Savannah Tessier
Professor Helms
EN 2490.01
At first glance Patrick Hamilton’s “Gas Light” and Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre,” seem to not be very similar. However, as we begin exploring the many themes found in “Gas Light” and “Jane Eyre” it becomes easier and easier to see how the two pieces stand hand in hand. While “Gas Light” is a tense psychological thriller set within a domestic setting, “Jane Eyre” is a sprawling lady that relays themes of love, morality, and social justice. Despite their differences in genre and narrative, both offer profound insights into the human condition, exploring the complexities of power dynamics, identity formation, and the quest for autonomy, specifically for females. Through every difference between the pieces there’s always similar messages and themes in both, just in different ways and the characters Bella Manningham and Jane Eyre show these similarities and differences beautifully for each.
In “Gas Light,” the character Jack Manningham masterfully portrays the evil trait of manipulation. Jack employs gaslighting tactics to undermine his wife Bella’s sense of reality and assert control over her. By dimming the gaslights in their home and moving objects around, Jack induces a sense of confusion and paranoia in Bella, causing her to doubt her own perceptions and sanity. This manipulation serves as a tool for Jack to maintain power and dominance within the household, effectively gaslighting Bella into submission.
Similarly, in “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë explores the dynamics of power and control within relationships. Jane’s experiences with people such as her oppressive aunt, Mrs. Reed, and Mr. Rochester highlight the ways in which power can be wielded to oppress and subjugate others. Mrs. Reed exerts authority over Jane through emotional manipulation and neglect, while Mr. Rochester initially seeks to exercise control over Jane as his ward and later as a romantic interest. Jane’s journey toward self-realization is fraught with obstacles imposed by those who seek to limit her autonomy and agency, reflecting the pervasive influence of power dynamics in shaping individual identity.
Despite the challenges posed by psychological manipulation and external oppression, both Bella Manningham and Jane Eyre embark on journeys toward self-realization and autonomy. In “Gas Light,” Bella gradually begins to unravel the truth about her husband’s gaslighting tactics with the help of a former detective named Rough. Through her growing awareness of Jack’s manipulative behavior, Bella gains the courage to confront him and assert her independence. Her journey toward self-realization culminates in a triumphant victory over Jack’s attempts to control her, reclaiming her agency and sense of self in the process.
Similarly, in “Jane Eyre,” Brontë charts the evolution of Jane from a marginalized orphan to a woman of strength, integrity, and independence. Jane’s quest for autonomy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to moral principles and personal integrity, even in the face of adversity. Her decision to leave Mr. Rochester upon discovering his deceitful actions underscores her refusal to compromise her values or submit to external pressures. Jane’s journey toward self-realization culminates in her assertion of agency and autonomy, as she forges her own path toward personal fulfillment and self-actualization.
In addition, both Bella Manningham and Jane Eyre embody a spirit of resilience and determination in their pursuit of self-realization. Bella Manningham’s story is set in the late 19th century, within the confines of a domestic household, while Jane Eyre’s narrative spans a wider social landscape, encompassing themes of class, gender, and societal injustice within Victorian England which add differences not only to the plots but the ways females were expected to react to situations. Additionally, Bella Manningham’s background is relatively unexplored in “Gas Light,” with little information provided about her life prior to her marriage to Jack. In contrast, Jane Eyre’s backstory is extensively developed in Brontë’s novel, providing readers with insights into her childhood experiences and the formative events that shape her identity.
Bella especially yearns for liberation and autonomy. She even clearly says, “I want to get out… to be free!” This quote encapsulates her desire to break free from the constraints imposed upon her by her husband and the oppressive atmosphere of their household. Bella’s declaration of wanting to be free reflects her inner strength and determination, both traits Jane possesses as well. A quote from “Jane Eyre” that illustrates Jane gaining independence is when she declares her autonomy and refuses to be controlled by Mr. Rochester. This occurs during a crucial moment in the novel when Jane confronts Mr. Rochester about their relationship, asserting her self-worth and refusing to compromise her principles. Jane says, “I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself,” despite the manipulation she endures. These quotes underscore their resilience to be free and their transformative journeys toward self-realization.
While Bella Manningham and Jane Eyre share similarities in terms of resilience, quest for autonomy, defiance, and inner strength, they also differ in terms of their social context, character background, romantic relationships, and narrative resolution. Both characters, however, serve as compelling examples of female protagonists who navigate complex challenges and strive to assert their identities in the face of adversity.
Both Bella Manningham and Jane Eyre exhibit resilience in the face of adversity, despite the challenges they encounter, including psychological manipulation and emotional abuse. They demonstrate inner strength and determination to overcome their circumstances. Bella seeks to assert her independence and reclaim her agency from her manipulative husband, Jack Manningham, while Jane strives to assert her identity and find her place in a society that seeks to confine her to a predetermined role.
Bella and Jane both exhibit defiance against the forces that seek to control and oppress them. Bella confronts Jack’s gaslighting tactics and asserts her right to autonomy, while Jane challenges societal norms and refuses to be confined by gender expectations and class constraints. Both characters possess a strong sense of inner strength and moral integrity. Despite facing external pressures and internal doubts, they remain true to their principles and convictions, refusing to compromise their values or submit to manipulation.
Their journeys toward autonomy are marked by moments of introspection, self-discovery, and moral reckoning, as they navigate the complexities of their respective circumstances. However, “Gas Light” and “Jane Eyre” also diverge in their narrative focus and thematic emphasis. While “Gas Light” prioritizes suspense and tension, driving toward a climactic revelation, “Jane Eyre” offers a more expansive exploration of character and society. Brontë’s novel encompasses a wide range of themes, including love, morality, and social justice, whereas Hamilton’s play is more tightly focused on the dynamics of psychological manipulation and control within a domestic setting.
In conclusion, “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë offer compelling explorations of psychological manipulation and the quest for autonomy. Through their respective mediums of drama and prose, both works illuminate the complexities of power dynamics, identity formation, and the struggle for self-realization. While “Gas Light” and “Jane Eyre” may differ in genre and narrative scope, they share thematic parallels in their examination of the human condition, inviting readers and audiences alike to contemplate the intricacies of psychological manipulation and the enduring quest for autonomy and self-actualization while being represented through both Jane and Bella.
Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. 1847.
Hamilton, Patrick. Gas Light. 1938.“How to Spot a Manipulative Person.” Psych Central, 17 May 2016, https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-spot-manipulation.
Sprockets and Springes 