Jane Eyre Allusion question?

Question

In the book, Chapter 17 if it matters, it says "Blanche was moulded like a Diana."

What is a Diana and why did Charlotte Blanche use that allusion?

Answer 1

It is more than half a lifetime since I read Jane Eyre, and I really cannot remember specific details of the novel other than very generally.  However, these sites should help you with your work with it.

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/li...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/janeeyre/

http://www.studyguide.org/jane_eyre.htm

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitN...

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

Answer 2

First, it's Charlotte BRONTE, not Blanche (though I realize that was a typo--at least I think)

Second, Diana was a Greek goddess (she was called Artemis by the Greeks, though - the Romans called her 'Diana'), the Goddess of the Hunt, the moon, etc. So to say someone is molded like a "Diana" would be to call them extremely beautiful, tall, and statuesque, as well as strong and graceful.