This explores the multifaceted role of doctors in Victorian novels and analyzes their connection to 19th-century medical theories and novelistic plots. Simultaneously, it focuses on the cognitive paradigm prompted by the doctor's role in *Villette*, combining it with the protagonist Lucy Snowe's journey of self-awareness to reveal its underlying ethical significance. It argues that the novel is a *Bildungsroman* embedded within a spiritual autobiography framework, showcasing 19th-century medical concepts from the perspective of cognitive modes.

Genre Revelation: Spiritual Autobiography and the Bildungsroman

This explores how *Villette* blends the generic characteristics of spiritual autobiography and the Bildungsroman. Spiritual autobiography originates from the Christian tradition, using the metaphor of a "journey" for soul salvation, presupposing original sin and the need for revelation and salvation. In *Villette*, Lucy reconstructs her life based on *The Pilgrim's Progress*, from happy times in Bretton to becoming a person with no place, and then to the loneliness and growth in Villette. Her interactions with John and Paul make her recognize her own cognitive limitations, awaken her emotional capacity, and achieve self-improvement. The work is not only Lucy's struggle against fate but also the awakening of her emotional abilities and a profound insight into human nature, embodying the Bildungsroman concept of shaping a person through experience.

The Connotation of Growth and the Myth of Reason

This delves into how Lucy in *Villette*, as an "observer of life," constructs her subjectivity through observation. With keen observational skills, Lucy calmly analyzes those around her, such as Polly and Graham, and judges their characters accordingly. She not only observes others but also enjoys analyzing herself; this habit of observation becomes her foundation in a foreign land. Lucy's detailed descriptions of characters' appearances reflect the influence of 19th-century phrenology. She relies on perceptual cognition and is skeptical of activities in the spiritual realm. Her concept of "reason," within the context of Enlightenment-era scientific naturalism, refers more to understanding, but as the story develops, she gradually realizes the importance of emotion and imagination and begins to revise her understanding of "reason." Through Lucy's experiences, the novel shows her process of sublimation from "intellect" to "reason," a process not achieved overnight but filled with inner conflict and struggle.

The Conflict of Cognitive Modes and the Novel's Romantic Plot

This explores in depth Lucy's process of self-awareness in *Villette* and its conflict with cognitive modes, particularly as manifested in the romantic plot. In her growth, Lucy needs to balance reason with passion and imagination. The novel uses the Gothic element of the nun's legend to explore the limitations and value of common sense and imagination in revealing reality. Through her interactions with Dr. John and Professor Paul, Lucy gradually comes to know herself. Dr. John represents an empirical cognitive mode; he is rational and methodical but lacks emotional resonance and imagination. Lucy is initially attracted by his appearance and kindness but ultimately realizes his limitations. Monsieur Paul, in contrast, represents intuition, emotion, and the subconscious. His character starkly contrasts with John's, and Lucy sees complex and authentic humanity in him. Through her relationship with Paul, Lucy learns to see beyond appearances and develops an emotional resonance with him. The Gothic elements in the novel, such as the nun's legend, reflect Lucy's changing attitude toward the supernatural, from initial skepticism to later confrontation and understanding, symbolizing her exploration and release of inner emotions. Furthermore, this section mentions how Charlotte Brontë's personal medical views and experiences influenced the portrayal of the doctor's role and the metaphorical exploration of medicine in the novel.