Jane Eyre Essay Topics

Jane Eyre Influence
During the Victorian era, many literary pieces of work were based around the topics of struggle
and societal problems. These topics are introduced in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte as well as
many other literary pieces during the time. In Jane Eyre, the main character is Jane Eyre, a girl
who struggles with family and her social status. She was raised by Mrs. Reed, whom she eventually
left, and encountered many paternal figures in her life. The way she consistently encounters
different paternal figures influences her own views on affection. Jane's consistent finding of a
paternal figure, shows how consciously or subconsciously she is finding someone to fill the void of
not having that higher figure in her life. As a child, Jane is subconsciously...show more content...
The motif of her constantly finding a parental figure to give her affection and for her to give
affection doesn't only affect Jane in the present, it also affects her in her future. She had learned the
ways of giving, receiving, and the lack of affection in every paternal figure she had encountered.
She learned and "evolved" every time she had met someone, and used the knowledge of the past
paternal figure to fully develop into the Jane readers know nearing the end of the story. Therefore,
the motif of Jane consistently finding that paternal figure is one of the most important, as it not
only affects her in the "present" (Jane talks in the past as it's a reflection), but it also affects her
"future" on how Jane chooses to give, receive, and react to affection being
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Jane Eyre Essay examples
Jane Eyre and the Lovemad Woman
I was experiencing an ordeal: a hand of fiery iron grasped my vitals. Terrible moment: full of
struggle blackness, burning! No human being that ever lived could wish to be loved better then I
was loved; and him who thus loved me I absolutely worshipped: and I must renounce love and idol.
(311; ch. 27)
Jane Eyre's inner struggle over leaving an already married Rochester is the epitome of the new
"lovemad" woman in nineteenth–century literature. Jane Eyre is the story of a lovemad woman who
has two parts to her personality (herself and Bertha Mason) to accommodate this madness. Charlotte
Bronte takes the already used character of the lovemad woman and uses her to be an outlet for the
confinement...show more content...
Through her "tryst" with Heger, Charlotte could certainly identify with the emotions of a lovemad
woman. She was rejected by her "lover" and can be seen as almost mad because of the emotions
that she projects into her writings due to this "affair." Charlotte also was well read on the
psychology of the time. She attended medical lectures and would have discussed such with her
father Patrick Bronte (Small 155). Charlotte eventually settled for her father's curate, Mr. Nicholls, as
her husband, though initially she did not love him (Winnifirth 111).
Through the events of Charlotte's life it is easy to see parts of her in the characters of Jane Eyre and
Bertha Mason. Charlotte uses Bertha as a rebellious outlet for not only Jane but for herself as well.
The feminist critics Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar clearly summarize this phenomenon when they
state "By projecting their rebellious impulses not into their heroines but into mad or monstrous
women, female authors dramatize their own self–division." (Gilbert and Gubar 78). In other words
Charlotte has Bertha as a sort of scapegoat that she can express her true rebellious feelings without
demeaning herself or her heroine. Charlotte makes Jane different from Bertha in the end because
Jane uses her will to overcome her madness and ultimately gets the happy ending that neither Bertha
nor Charlotte herself, it seems, were able to obtain.

Economic Struggle In Jane Eyre
In Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre's journey shows her struggles for independence from economic
social structures in order to successfully find satisfaction. From trials through Gateshead, Lowood,
Thornfield, and Ferndean, her economic position is shown to restrict her from the confidence and
acceptance of herself and others. Moreover, her eventual wealth and status is even more important in
Jane's (and her fiance's) subsequent happiness.
In Jane Eyre, Bronte uses Gateshead at the beginning of Jane's journey to present the English class
and wealth system as not only oppressing Jane, but restricting her from true enlightenment and
contentment. Already degraded by her wealthier family members, young Jane is strongly aware of
the struggles...show more content...
Jane initially sees this phenomenon in Ms. Fairfax's description of Mr. Rochester. To her, he is "a
gentleman, a landed proprietor–nothing more." The wealth and high standing of those like Mr.
Rochester traits are celebrated, however, other important traits such as depth and character, are less
important while evaluating a person. The same reality harshly affects Jane, as the Englishmen and
women of higher social status see only her poverty just as they solely see Mr. Rochester's wealth.
Blanche is another consequence of Victorian England's strict caste system, and Bronte specifically
describes her as, "[not knowing] the sensations of sympathy and pity" (Vol. 2, chapter 3). Blanche
represents the ideal woman and socialite in Victorian English society. Yet, her wealth, class, and
beauty allow her to exhibit apathy and a superficial

Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontГ« Essays
Jane Eyre Jane Eyre, a classic Victorian novel by Charlotte BrontГ«, is regarded as one of the
finest novels in English literature. The main character, Jane Eyre, demonstrates a strong need to be
herself, a young girl trying to retain all the individuality possible for a dependent of her time.
Although this effort guides her to a passionate and impulsive nature, Jane is still willing to accept
change in her life knowing it may not always seem the most pleasant. Her tolerance of change
begins very early in the novel and helps her in developing a strong sense of independence. The first
two primary changes in Jane's life, dealing mainly with setting, are when she leaves Gateshead Hall,
the hateful environment containing Mrs. Reed and...show more content...
She is somewhat exited about leaving and cannot help but looking forward to the journey ahead:
"Few children can eat when excited with the thoughts of a journey; nor could I" (34). With
regards to these documentations, Jane is indeed craving variation in her monotonous,
melancholy life and is delighted when it presents itself. When Jane leaves Lowood she is not
only leaving her security, but also a paid position and a trouble free life. In order for her to
commit these actions, she would have to possess a desire to leave. After Miss Temple, a
considerably close mentor and friend of Jane's, marries and leaves, this urge for departure is
tremendously magnified in her mind and even more importantly in her heart (76). While
contemplating in her room alone, she happens to walk to her window and, when looking out,
recounts: My eye passed all other objects to rest on those most remote, the blue peaks. It was those I
longed to surmount; all within their boundary of rock and heath seemed prison–ground, exile limits.
I traced the white road winding round the base of one mountain, and vanishing in a gorge between
two. How I longed to follow it farther! (77) In Jane's mind, she already feels that she needs change
before this moment, and after it her heart is truly drawn into the concept as well. Noting the
exclamation point at the end of this statement, her intense desire for something new is distinctly
apparent. Shortly after this life–changing

Jane, By Jane Eyre Essay
Throughout the first section of the novel, we are constantly reminded of the barriers in which Jane
is suppressed by. Through this figurative element we can come to terms with the development of the
character of Jane Eyre.
Jane is an intelligent, honest, plain–featured young girl forced to contend with oppression,
inequality, and hardship. Although she meets with a series of individuals who threaten her
autonomy, Jane repeatedly succeeds at asserting herself and maintains her principles of justice,
human dignity, and morality. She also values intellectual and emotional fulfilment. Her strong belief
in gender and social equality challenges the Victorian prejudices against women and the poor.
The development of Jane's character is central to the novel. From the beginning, Jane possesses a
sense of self–worth and dignity, a commitment to justice and principle, a trust in God, and a
passionate disposition. Her integrity is continually tested over the course of the novel, and Jane must
learn to balance the frequently conflicting aspects of herself as to find gratification.
After Jane's departure and emotional liberation from Gateshead, we are invited onto the next
chapter of her life. She is introduced to the daily routines at Lowood, which are largely made up of
religious aspects. It is in the next chapter where we are introduced to two figurehead characters in
the path of Jane's development, Helen Burns and Maria Temple. In lesson, Helen informs Jane of the
circumstances of

Jane Eyre Reflection
Jane Eyre is the story of a girl's life from age 10 to about 19 she starts out living as an orphan with
her aunt and her cousins. And like any other orphan her in pretty much sucked. Basically Jane
was taken by her aunt reed who doesn't really like Jane very much she allows her son to abuse
Jane she punishes Jane in the worst way, and when it came down to the end Jane decided to to go
to school. But it wasn't a high quality prep school it was lowwood an all girls school for people of
less fortune or wealth. That is where she meets a lot of people one of her best friends there was a
girl named Helen. Jane attitude towards life is similar but at the same time different. They are both
calm but Jane can get angry and snapback unlike Helen who...show more content...
but Helen is still one of the smartest kids in the class. This reveals on the stuff that is happening
to Helen in the story all the bullying and the bad conditions surrounding her and instead of
flipping out like jane would she simply brushes it all off. Helens view on life is basically laid
back but she still cares she tends to daydream a lot in her classes and that's a reason she is a target
in her classes. Jane's view on life as said earlier it is similar but different in a way. It can be stated
that Jane and Helen have the same views but different attitudes. Like when Mr Brocklehurst first
came back to lowood they held this miy ceremony and jane drops her slate she is immediately
branded as deceitful and careless by him. But instead of being like Brocklehurst said. Helen Jane's
friends smile everytime she walks by the stool. Which is very reassuring to Jane, And later that
evening ms temple took jane in asked her tears had stopped yet Janes view on life is very laid back
very similar to Helen's except. Helen doesn't fight back because she doesn't want to be burden on her
family. And cause them burden with bad behavior.. Another reason is because she

Jane Eyre Essay
Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre can be linked to many fairy–tales. Some of these tales such
as Charle's Perrault's Bluebeard, Arabian Nights, and many more are actually cited in the text.
Others are alluded to through the events that take place in the story. Jane Eyre has often been
viewed as a Cinderellatale for example. There is also another story, however, that though not
mentioned directly, can definitely be linked to Bronte's novel. This tale is none other than Beauty
and the Beast, which was part of one of Perrault's compilations. Bronte uses the ideas and themes of
Beauty and the Beast to reveal the importance of inner beauty and to make a point that it's what's
inside a person that counts. The beauty that can be...show more content...
There are many different adaptations of this story available. In Perrault's version, Beauty's father
has lost his wealth and travels to town in hopes of a good business venture. Beauty has two sisters
who are extremely vain and long for wealth. They beg their father to buy them fancy dresses and
jewels before his return home. Beauty at first claims she wants nothing. Yet when her father will
not take no for an answer she simply asks for a rose, not because she wants one but because it is
something simple that her father will not have to buy. Unfortunately the old man's business deal
falls through, and on his way back home he gets lost in the woods. At the point of almost freezing
to death from cold he finds himself at a castle. He goes inside and finds a warm meal and bed to
sleep in, yet no host ever appears. After waiting to see if anyone will come he sleeps in the castle
for the night only to find his clothes clean and ready to go in the morning. He sets out for home,
yet before leaving he picks a rose from the garden for Beauty. All at once the Beast of the castle
reveals himself and claims the man will die because he offered him food and shelter only to find
him stealing one of his prized roses. When the old man explains that he was getting the rose for his
daughter, the Beast gives him an opportunity to spare himself. He will let the old man go on one
guarantee, that he will send one of his daughters to take his place. Although he has

Essay about Jane Eyre
In Charlotte BrontГ« Jane Eyre, the main character faces many struggles. One of the struggles she
faces is the temptation to run away with the man she loves and be his mistress or to marry a man
who offers her the contrary where it would be a legal and highly respectable marriage but with no
genuine love. Jane Eyre returns to Rochester because she values love and passion more than reason
and when she hears his mysterious voice calling for her, she is also sure that Rochester and her share
a spiritual link. Jane must decide between two men who have similar characteristics but are offering
her almost exact opposite relationships. Jane must decide between reason and passion which is on of
the main themes in the novel.
The characteristics of...show more content...
John, on the other hand, is far more convinced that he knows what is truly best for Jane. His plan
for her is moral and appeals to her loyalty and idealism about God. He claims her "not for
pleasure" but for his "Sovereign service." But Jane must refuse him too because of her strong
belief in that there must be love between two people for them to unite in marriage. St. John does
not understand Jane's passionate nature, for him passion is an earthly emotion which must be
put aside so that God can be served. He, himself, sacrifices his love for Rosamond Oliver because
he thinks she would not make a good missionary's wife whereas Jane would but he does not truly
love her. St. John uses his own ways to try to manipulate Jane but he does also try to use her
affection towards him to his advantage. Unlike Rochester, St. John uses religious arguments to
try to convince Jane to marry him. He tells her that her rejection is not of him but of God. He
believes "it is the cause to God" he advocates and "it is under His standard" that he enlists Jane.
But Jane states that she could never marry a man who is "as cold as an iceberg" and "has no more
of a husband's heart." She "scorns the counterfeit sentiment" he offers to her and

Jane Eyre Essay
"You think I have no feelings, and that I can do without one bit of kindness; but I can not live
so: and you have no pity." (p.45)
A prevailing theme of Jane Eyre is Jane's ceaseless search for love and acceptance. Jane journeys
throughout England in search of love, which she has been deprived of at Gateshead. As a young girl
of eight, she plainly seeks comfort and care, but following her departure from Lowood, her
maturation creates her desire for love. Jane's plight is her lack of love which drives her to restlessly
search for it, during her journey's through Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, and Marsh End.
Jane's search begins at Gateshead, during her struggle under...show more content...
Ms.Temple makes Jane feel significant and gives Jane a taste of what she needs to continue her
pursuit for love.
Jane's search continues at Thornfield. She has now matured into a young adult, and finds her life
as agoverness rather dull and limited. She lacks a sense of fufillment and finds limited affection
from Adele and Mrs.Fairfax. When Jane first encounters Mr. Rochester, the focus of her life shifts.
Jane becomes nervous about exposing her hidden feelings for Mr.Rochester as she is unsure about
his feelings towards her. She shields her inner feelings from Mr. Rochesters manipulative way of
conversation. Jane secretly loves Mr. Rochester but feels that she physically lacks the qualities to act
upon her feelings. This is evident during when Jane looks into the mirror at Thornfield and
describes herself. She is furthur discouraged by Mr. Rochester's shceme with Blanche Ingram. It
comes to Jane as a surprise when Mr. Rochester begs of her love and marriage.
When Jane discovers the impposibility of marriage with Mr. Rochester, her dreams become
shattered and she feels the burden of deceit and pity for herself. Her feelings are further dampened
by her homeless struggle on the streets after running away from Thornfield. She finds St. John who
offers her conditional love and marriage, based on her willingness to devote her life towards god.
Jane realizes that St. John's proposal concerns

Jane Eyre Essay example
Jane Eyre
The way in which society tries to live today goes hand in hand with the quote "What really matters
is on the inside, not the outside", which is often repeated, maybe because people want everyone to
feel equal and no one inferior or maybe because a person just wants to feel better about his or
herself so this statement is said. The story "Jane Eyre" completely contradicts this quote, especially
during the social extravaganza, which was put on by Mr. Rochester and the Thornfield workers. The
main goal during the era in which the book "Jane Eyre" took place was to be wealthy so you could be
a part of all the so called finer things in life such as nice clothing, jewelry, money, large mansions,
and so on. The social...show more content...
In the story "Jane Eyre" the setting as the reader knows renders to be quite a degrading one in a
way. The setting describes all of the elegance which went along with being wealthy like Mr.
Rochester, Louisa Eshton, Mary Ingram, et cetera and the poor hard life which went along with
being born with so called not good blood and therefore a person was started out in life knowing
that he or she would never acquire a life of luxury but a life of hard work and a feeling of
inferiority. During the social get together Jane, Mrs. Fairfax, and many others were at the
Thornfield house for the only reason of making the richer guests happy by waiting on them hand
and foot and performing whatever tasks in which they were told to do such as serving supper and
helping dress the ladies and gentlemen. The guests, Mrs. Eshton, Amy and Louisa Eshton, Lady
Lynn, Mrs. Colonel Dent, Lady Ingram, Blanch and Mary Ingram, Henry and Frederick Lynn,
Colonel Dent, Mr. Eshton, and Lord Ingram were all sat in the nicely cleaned and furnished
dinning room to eat supper and were well provided with the best silverware and china for such
occasions as tea and all meals while the servants would eat in the kitchen or their room.
During the stay of these wealthy people the plot was to seem that Mrs. Ingram and Mr. Rochester
were going to get married but the reader knows that he really loves Jane. Mr. Rochester and Blanch

The Memories and Influences of Jane Eyre
Throughout life, a person comes across so many influential and memorable people. Jane Eyre
was one individual whose life has been influenced and developed based on numerous people and
surroundings. Jane's living situation was unfortunately made up for her when her parents died,
which caused her to not live the life she was meant to live. This tragedy has shaped Jane in
becoming whom she is due to her positive and negative experiences growing up. Growing up in
Gateshead has had a detrimental effect on who Jane was becoming. Living with her aunt and
cousins didn't have a great effect on Jane as a child. Jane wasn't an ordinary child who loved to
play and joke around; she was more mature then the rest and loved reading instead. In Gateshead,
Mrs. Reed treated Jane like an outcast. Her aunt treated her very cruel causing Jane to be cold
hearted and emotionless. Jane lived as if she was in a world by herself because she was treated as
if she wasn't part of the family. She would constantly be isolate by Mrs. Reed. Mentally and
verbally abused; she still managed to stand for what she believed in. Being that Jane wasn't your
typical child it filled Mrs. Reed with rage because she felt that she wasn't superior. Mrs. Reed has
left a mental scar in Jane's head because of the way she treated her. Jane's attitude wasn't the best
due to living in Gateshead not only was she given a hard time by Mrs. Reed but by John Reed also.
John was her vicious cousin that made her life a

Jane Eyre Essay
Introduction It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must
have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom
than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions
besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth. Women are supposed
to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties,
and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do ... It is thoughtless to condemn them, or
laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their
sex. (Bronte 112–13) Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte...show more content...
Then, setting out on her own Bronte went to Roe Head to build a foundation for her writing skills
and to become a teacher and governess. Wanting to further her education Bronte went to Brussels
where she "found herself attracted to Constantin Heger, her teacher and the husband of the school's
owner. The emotional tension created by her apparently unreciprocated affection became integral
to the dramatic structure of Jane Eyre's relationship with Rochester" (Jane). Living in the same era
as Jane, Bronte also found herself using the pen name of a male pseudonym, Currer Bell, to mask
her identity as a woman (Gerin 125). "Like Charlotte BrontГ«, Jane Eyre resents being controlled
by inferiors but uses this resentment to generate energy necessary for her survival and rise to
independence" (Jane). Giving Jane, a mere governess, such a strong narrative voice in Jane Eyre,
challenges gender and class roles of the Victorian era. Body Within the Victorian era, women had a
certain reputation to uphold by being, told from their infancy, and taught by the example of their
mothers, that a little knowledge of human weakness, justly termed cunning, softness of temper,
outward obedience, and a scrupulous attention to a puerile kind of propriety, will obtain for them the
protection of man; and should they be beautiful, everything else is needless, for, at least,

Jane Eyre Essay
How can a girl, who started out with nothing, blossom into a well educated, generous, blissful
woman? Well, in Jane Eyre, the main character overcomes all obstacles thrown at her and makes a
great life for herself. From a miserable, orphaned young girl to a happily married, well educated
woman, Jane Eyre transforms immensely throughout the novel. Through her many experiences in
essential locations, she grows significantly at Gateshead, Lowood School, Thornfield, Marsh End,
and Ferndean. The novel begins at Gateshead where Jane is a young, ten year old, orphaned child
who is miserable and unwanted by her aunt and cousins. At first, Jane allows her family to taunt and
tease her without ever retaliating. When John Reed, one of Jane's...show more content...
I will never come to see you when I am grown up, and if any one asks me how I liked you, and
how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick, and that you treated me with
miserable cruelty" (Charlotte BrontГ« 49). Standing up to those who hurt her and speaking up for
herself helps Jane Eyre to feel better about herself. The next chapter of Jane's life starts at Lowood
School, her main foundation. She meets some very important people such as Miss Temple and
Helen Burns who have a great impact on her success. Jane becomes better educated: book smart
and world smart. She takes courses in French, drawing, history, literature, and much more. Jane is
very eager and excited to learn. She discusses her academic achievements, "I toiled hard, and my
success was proportionate to my efforts; my memory, not naturally tenacious, improved with
practice; exercise sharpened my wits; in a few weeks I was promoted to a high class; in less than
two months I was allowed to commence French and drawing" (Charlotte BrontГ« 107).
Eventually, Jane graduates at the top of her class. This achievement raises Jane's self esteem
because in the eyes of her peers, she has finally done something right and id being properly
honored for it. Helen's impact in Jane's live allows for Jane to become a better person overall. Helen
helps Jane become a better person overall, by teaching worldly and Godly matter, and

Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre Theme Essay (rough draft) Independence, the capacity to manage ones own affairs,
make one's own judgments, and provide for one's self. Jane Eyre herself is a very independent
woman. Throughout her life she has depended on very few people for very little. Charlotte BrontГ«
wants the reader to learn that independence can open many doors of possibilities. Jane in her
younger years was practically shunned by everyone and was shown very little love and compassion,
from this throughout her life she searches for these qualities through those around her. Due to Jane's
mother's disinheritance she was disowned by Mrs. Reed and her children, and was treated like a
servant consistently reminded that she lacked position and wealth....show more content...
Eight years later Jane decides to declare her independence and move away from Lowood, in doing
this she opens a door in which leads her in the direction of other opportunities. Another sign of
Jane's independence was when she became eighteen, decided to leave Lowood and start a new
beginning on her own to explore the world and fulfill the emptiness that she feels. In leaving
Lowood Jane is enabled to experience more opportunities; love and romance, moving to
Thornfield, making new close friends, also proving those that did not believe that she would ever
come to much that she could accomplish great things in life. "I remembered that the real world was
wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who
had courage to go forth into its expanse." (pg. 77) This shows how Jane Eyre recognizes that there is
a bigger world out there. She understands that there are more opportunities out there waiting for
her, and that all she has to do is reach out and grab them. "Women are supposed to be very calm
generally: but women feel just as men feel, they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for
their efforts as much as their brothers do, they suffer from a too rigid restraint. Too absolute a
stagnation, precisely as men would suffer, and it is narrow–minded in their more privileged creatures
to say that they ought to confine

Essay about Jane Eyre: The Freedom of Love
Parallel to many of the great feministic novels throughout literary history, Jane Eyre is a story about
the quest for authentic love. However, Jane Eyre is unique and separate from other romantic pieces,
in that it is also about a woman searching for a sense of self–worth through achieving a degree of
independence. Orphaned and dismissed at an early age, Jane was born into a modest lifestyle that
was characterized by a form of oppressive servitude of which she had no autonomy. She was busy
spending much of her adolescent years locked in chains, both imaginary and real, as well as
catering to the needs of her peers. Jane was never being able to enjoy the pleasures and joys that an
ordinary and independent child values. Jane struggles...show more content...
Additionally, the Victorian period recalls devotional qualities to God, an extreme respect for family
life, and high ethical standards. Each of these elements plays a vital role in Jane's "quest." Gothic
novels rather, mainly include dark, menacing characters and architecture. Bronte's use of gothic
suggestions in Jane Eyre help the reader understand the complex influences at work that affect Jane
during her search for self–worth. Bronte, however, intentionally evades many of the clichГ©s of
Victorian fiction, which would have prevented Jane's lengthy journey towards independence. It
becomes evident throughout the course of the novel, Jane Eyre is not a typical Romance piece
that reinforces the accepted conventions of most women of the Victorian period. Thus for the
1800s, Jane Eyre proves to be a revolutionary novel and paves the way for many feminist books to
come. It would be used as a new way of thinking and realizing ones true potential. Jane became a
role model for women in modern–day society. It has been seen that women in recent romance novels
or other pieces of literature have strived to become independent or have a sense of self–worth. In the
novel, Nectar in a Sieve, written by Kamala Markandaya, both Rukmani and Ira both search for
independence. Unfortunately Ira struggles to do so and ends up becoming a prostitute. Rukmanis'
efforts are better than Ira, but are overshadowed for all her work is dedicated towards

Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre emerges with a unique voice in the Victorian period for the work
posits itself as a sentimental novel; however, it deliberately becomes unable to fulfill the genre, and
then, it creates an altogether divergent novel that demonstrates its superiority by adding depth of
structure in narration and character portrayal. Joan D. Peters' essay, Finding a Voice: Towards a
Woman's Discourse of Dialogue in the Narration of Jane Eyre positions Gerard Genette's theory of
convergence, which is that the movement of the fiction towards a confluence of protagonist and
narrator, is limited as the argument does not fully flesh out the parodies that Charlotte Bronte
incorporates into her work. I will argue that in the novel...show more content...
Reed, which I cannot do: I should bless her son John, which is impossible.'...'is not Mrs. Reed a
hard–hearted, bad woman?' 'She has been unkind to you, no doubt, because, you see, she dislikes
your cast of character, as Miss Scatcherd does mine; but how minutely you remember all she has
done and said to you! What a singularly deep impression her injustice seems to have made on your
heart! No ill–usage so brands its record on my feelings. Would you not be happier if you tried to
forget her severity, together with the passionate emotions it excited?" (69)
Helen communicates in an elegant restrained form to the protagonist that all of Jane's passion is
unvirtuous as this perspective lacks insight in contrast with Jane who impulsively voices contempt
to Helen for being deficient in natural passion. Her dialogue speaks of love and blessing that
should be returned to individuals that desire to harm her. She uses questions in this passage to
suggest her superior language skill set. Burns may quote the Bible, may hold in high regard Miss
Scatcherd and may espouse the stereotypical masculine traits of a novel, such as, "well–polished
diction, restraint of feeling, an emphasis on action, and a strong, seemingly objective, often directly
interposing, 'authorial' narrative command" (Peters 224), yet she loses her natural voice. Moreover,
Burns' voice becomes stilted as it has discarded the poignant beauty of language in favor of

Jane Eyre
Jane does grow in the book Jane Eyre. The theme of the book is Jane's continual quest for love. Jane
searches for acceptance through the five settings where she lives: Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield,
Moor House and Ferndean. Through these the maturation and self–recognition of Jane becomes
traceable. It is not until she runs from Rochester and Thornfield that she realizes what she really
wants. Jane is able to return to Rochester finally independent, with a desire to love, as well as be
loved.
In the beginning Jane seems a strong character who is very rebellious; In the Victorian times it was
considered "deceitful" for a child too speak out. Jane wishes to overcome this. And she does when
she says, "I must keep in good health, and not...show more content...
At Lowood Jane is repulsed by Mr. Brocklehurst and his "two–faced" character. Even so, Jane fines
her first true friend. Helen Burns, another student at the school. By instruction, Helen is able to
prove her messages. When Jane is punished in front of the whole school, she tries to accept it. But
Jane still dreams of human affection and is deeply hurt when she is scolded. Jane goes as far to
say, "If others don't love me, I would rather die than live." Helen's response, "You think to much
of the love of human beings," (69). Through example Helen teaches Jane too. Helen is punished
by, Miss Scatcherd because her finger nails were not clean. Jane wonders why she just took it and
did not fight back. Jane says, "When we are struck without a reason, we should strike back again
very hard; I am sure we should . . ." Helen replies, "Love you enemies; bless them that curse you . .
." (56). When Helen is dying of Typhus she reminds Jane, "I believe: I have faith: I am going to
God," (82). Jane is able to draw strength from Helen's faith, making her stronger. Helen's messages
guide Jane through her turbulent life. This is how Jane learns not to worry so much how other think
of her.
Jane leaves Lowood for Thornfield, she is both older and wiser but she still is unfulfilled. Pursuing
a new position as a governess, Jane hopes her new life will make her whole. At first she is bored by
her work. Then Rochester totally transforms

Jane Eyre Essay
Jane Eyre The novel, Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte delivers a strong feminist message. Jane was
a strong woman in a time when women were not meant to be strong. She was very out spoken
(even as a child) and very sure in her values and opinions. She would not change them for anyone.
She did not even let men control her, which is what was expected of women in this era.
Jane's father died when she was a little girl, leaving her basically on her own. The only kin she had
that she knew of was an aunt that saw her as nothing but a burden and treated her cruelly. Her three
cousins were just as bad, which further distressed her situation. Jane's only escape from living with
these awful people was the solitude she found in...show more content...
While at Lowood the reader also starts to see one of Jane's weaknesses – she desperately needs
people to love her since she was without love for so long at Gateshead. She receives this love from
Helen and the head of the school, Miss Temple. Unfortunately Helen dies after Jane being there
only a short time. Jane finishes her schooling at Lowood and begins to teach there. Eventually Miss
Temple gets married and leaves. Since Miss Temple moves on, Jane has nothing left there and takes a
Governess job at Thornfield that she knows nothing about.
At Thornfield, the head of the house is Mr. Rochester, a Bachelor who took in a child named
Adele after her mother died. It is possible that Rochester is her father. Mr. Rochester is almost
twice the Jane's age, which is only eighteen at the time. When she first meets him, he comes off as
rude and condescending. Jane exhibits, once again, her ability to stand up for herself in one of the
very first conversations she has with him saying:I don't think, sir, you have the right to command
me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have;
your claim to superiority depends on the the use you have made of your time and experience (p. 137).
This quotation shows that Jane does not let herself be intimidated by him even though he is male, he
is much older than her, and he is her

Jane Eyre's Power Struggles
In the novel Jane Eyre, the author Charlotte Bronte displays the main character Jane as someone
who goes against the grain in societal values, roles, and constructions. In Terry Eagleton's essay
"Jane Eyre's Power Struggles", he sees internal conflict within the book as she attempts to sort out
social class barriers and gender role conflicts. As Jane goes through life she has many challenges
starting at a young age with both her parents being dead and raised in a house where she is not
loved or wanted, Jane is sent away to a school for poor orphan girls. The book was written in a the
Victorian time period where one's status in society was determined by what class they were born
into. Going astray from the norm, Jane opposes the caste system...show more content...
This is one of the main reasons why she allowed her self to be with Rochester before she received
wealth. Jane finds herself at peace with the feeling of equality and "values her equal relationship
with Mrs. Fairfax for the freedom it brings" (Eagleton 492). By putting a large amount of stress on
spirit Jane leads to her opinion that social class and wealth are not as important characteristics as
intelligence. This is not accepted throughout her society causing Jane to struggle on the fact that she
is lesser than people who do not hold nearly as much intelligence as she

Role of Women in Jane Eyre Essay example
Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre represents the role of women in the Victorian era by giving the reader
an insight into the lives of women from all social classes. Jane Eyre therefore represents figures of
the Victorian time yet the character of Jane Eyre, herself, can be seen as very unconventional for the
Victorian society.
England, in the eighteenth century, was driven by class distinction and wealth. In the lower class
there was always a desperate struggle to survive which contrasted to the life led by the upper class,
socializing with people like themselves. The servant trade, made up by the lower class, allowed the
upper class to live their desired life whilst constantly maintaining superiority based on their position
in society....show more content...
That is a family may wish their children to marry into a wealthy or prestigious family.
It was not a requirement of marriage that the couple love each other and it has been suggested that
love in marriage was usually financially driven or simply a desirable union between two families.
Again this is wear we see Jane as being rare in the fact she married for love, not for money, and that
she obviously married above her station at the time. Her station had improved through her acquired
wealth by the time she returned to marry Mr Rochester.
Often Jane reflects on herself as being unconventional particularly in the way she talks with Mr
Rochester. She refers to the intelligence that she has as being a close match to his but also her
apparent confidence in honestly answering questions which one would usually shy away from.
Jane surprises herself often it would seem, in the ways that she is not conventional and is happy
for it. Having said this, Jane does try, at times top fit the social norm by wanting to be on the
sidelines so to speak when Mr Rochester has friends over to stay. She does not wish to be part of the
group and participate in their games as she is below them in social class and does not want to impose
herself on them as an equal. She is also not a character to publicly discuss her emotions but instead
prefers to suppress them, as she believes a women at this time should. Jane, unlike women of this

Jane Eyre Essay Topics

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