Comparing the Ways in Which Billy Casper and Jane Eyre are Presented as Outsiders

Comparing the Ways in Which Billy Casper and Jane Eyre are Presented as Outsiders

There are many similarities that can be drawn when comparing these

characters; both are presented as outsiders, have family problems, no

respectable status and are bullied by peers and elders. With all this

repression it would be instinct for Jane and Billy to try their utmost

to conform to expectations but the writers create quite the opposite.

Both characters are individuals and, at times, defiant and outspoken.

Yet amongst all these similarities there are many differences; Jane

Eyre is a classic novel written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847 and Billy

Casper was created by Barry Hines more than a century later, in 1968.

Both characters are very much presented as outsiders, so their

relationships with other characters, generally, are not of friendship

or companionship, rather relationships of association. However there

are friendships that develop through the story. Billy's friendship is

evident from the title of the book: "A Kestrel for a Knave." Jane

Eyre, on the other hand, finds solace in another girl at Lowood called

Helen Burns. Later when Helen falls ill, Jane finds friendship in a

girl named Mary Ann Wilson and they both spends pleasant times with

Miss Temple, a teacher.

Originally Billy spent time, causing trouble, with a group of lads

from his class. The lads did not seem over interested with Billy, this

is evident from their actions and speech; when they said they were

going nesting with Billy, they didn't turn up, leaving Billy on his

own. In this way the author presents Billy as an outsider. In class,

after Billy had been asked to tell a st...

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...s inward question -why I thus

suffered; now, at the distance of - I will not say how many years - I

see it clearly."

When comparing the ways in which Billy Casper and Jane Eyre are

presented as outsiders, parallels can be found between the situations

both authors use to present them. However, the writing formats and

techniques contrast, obtaining different reactions from the reader.

The directions the stories end in, too, take different routes. Hines

leaves the reader feeling very sorry for Billy. Kes, Billy's only

companion is brutally killed, in a deliberate onslaught of revenge

from Jud. 'Jane Eyre', on the other hand, has a 'happily ever after'

ending. Jane falls in love and gets married, consequently her status

is changed. She is no longer 'unattached' and an outsider, but has

come to lead a fulfilling life.