Chapter Ones Successful authors create stories that come alive for the reader. While there are many ways to do this, grabbing the reader’s interest in the first chapter is essential. Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, and Charlotte Bronte use setting and character development in the first chapter of their books to spark the reader’s interest. Not only do each of these authors introduce the setting and characters well, they also present the relationships among them all. Emma, published in 1815, is set in Highbury, 16 miles from London. Austen gives the impression that not a lot happens in the town. According to Emma’s thoughts, “…many a long October and November evening must be struggled through at Hartfield, before Christmas brought the next visit from Isabella and her husband, and their little children, to fill the house, and give her pleasant society again” (Austen 363). Also, Mr. Knightley’s visit excites Mr. Woodhouse, and Emma too seems to enjoy Mr. Knightley’s company. From the description in the chapter, the setting seems to be rather mundane, not particularly dreary. In the first sentence of Emma, the reader immediately gets a visual image of Emma Woodhouse. She is “handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition” (Austen 362). However, she is a bit spoiled and has a lot of pride. She feels that she is looked up to by everyone in the town and that her father sees her as perfection. Other characters are introduced also. Miss Taylor, the governess, is a personable character who has made a lasting impact on Emma. Mr. Weston, with his easy manners, seems to be a suitable match for Miss Taylor. While Emma is clearly the protagonist of the story, Austen indicates that Mr. Knightley may be an integral part of the story
…show more content…
Set on the English moors, the title itself suggests stormy weather. The description of the land and the house contribute to this unsettled feeling: “Before passing the threshold, I paused to admire a quantity of grotesque carving lavished over the front, and especially about the principal door; above which, among a wilderness of crumbling griffins and shameless little boys…” (E. Bronte 369). This description adds to the volatile relationships of the characters. In the first sentence, the reader senses conflict between the landlord and Mr. …show more content…
Like Wuthering Heights, this description of the setting gives the reader a sense of gloom. “The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so somber, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question” (C. Bronte 372). This setting seems a fitting back drop for the relationships described in the first chapter. Mrs. Reed’s dislike for Jane is evident when she sends her away from her and the other children without a good reason. Then when Jane asks what she has done, she accuses her of asking annoying questions. Her dislike for Jane is obvious. John Reed, however, is the one who openly torments Jane, throws a book at her, and then attacks her. She tells him, “You are like a murderer¬¬₋₋you are like a slave-driver₋₋you are like the Roman emperors!” (C. Bronte 375). While the unfairness of the situation is evident, Jane’s reaction gains respect from the reader. She is not afraid to assert herself. This view point is really unusual for women in the nineteenth
Set on the English moors, the title itself suggests stormy weather. The description of the land and the house contribute to this unsettled feeling: “Before passing the threshold, I paused to admire a quantity of grotesque carving lavished over the front, and especially about the principal door; above which, among a wilderness of crumbling griffins and shameless little boys…” (E. Bronte 369). This description adds to the volatile relationships of the characters. In the first sentence, the reader senses conflict between the landlord and Mr. …show more content…
Like Wuthering Heights, this description of the setting gives the reader a sense of gloom. “The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so somber, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question” (C. Bronte 372). This setting seems a fitting back drop for the relationships described in the first chapter. Mrs. Reed’s dislike for Jane is evident when she sends her away from her and the other children without a good reason. Then when Jane asks what she has done, she accuses her of asking annoying questions. Her dislike for Jane is obvious. John Reed, however, is the one who openly torments Jane, throws a book at her, and then attacks her. She tells him, “You are like a murderer¬¬₋₋you are like a slave-driver₋₋you are like the Roman emperors!” (C. Bronte 375). While the unfairness of the situation is evident, Jane’s reaction gains respect from the reader. She is not afraid to assert herself. This view point is really unusual for women in the nineteenth