Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre can be characterised as a bildungsroman novel marked with romanticism. Jane Eyre’s follows the formative years of its titular character and her desire to define herself. Jane Eyre as the protagonist constantly pursue freedom to justify her own sense of individuality and satisfy her indulgence which gives off a strong female agency theme.
Throughout the novel she willingly serves however, we can dictate that her role does not defile her self-perception. During her time at Gateshead, she deems “Speak I must: I had been trodden on severely, and must turn” (Bronte, 68). Jane does not seek to humiliate her aunt but rather she wants to get rid herself of feeling intolerable injustice. She shows value for self-respect, which will later also prompt her to leave love interests Rochester.
After moving out of Gateshead and moving in Lowood boarding school she once again experiences oppression from those around her specifically Mr. Brocklehurst. Upon moving to Lowood, Jane encounters Helen Bruns, unlike Mr. Brocklehurst, Helen embodies and practices a form of Christianity that emphasizes tolerance and acceptance. Jane values Helen’s advice and when she was unfairly punished, Jane wonders how Helen managed to carry her burden so quietly. Throughout the novel Helen Burns showed certain strengths such as braving Lowood’s harsh conditions and remaining loyal to herself. However, Helen Burns practices self-negation, which serves to underline Jane’s headstrong personality as well serve her foil.
127 our experts are availableright now
Upon leaving Lowood, Jane arrives in Thornfield, in which she meets and falls in love with Rochester. Rochester is a married who was initially attracted to Jane due to her sense of independence and self-respect. Rochester recognizes Jane as his “equal” and eventually proposes to her. Although Rochester says this, he still attempts to transform Jane into an mistress, in which he ultimately fails due to Jane’s inherent self-respect. She refuses to dress up for him and go further with their relationship due to the knowledge of his wife Bertha. Jane renounces Rochester, upon reflecting on her relationship with him she feels a betrayal of self and adopts a more self-liberating character.
In conclusion at the Jane Eyre was published, it spoke immensely about the experiences of women during their time such as suppression, and subjugation. Jane demonstrates a feminist consciousness, which given the novel’s setting is progressive and radical. Her sense of female agency speaks to the ongoing dealings of women in society
