In perusing Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece of Gothic Romanticism, "Jane Eyre," one is struck not only by the awesome presence of the moon, and by thethe evil power of fire, but also by the essential role of Man's [Woman's] Best Friend. Simply put, the dogs in the 1847 masterpice unmask the true characters of the their masters. In Victorian times, dogs served crucial roles as hunters, guides and playthings. Although the dalmation would gain greater appreciation with the worldwide acclaim awarded to Walt Disney's 20th-Century masterpiece "101 Dalmations" (with particular notoriety given toPongo Boy), the canine's role in "Jane Eyre" serves to illuminate the true
Christian tone of the novel as portrayed in Jesus's Sermon on Mount Sinai.

Gytrash manifests his role as the reincarnation of the Greek god Apollo whenhis ill-timed sprint causes Rochester to tumble from his horse during his intitial encounter with Jane. Had the dog not intervened, Jane and Rochester would never had met. Therefore, they would never have fallen in love.Remember when Rochester won't let her hand go? And what do we think he was really up to with the charades and the gipsy tricks? Ally MacBeal would NEVER stand for such abuse of etiquette. Thus, Apollo's reincarnation as Gytrash underscores the Buddhist tone of the novel and demonstrates the lasting powerof the Greek Cultural Miracle.

Pilot, meanwhile, successfully predicts Rochester's fate to become a millionaire London businessman. Pilot's consumption of the Thornfield Porridge foreshadows Rochester's consumption on England's Gross National Product upon winning the National Lottery ("The Lotto"). Pilot's moniker harkens back to Pontius Pilate, the one who betrayed Christ. Therefore, Pilot affirms the Christian mood of Bronte's amazing novel and reflects Rochester's rise to financial baron.

The role of other dogs is not as obvious, but it can be safely assumed that there were other canines in Victorian England. Some, undoubtedly, served as guide dogs for the blind, as well as faithful hunters to those who lived in rural areas. Did "Jane Eyre" have a dog? We cannot be sure. She did, however, have that student little doll. And she always would hide and do her little reading, or paint portraits of girls she was jealous of. Can you imagine her nowadays?

In conclusion, even 150 years ago across the Atlantic, it's a "Dog Eat Dog World."

OTHER STUDIES FORTHCOMING:

· Mrs. Fairfax Hallucinatory Message to Grace: Come on Baby, Light My Fire
· Jane's Wrestling Match With John Reed: Petite Governess Ready for WWF
· Brocklehurst Adopts Protein-Rich Broccoli Diet
· Drift towards Deacdence? Lowood Opens Co-Ed Dorms
· The Importance of Gullible's Travels in Jane's Vicarious Victorian Victory
· Currer Bell Exposed in Shocking National Enquirer Pictorial
· Helen Burns: Gets "The Instrument of Correction" For New Honor Roll Campaign
· Miss Temple Beats Miss Scatchered in Easter Seals Shoot-Out; Raises 20 Pence


No research may be produced without express written consent of Dawn MacMullen. This scholar composed this page for your benefit as part of his 7th grade Literary Fair project. Thanks go to my homeroom teacher, Mr. LeMay, and the librarian, Mrs. Devlin. For more information, consult your local pet store. Or just read the book yourself.