and the emotions it conveys.
Cravat: This is basically an old-fashioned necktie. So when characters are described as wearing a cravat, just picture a fancy tie.
Cruel: Okay, this one's pretty straightforward, but in Jane Eyre, cruelty takes many forms – from verbal abuse to neglect and even physical punishment. It’s a constant theme.
Deference: This means humble submission and respect. Showing deference to someone means you're treating them with great respect, often because of their age or status.
Demure: Reserved, modest, and shy. Characters described as demure are often quiet and perhaps a bit prim.
Depravity: This is the state or practice of behaving in an extremely evil or immoral way. It's a strong word for extreme wickedness.
Despotism: This means the exercise of absolute power, typically in a cruel and oppressive way. A despot is a tyrant.
Discern: To perceive or recognize something. If you can discern a hidden meaning, you can figure it out.
Discomfited: Made uneasy or embarrassed. Similar to abashed, but often implies a feeling of being unsettled.
Disdain: The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt. It's a feeling of looking down on someone.
Disparity: A great difference. The disparity between the rich and the poor is a huge theme in the novel.
Displeasure: This is simply a feeling of annoyance or disapproval. A mild form of anger.
Dread: Anticipate with great fear or anxiety. Jane often dreads harsh treatment or difficult situations.
Ebullition: An outpouring of emotion. Think of a sudden burst of excitement or anger.
Ecstasy: An overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. The opposite of dread!
Edifice: A building, especially a large, imposing one. It can also refer to a large, complex system or institution.
Egotism: The excessive belief in the worth or importance of oneself. Basically, being really self-centered.
Elated: Ecstatically happy. Feeling on top of the world.
Emaciated: Extremely thin, typically because of illness or a lack of food. This describes the physical state of many of the girls at Lowood.
Emancipate: To set free, especially from legal, social, or political restrictions. Jane seeks her own emancipation through education and independence.
Ennui: A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. Basically, boredom, but a more profound, weary kind.
Enraptured: Filled with great pleasure or delight. Completely captivated.
Enunciate: To say or pronounce clearly. Also, to express an idea or principle formally.
Epigram: A short, witty, and memorable saying. Like a clever one-liner.
Equanimity: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Jane strives for equanimity.
Eschew: Deliberately avoid using; abstain from. To deliberately keep away from something.
Esoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest. Like secret, advanced knowledge.
Exacerbate: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Pretty self-explanatory, right?
Exaltation: A feeling or state of extreme happiness or exhilaration. Similar to elation.
Exculpate: To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing. To clear someone's name.
Exhilaration: A feeling of great happiness and excitement. Like pure joy!
Expedient: Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral. A quick fix that might not be the right way.
Expound: To present and explain a theory or idea in detail. To elaborate on something.
Extol: To praise enthusiastically. To really sing someone's or something's praises.
Extravagance: Lack of restraint in spending money or using resources. Being overly lavish or excessive.
Facile: Appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the complexity of something; superficial. Often used to describe arguments or explanations that seem too simple.
Fain: Archaic word for 'gladly' or 'willingly'. You might see phrases like 'I would fain do this'.
Fallow: Inactive, unproductive. Like land left uncultivated for a period.
Fatuous: Silly and Egotistical. Completely lacking good sense; foolish.
Feigned: Simulated or pretended; insincere. To pretend to feel or have something.
Felicity: Intense happiness. A state of great joy.
Fervent: Having or displaying a passionate intensity. Full of strong emotion.
Fickle: Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection. Someone who can't make up their mind.
Fidelity: Faithfulness; loyalty. Especially in marriage or relationships.
Foppish: (Of a man) concerned with his clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way. Think of a dandy.
Foreboding: A feeling that something bad will happen; fearful apprehension. A sense of impending doom.
Forswear: Agree to give up or do without (something). To renounce or deny under oath.
Fortitude: Courage in pain or adversity. Strength of mind and spirit when facing tough times.
Frugal: Sparing or economical as regards money or food. Being careful with resources.
Fulsome: Excessive or exaggerated, often in a sickening way. Can be used negatively to describe insincere flattery.
Galling: Annoying; irritating. Something that really grates on you.
Gaudy: Extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless. Over-the-top and flashy.
Genteel: Polite, refined, or respectable. Having good manners and social grace.
Gesticulate: To use gestures, especially with one's hands, when speaking. To move your hands around expressively.
Glimmering: Shining faintly with a wavering light. A faint, unsteady sparkle.
Gloom: Partial or total darkness; dejection. A state of sadness and darkness.
Gourmand: A person who enjoys eating and is often a big eater. Someone who loves food.
Gratification: Pleasure, especially when derived from the satisfaction of a desire. The feeling of being pleased.
Gregarious: (Of a person) fond of company; sociable. Someone who loves being around people.
Grievous: (Of something bad) very severe or serious. Causing great suffering.
Guile: Sly or cunning intelligence. Trickery or deception.
Haggard: Looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering. Worn out.
Haughty: Arrogantly superior and disdainful. Pompous and proud.
Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (or other) doctrine. Going against established beliefs.
Ignominious: Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame. Humiliating and embarrassing.
Imbecility: Extreme mental deficiency; foolishness. A lack of intelligence.
Imbroglio: An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation. A messy entanglement.
Imprudence: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; lacking caution. Reckless or unwise.
Inanimate: Not alive. Lifeless.
Incandescence: Intense heat that produces a glow; brilliance. Can also refer to intellectual brilliance.
Incipient: Beginning or appearing in an initial stage. Just starting to develop.
Indecorous: Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper. Lacking manners or good behavior.
Indefatigable: Persisting tirelessly. Someone who never gets tired.
Indolent: Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy. Lacking energy.
Inexorable: Impossible to stop or prevent. Unstoppable.
Inexpressible: Too great or extreme to be expressed in words. Beyond description.
Inimical: Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile. Harmful or antagonistic.
Iniquity: Immoral or grossly unfair behavior. Wickedness or injustice.
Insinuate: Suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way. To subtly imply something negative.
Insipid: Lacking flavor or vigor; dull. Boring or tasteless.
Intransigent: Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something. Stubbornly inflexible.
Intrepid: Fearless; adventurous. Brave and daring.
Inveterate: Having a particular habit, activity, or attitude, especially an unhealthy or negative one, long-established and unlikely to change. Deep-rooted.
Invidious: (Of an action or situation) likely to arouse resentment or anger in others. Unfairly discriminating.
Irksome: Irritating; annoying. Something that makes you feel weary or frustrated.
Jaded: Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something. Worn out by excess.
Jocose: Playful or humorous. Joking.
Jocund: Cheerful and lighthearted. Merry and happy.
Juxtaposition: The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Placing things side-by-side to highlight differences.
Knell: The sound of a bell, especially when rung slowly for a death or funeral. A somber sound.
Languor: The state or feeling, extreme tiredness. A state of weakness or fatigue, often with a sense of listlessness.
Lascivious: Feeling or revealing an overt and obsessive sexual desire. Lustful.
Lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm. Sluggishness or apathy.
Livid: Furiously angry. Extremely mad.
Loathing: A feeling of strong disgust. Intense hatred.
Loch: A Scottish word for a lake or a large body of water. You'll see this in relation to Scotland.
Lurid: Gruesome; grisly. Also, vividly or distressingly explicit. Shocking or sensational.
Lustrous: Having luster; shining. Bright and glossy.
Maelstrom: A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river. Can also mean a situation or state of confused activity or violent upheaval.
Magnanimity: Generosity in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness. Big-heartedness.
Malady: A specific illness, typically a serious or chronic one. A disease or ailment.
Malcontent: A person who is dissatisfied and rebellious. Someone who is unhappy with the status quo.
Malignant: Evil in nature or effect. Harmful or destructive.
Mannerism: A distinctive habit or behavior. A peculiar way of acting or speaking.
Maudlin: Tearfully or weakly sentimental, especially in an amorous way. Overly emotional and self-pitying, often when drunk.
Mawkish: Sentimental in a feeble or sickly way. Similar to maudlin, overly sentimental.
Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. A deep, lingering sadness.
Mellifluous: (Of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. Smooth and flowing.
Mendacity: Untruthfulness. The tendency to lie.
Mercenary: A soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. Can also describe someone motivated purely by money.
Meteoric: Very rapid; swift. Like a shooting star.
Misanthrope: A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. Someone who hates people.
Misanthropic: Having or showing a dislike of humankind. Characteristic of a misanthrope.
Miserable: Wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable. Very unhappy or unpleasant.
Modicum: A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable. A little bit.
Modulation: The action of modulating something, especially a voice or signal. Varying the pitch or tone.
Moiety: Each of two equal or corresponding parts. A half.
Monotony: Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine. Boring sameness.
Morose: Sullen and ill-tempered. Gloomy and moody.
Mottled: Marked with spots or rounded patches of colour. Having irregular patches of colour.
Mountebank: A person who deceives others, especially through boastful or fraudulent claims. A charlatan.
Muted: (Of colours or sounds) not loud or bright. Softened or subdued.
Mystic: Relating to or having a spiritual reality transcending the observable. Someone who seeks spiritual truth through contemplation.
Napery: Linens, especially table linens. Tablecloths, napkins, etc.
Nefarious: (Typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal. Evil and wicked.
Nonchalance: The state of being nonchalant; a casual lack of concern. Coolness and indifference.
Noxious: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant. Toxic or damaging.
Obdurate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Hard-hearted and stubborn.
Obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. Overly eager to please or obey.
Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Similar to obdurate.
Ominous: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening. Foreboding.
Onerous: (Of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort that is excessively burdensome. Burdensome or difficult.
Opaque: Not able to be seen through; not transparent. Also, difficult or impossible to understand.
Opulence: Great wealth or luxuriousness. Richness and splendor.
Ostentatious: Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. Showy and flashy.
Ostracize: Exclude (someone) from a society or group. To shun or banish.
Overt: Done or shown openly; plainly apparent. Not hidden.
Palpable: (Of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to be almost tangible. Able to be touched or felt; very noticeable.
Panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something. High praise.
Paragon: A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality. An ideal model.
Pardoned: Forgiven (a person) for their transgressions or errors. To be absolved of guilt.
Pariah: An outcast. Someone who is rejected by society.
Parsimony: Extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources. Stinginess.
Pecuniary: Relating to or consisting of money. Financial.
Pensive: Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. Thoughtful, often with a hint of sadness.
Perdition: Eternal damnation; hell. Utter destruction.
Peremptory: Insisting on immediate attention or obedience, often in a brusque, overbearing way. Not allowing refusal or debate.
Perfidious: Deceitful and untrustworthy. Treacherous.
Perfunctory: (Of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or care. Done without real interest or enthusiasm.
Perilous: Full of danger or risk. Dangerous.
Perseverance: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Steadfastness.
Perspicacity: The quality of having a ready insight into and understanding of things. Sharpness of mind and perception.
Pertinacious: Holding firmly to an idea or course of action; determined. Stubbornly persistent.
Perturbed: Anxious or unsettled; upset. Agitated.
Pervade: Spread through and be perceived in every part of. To be present throughout.
Pessimism: A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. Gloominess.
Phlegmatic: (Of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. Calm and unemotional.
Piercing: (Of a sound or expression) sharp, loud, and piercing. Also, (of a gaze) seeming to penetrate one's thoughts. Sharp and intense.
Pious: Devoutly religious. Showing a desire to fulfill religious obligations.
Pique: A feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride. To arouse or excite (interest or curiosity).
Placid: Not easily upset or excited. Calm and peaceful.
Plaintive: Sounding sad and mournful. Expressing sorrow.
Plasticity: The quality of being easily shaped or molded. Adaptability.
Platitude: A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful. A cliché.
Plight: A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. A bad situation.
Plumage: A bird's feathers collectively. Bird feathers.
Plunder: Steal goods, typically using force in a time of war or civil disorder. To rob or loot.
Poignant: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. Deeply moving or touching.
Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people. Well-mannered.
Ponderous: Slow and clumsy because of great weight. Also, dull, laborious, or excessively solemn.
Portentous: Of momentous or ominous significance. Foreshadowing something important or ominous.
Postern: A back or side entrance to a building; a rear gate. A hidden or secondary entrance.
Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Practical.
Prattle: Talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way. To chatter meaninglessly.
Precedent: An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. An example from the past.
Precept: A general rule of conduct or procedure. A guiding principle.
Precocious: (Of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual. Mature for their age.
Predilection: A preference or special liking for something; a bias. A strong liking for something.
Preeminent: Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way. Outstanding.
Premonition: A strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant. A foreboding.
Preoccupation: The state or condition of being preoccupied or engrossed with something. Being absorbed in thought.
Preposterous: Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous. Absurd or ridiculous.
Prerogative: A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class. A special right.
Presage: (Of an event or circumstance) be a sign or warning that (something, typically something bad) will happen. To foreshadow.
Prevaricate: Speak or act in an evasive way. To avoid telling the truth.
Prodigy: A person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities. A genius.
Profligate: Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. Wasteful and extravagant.
Profound: (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense. Deep and meaningful.
Progeny: A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant. Offspring.
Prohibitory: Forbidding or restricting. Banning something.
Prominence: The state of being important, famous, or noticeable. Being well-known.
Promiscuous: (Of a person) engaging in many sexual relationships, especially without deep commitment. Indiscriminate.
Propensity: An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. A tendency.
Prophetic: Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future. Foretelling the future.
Prosaic: Commonplace or dull; unimaginative. Ordinary and unexciting.
Prostrate: (Of a person) lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward. Exhausted or overcome.
Protean: Tending or able to change frequently or easily. Versatile.
Providence: The protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power. Divine guidance or care.
Provisional: Arranged or existing for the present, only temporary. Temporary.
Provocation: Action or speech that makes someone angry or incites violence. An act of inciting anger.
Prudent: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future. Wise and cautious.
Puerile: Childishly silly and trivial. Immature and childish.
Pugnacious: Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. Quarrelsome.
Punctilious: Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior. Very careful and precise.
Puritanical: Favouring or affecting great strictness in religious or moral matters. Extremely strict in morals.
Quail: To feel or show apprehension or dread. To cower.
Quasi-: Seemingly; apparently but not really. Almost or partly.
Quell: Put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force. To suppress or put down.
Querulous: Complaining in a petulant or whining manner. Complaining and whining.
Quiescence: Inactivity or dormancy. A state of rest or quiet.
Quixotic: Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical. Like Don Quixote, impractical and romantic.
Rabid: (Of a person or their views) having or calling for extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm. Fanatical.
Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing. Deep-seated ill will.
Rapacity: Aggressive greed. Greediness.
Rapture: Ecstatic joy or delight. Overwhelming happiness.
Ratiocination: The process of reasoning. Logical thinking.
Rebuke: Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions. To scold.
Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. Stubbornly disobedient.
Reclusive: Avoiding the company of other people; solitary. Living in seclusion.
Recondite: (Of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse. Difficult to understand.
Rectitude: Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness. Uprightness and honesty.
Redolent: Strongly suggestive, or reminiscent of. Full of a particular scent.
Redress: Remedy or compensate for (a grievance or wrongdoing). To set right or make amends.
Refractory: Stubborn or unmanageable. Resistant to control.
Reiterate: Repeat (something) for emphasis or clarity. To say again.
Relegation: The act of assigning to an inferior position or rank. Downgrading.
Remorse: Deep and painful regret for wrongdoing. Guilt and regret.
Remuneration: Money paid for services or a task. Payment or reward.
Repartee: Quick, witty conversation. Lively back-and-forth.
Repose: A state of rest, sleep, or tranquility. Rest or peace.
Reprehensible: Deserving censure or condemnation. Blameworthy.
Repress: Subdue (someone or something) by force. To hold back or suppress.
Reprobate: (Noun) A person who is morally disapproved of. (Adjective) Unprincipled. A wicked or unprincipled person.
Repudiate: Refuse to accept or be associated with. To reject or disown.
Repute: The opinions generally held about someone or something. Reputation.
Resentment: Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly. Unfair anger.
Resignation: The state or act of retiring or giving up a position. Also, the acceptance of something inevitable or unavoidable.
Respite: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. A break.
Restitution: Compensation for loss or damage. Making amends.
Restive: Unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom. Restless.
Reticence: The quality of being reserved or reluctant to speak freely. Reservedness.
Reverence: Deep respect for someone or something. Veneration.
Reverie: A state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream. A daydream.
Rigmarole: A lengthy and complicated procedure, sequence of actions, or speech, typically unnecessary and complicated. A confusing procedure.
Rigor: Severe or strict severity or harshness. Strictness.
Riotous: Given to or marked by an expression of violence and unrestrained behavior. Wild and disorderly.
Rivalry: Competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Competition.
Robust: (Of a person or animal) strong and healthy; vigorous. Strong and healthy.
Roguery: Dishonest or unscrupulous behavior. Wickedness or trickery.
Ruminate: Think deeply about something. To meditate or ponder.
Rustic: Relating to the countryside; rural. Simple and charmingly awkward.
Sacrilege: Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred. Disrespect towards sacred things.
Sagacity: Wisdom and good judgment. Acuteness of perception.
Sallow: (Of a person's face or complexion) pale, unhealthy looking. Pale and unhealthy skin.
Salubrious: (Typically of a place) pleasant; not run-down. Health-giving and healthy.
Sanctimonious: Making a show of being morally superior to other people. Self-righteous.
Sanguine: Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. Cheerful and hopeful.
Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical. Mocking and cynical.
Scarcity: The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortness of supply. Lack.
Scoff: Speak to someone or about something in a scornfully mocking way. To mock or jeer.
Scruple: A feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality of a course of action. A moral objection.
Scurrilous: Making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. Vulgar and abusive.
Secular: Not connected with religious or spiritual matters. Worldly.
Sedate: Calm, dignified, and unhurried. Serene and composed.
Sedition: Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. Rebellion.
Self-abnegation: Denial of one's own passions, desires, or interests. Self-sacrifice.
Self-possession: Calm control over one's feelings and actions. Composure.
Semblance: An outward appearance or apparent form, though not necessarily real. An illusion or appearance.
Senile: (Especially of an old person) having or showing the weaknesses or diseases of old age, especially a physical or mental decline. Aged and weak.
Sensual: Relating to or involving gratification of the senses. Relating to physical pleasure.
Sententious: (Of a speech or style of writing) tending to beusele of moralizing short sentences, often in an irritatingly smug, self-righteous way. Preachy and pompous.
Servile: Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others. Subservient.
Sestet: A group or stanza of six lines. A six-line poem or stanza.
Shabby: (Of a place or object) in poor condition as a result of wear or neglect. Worn out and run-down.
Shattered: (Of a person) extremely tired or dejected. Broken or devastated.
Sheer: Beginning, or appearing to begin, very steeply. Also, nothing less than; the greatest possible (used for emphasis). Pure or absolute.
Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. Clever and insightful.
Shun: Persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution. To avoid.
Simper: Smile in an irritatingly coy, self-conscious, or foolish way. To smile foolishly.
Sinecure: A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit. An easy job.
Skeptical: Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations. Doubtful.
Skittish: (Of a person or animal) easily scared; nervous. Nervous and easily startled.
Slander: Make out false and defamatory statements about (someone) in speech. To make damaging false statements.
Sleight: Dexterity and nimbleness, especially in the use of the hands. Skillful trickery.
Sloth: Reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness. Laziness.
Slovenly: (Especially of a person or their appearance) messy and neglected. Untidy and careless.
Sly: Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature. Cunning and deceitful.
Smug: Having or showing excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements. Self-satisfied.
Sodden: Thoroughly soaked, especially with water. Soaked through.
Solicitude: Care or concern for someone or something. Anxiety or concern.
Solitary: Done or existing alone. Alone.
Somber: Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy. Gloomy and dark.
Soporific: Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep. Inducing sleep.
Sordid: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt. Dirty and mean.
Sovereign: A supreme ruler, especially a monarch. Supreme ruler.
Sparingly: In a way that involves little or no use of resources. With economy.
Spasmodic: Occurring or done in brief, irregular bursts. Irregular and jerky.
Specious: Superficially plausible, but actually wrong. Seemingly true but false.
Spectral: Of or like a ghost. Ghostly.
Spirited: Full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. Lively and energetic.
Spiritual: Relating to or concerned with the human spirit, or the immortal part of the soul. Not physical or material.
Splendor: Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur. Great beauty and impressiveness.
Spoliation: The action of plundering or stripping a place of its goods. Looting.
Spurious: Not being what it purports to be; false or fake. Fake or false.
Squalor: A state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as the result of poverty or neglect. Filth and misery.
Squeamish: (Of a person) easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted. Overly sensitive.
Staid: Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous. Serious and respectable.
Stark: Severe or bare in appearance or outline. Grim and unadorned.
Stature: Importance or reputation, especially in a particular sphere. Standing or status.
Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. Loyal and firm.
Stealthy: Behaving in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard. Secretive and quiet.
Steeped: Immersed or saturated. Steeped in tradition means deeply involved.
Sterile: Not able to produce children. Also, free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. Childless or germ-free.
Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. A mark of shame.
Stint: A period spent doing something. A period of time doing an activity.
Stolid: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation. Unemotional and impassive.
Stoic: Enduring hardship without showing feelings or complaining. Enduring hardship without complaint.
Stratagem: A plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end. A clever trick or plan.
Strenuous: Requiring or using great exertion. Demanding great effort.
Striated: Marked with stripes or streaks. Having lines or streaks.
Stricture: A restriction on a person or an activity. A severe criticism or restriction.
Studious: Spending a great deal of time studying or reading. Devoted to study.
Stupefied: Astonished or shocked. Dazed or shocked.
Subdued: (Of a color or lighting) soft and gentle. Quiet and thoughtful.
Sublime: Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe. Magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive. Obedient and yielding.
Subordinate: Lower in rank or position. Lower in status.
Subside: Become less intense, violent, or severe. To calm down.
Substantial: Of considerable importance, size, or worth. Large or significant.
Subtle: (Especially of a change or distinction) slight but appreciable. Delicate or understated.
Subversion: The undermining of the power and authority of an established system or institution. Undermining authority.
Succinct: (Especially of something written or spoken) briefly and clearly expressed. Concise and brief.
Succor: Assistance and comfort in times of hardship and distress. Help and comfort.
Sufferance: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. Endurance.
Suffering: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. Pain or distress.
Suffice: Be enough or adequate. To be sufficient.
Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections. The right to vote.
Suggestive: Tending to suggest or imply something. Hinting at something.
Sullen: Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy. Gloomy and ill-tempered.
Sultry: (Of the weather, especially the atmosphere) hot and humid. Hot and humid.
Sumptuous: Splendid and expensive-looking. Luxurious and costly.
Supercilious: Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others. Haughty and arrogant.
Superfluous: Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. More than is needed.
Supernatural: Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. Beyond the natural world.
Supine: (Of a person) lying on their back, facing upward. Passive and inactive.
Supplication: The action of asking or begging for something earnestly and humbly. A humble request.
Supposedly: According to what is generally assumed or believed. Allegedly.
Surfeit: An excessive amount of something. Excess.
Surly: Bad-tempered and unfriendly. Gloomy and ill-tempered.
Surmount: Stand or be placed above. Overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).
Surreptitious: Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. Secretive.
Susceptible: Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. Vulnerable.
Sustenance: Food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment. Food and nourishment.
Swell: Increase in size or volume. (Informal) stylish or fashionable.
Swinish: Disgustingly greedy or bestial. Like a pig; gluttonous.
Sybarite: A person who is fond of sensuous luxury or self-indulgence. Someone who loves luxury.
Sycophant: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. A flatterer.
Sympathy: Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Compassion.
Symphony: An elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements. A complex musical piece.
Syncope: Loss of consciousness. Fainting.
Syndicate: A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest. A coalition or group.
Systematic: Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical. Organized and methodical.

Themes and Concepts in Jane Eyre

Beyond individual words, Brontë weaves intricate themes throughout Jane Eyre, and understanding these concepts will definitely deepen your appreciation for the novel, guys. We're talking about major ideas that drive the plot and shape Jane's character arc.

Social Class and Inequality: This is HUGE in Victorian England, and Jane Eyre doesn't shy away from it. Brontë highlights the vast gulf between the rich and the poor, showing how class dictates opportunities, treatment, and even a person's perceived worth. Jane, as an orphan and governess, is constantly navigating these rigid social boundaries. She experiences the disdain of the upper class and the hardships of poverty. The novel critiques how society judges individuals based on their birth and wealth rather than their character. Think about the stark contrast between the wealthy Rochester and the impoverished Jane, or the harsh conditions at Lowood compared to the luxurious Thornfield.
Independence and Autonomy: Jane's relentless pursuit of independence is arguably the heart of the novel. She craves the freedom to think for herself, to make her own choices, and to earn her own living, all of which were radical ideas for women in the Victorian era. Her famous declaration, "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me... I am a free human being with an independent will," perfectly encapsulates this desire. She refuses to be controlled or defined by others, whether it's the cruel Mrs. Reed, the oppressive Mr. Brocklehurst, or even the powerful Mr. Rochester. Her journey is about finding her voice and asserting her right to self-determination, even when it means facing loneliness or hardship.
Love and Marriage: This is obviously central! But Brontë presents a complex view of love and marriage, moving beyond the simple fairy-tale ending. Jane seeks a partnership based on equality, mutual respect, and intellectual companionship, not just social or financial security. She rejects St. John Rivers's proposal because it lacks love, even though it offers a life of purpose. Her eventual union with Rochester is a true meeting of equals, built on shared experience, understanding, and a deep emotional connection, not just societal expectations. The novel challenges the idea that marriage is solely about duty or convenience.
Religion and Morality: Religion plays a significant role, but Brontë often uses it critically. She contrasts true Christian compassion with the hypocrisy and cruelty of figures like Mr. Brocklehurst, whose harsh interpretation of religion leads to suffering. Jane grapples with her own sense of morality, striving to be good and just while also asserting her own needs and desires. The novel explores themes of sin, redemption, and the struggle between passion and principle. It questions whether outward piety always reflects inner goodness.
The Gothic and the Supernatural: Jane Eyre is a prime example of the Gothic novel. Elements like the mysterious noises at Thornfield, the dark and stormy atmosphere, the portrait of the madwoman in the attic (Bertha Mason), and Rochester's hidden secrets all contribute to a sense of suspense, mystery, and the uncanny. These elements aren't just for spooky effect; they often reflect Jane's inner turmoil and the hidden darkness lurking beneath the surface of respectable society. The supernatural hints, like the disembodied voice Jane hears, can be interpreted as manifestations of her own subconscious or a deeper, mysterious connection to Rochester.
Appearance vs. Reality: Brontë is a master at showing how things are not always what they seem. Characters like Blanche Ingram present a polished, socially acceptable exterior but lack inner substance, while Jane, often overlooked due to her plain appearance, possesses immense inner strength and integrity. Thornfield itself hides dark secrets beneath its elegant facade. The novel consistently asks the reader (and Jane) to look beyond surface appearances to understand true character and underlying truths.

Why This Glossary Matters

So, why go through all these words and concepts, you ask? Because Jane Eyre is a novel that rewards close reading, guys. Brontë's language is rich, evocative, and packed with meaning. Understanding these terms and themes isn't just about passing a test; it's about unlocking the full emotional and intellectual power of the story. When you grasp the nuances of 'abhorrence,' 'deference,' or 'peremptory,' you're not just reading words, you're understanding Jane's world, her struggles, and her triumphs on a much deeper level. It allows you to truly connect with her journey, to feel her frustrations, her hopes, and her fierce determination. It makes the novel come alive in a way that simple plot summaries never could. This glossary is your key to appreciating Brontë's genius, her social commentary, and the enduring power of Jane's voice. So, use it, revisit it, and let it enhance your experience of this literary classic. Happy reading!