"Juxtaposition can be defined as placing two variables, side by side and their contrast or similarities are shown through comparison. Many creative processes rely on juxtaposition. By juxtaposing two objects or words next to each other, human brain will automatically associate or transfer meaning. Usually 'turning' something familiar to something less familar or vice-versa."
When we talk about juxtaposition, it may refer to:
1. Juxtaposition (literary), synonymous with contrast, two objects or texts that oppose one another.
2. Random juxtaposition, two random objects moving in parallel, a technique intended to stimulate creativity.
I have read a novel titled Jane Eyre long time ago when I was a teenager. It was written by one of the most remarkable writer of 19th century, Emily Bronte. I found out that the novel often juxtaposes Jane with characters who espouse strikingly different religious beliefs. Where Jane is seen as searching and questioning, these other characters hold strongly to one form or another of Evangelical protestantism, the religion that Helen Burns espouses. The Evangelicals "stressed the reality of the 'inner life,' insisted on the total depravity of humanity (a consequence of the Fall) and on the importance of the individual's personal relationship with God and Savior." On her deathbed Helen speaks with Jane about both her depravity and her deep affinity with God.
"By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault."
But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?"
"I believe; I have faith: I am going to God."
"Where is God? What is God?"
My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what he created. I rely implicitly on his power, and confide wholly in his goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to him, reveal him to me."
"You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as heaven; and that our souls can get to it when die?"
It is easy to condemn Brocklehurst's religious doctrine, but here Brontë also undermines Helen's absolute and self-abnegating religious beliefs. Jane's questions may not plant any seeds of doubt within Helen, but the reader would be hard-pressed to miss her point. Helen and, later, St. John Rivers seek happiness in Heaven; Jane is determined to find hers here on Earth.
Wuthering Heights Juxtaposition of Two Generations
Growing up, children encounter many things that shape their psychological development. Parents constitute the most prominent of these influences. But whether the development results from direct parental stimuli or indirect heredity is dubious, however some correlation definitely exists. While some children respond to their parents by mimicking them, others respond by retaliating and acting opposite as they were raised. In the latter case, the retaliation can sometimes result from a lack of attention, or separated parents, where one raises the child to loathe the other. Although the first generation of Wuthering Heights did not play an integral role in the physical upbringing of their children, the second generation still develops their personalities in response to their parents’ limited influence. This responsive development manifests within the characters of Linton, Hareton, and Cathy.
The next of the unfortunate orphans, Hareton Earnshaw never experienced real love while growing up. Raised by his father Hindley, whose only passions were drinking and seeking revenge, Hareton grew up to be like the one person his father truly hated: Heathcliff.
Bibliography:
Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1996.
