The reason for Adele

                                                                     "Very French"

Adele is Jane’s pupil at Thornfield. She was a little French girl just under ten years old, and the daughter of Céline Varens. Adele’s character is an important and overlooked character in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Adele serves as more than just the reason Jane comes to Thornfield, which in itself is extremely important to the storyline. She is also one of the most unique and interesting characters in the story, and I believe she offers many parallels to Jane’s character. She also reveals much about the other character by their interactions with her.

Adele’s character brings a lot to the story because she is happy and carefree, where every other character seems down and depressed in comparison. In a story that exhibits Gothic characteristics and characters, she stands out from the rest. She is also from a foreign country, which brings an eccentric and exotic feel to the story.

She also helps reveals a lot to the reader about the other characters in the story. Rochester’s character seemingly adopts Adele, although he could be the father. Unfortunately there were no DNA test back then, where’s Maury Povich when you need him? This reveals to the reader a more compassionate side to Rochester. She is cared for in every way imaginable to the point of being spoiled. Although Rochester doesn't actually show her much affection, he does pay other people to that for him. Adele is treated as Rochester’s doll, and his attempts to treat Jane the same way suggests that Rochester views women as objects. Adele also reveals a compassionate side to Jane. Where before we saw Jane as a rebellious child with few positive role models, and who wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. We see her teach Adele with in a careful and meticulous manner that resembles the much adored Mrs. Temple.

Although there are obvious differences between Jane and Adele, there are many similarities. They both were separated by their parent early on in their lives, they were both sent to strict and severe schools, and they both became docile, good-tempered, and well-principled women. Adele was lucky to have Jane in her life because without Jane’s experience and compassion, she would have likely had a worse childhood and would have suffered because of it.