Feminism in Jane Eyre Essay - 1648 Words

Jane Eyre was written in a time where the Bildungsroman was a common form of literature. The importance was that the mid-nineteenth century was, the age in which women were, for the first time, ranked equally with men as writers within a major genre (Sussman 1). In many of these novels, the themes were the same; the protagonist dealt with the same issues, search for autonomy and selfhood in opposition to the social constraints placed upon the female, including the demand for marriage (Sussman). Jane Eyre fits this mould perfectly. Throughout the novel, the reader follows Jane Eyre on a journey of development from adolescence to maturity to show that a desire for freedom and change motivates people to search for their own identity.†¦show more content†¦Her influence in Janes adolescence and early adulthood teach her to have harmonious thoughts, and to give allegiance to duty and order (Gilbert 347). Here, Miss Temple teaches Jane to suppress her wild emotions and become comp liant under the superior male, but still maintain an inward anger that can never be expressed. Jane, however, cannot conform to the lesson being taught to her; through Miss Temple, she learns that her journey into maturity and freedom requires her to be more independent and passionate than Miss Temple instructs. Miss Temple is not only like a mother figure to Jane, but she is also encouraging of intellectual growth (Rich 466). Temples impact on Janes education allows her to become stronger in character, which will eventually bring her to complete independence. Kathleen Tillotson finds in Miss Temple a sign of hope for Jane: the warm fire and the cake from the cupboard in Miss Temples room are assertions of individual loving-kindness, though also of its limited power (Tillotson 60) In spite of this, Tillotson writes that Jane at Thornfield is submitting to virtue in lovable form, as she had once submitted to Miss Temple (Tillotson 60). In other words, Tillotson argues that although M iss Temple may have positively influenced Jane in certain ways, ultimately her call for repression and submission instigates Janes realization that she must discover her own place in life,Show MoreRelatedFeminism in Jane Eyre1423 Words   |  6 PagesFeminism in Jane Eyre Jay Sheldon Feminism has been a prominent and controversial topic in writings for the past two centuries. With novels such as Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, or even William Shakespeares Macbeth the fascination over this subject by authors is evident. In Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre the main character, Jane Eyre, explores the depth at which women may act in society and finds her own boundaries in Victorian England. As well, along with the notions of feminism oftenRead MoreFeminism in Jane Eyre1317 Words   |  6 PagesFeminism in Jane Eyre After reading Jane Eyre, I think Jane Eyre is a great woman. Jane is disadvantaged in many ways as she has no wealth, family, social position or beauty. Jane does have intelligence though, and her disposition is such to make Rochester fall in love with her. Through a serious of troublesome situations between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, the author set up a great female image before us: insisting on maintaining an independent personality, pursuing individual freedom, advocatingRead MoreFeminism in Jane Eyre753 Words   |  4 PagesAP English III Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre in 1847, when men were far superior to women. That is why a major debate remains on whether Jane Eyre is a feminist novel or not. It would not be surprising to say that the novel has very feminist undertones because of the time period, the Victorian Era, in which women were treated poorly. However, one could argue that Jane Eyre is actually an anti-feminist novel due to some of the context throughout the story. Both these feminist and anti-feministRead MoreFeminism In Jane Eyre1679 Words   |  7 Pagesnovels--Jane Eyre--of her time period when she created the unique and feminist female heroine, Jane Eyre. Throughout the novel, Jane becomes stronger as she speaks out against antagonists. She presses to find happiness whether she is single or married and disregards society’s rules. The novel begins as Jane is a small, orphan child living with her aunt and cousins due to the death of her parents and her uncle. Jane s aunt--Mrs. Reed--degr ades her as she favors her biological children. Jane s aunt--MrsRead MoreFeminism In Jane Eyre1729 Words   |  7 Pageshroughout the history of English, Literature feminism has remained one of the central themes in many amazing works of literature. This concept represents feminine independence and self-esteem in a male-dominated society. One of the famous authors who convey this idea is Charlotte Brontà « especially in her best-selling novel Jane Eyre in which she discusses the social background of the Victorian society and its effect on women. What society teaches women is not always right; it is up to women to relyRead MoreJane Eyre and Feminism1822 Words   |  8 PagesCharlotte Brontes novel Jane Eyre embraces many feminist views in opposition to the Victorian feminine ideal. Charlotte Bronte herself was among the first feminist writers of her time, and wrote this book in order to send the message of feminism to a Victorian-Age Society in which women were looked upon as infe rior and repressed by the society in which they lived. This novel embodies the ideology of equality between a man and woman in marriage, as well as in society at large. As a feminist writerRead MoreTheme Of Feminism In Jane Eyre1733 Words   |  7 PagesGriesinger perceives that Charlotte Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s focus on both women and religion to be so prominent in Jane Eyre that she coined the term â€Å"biblical feminism† to simultaneously refer to these two themes. Brontà « wrote the novel in a time where radical feminist Protestantism was increasingly explored, and Griesinger’s overarching view is that Brontà « intended to illustrate that women of faith, like Jane, â€Å"are not disempowered but find strength to obey God even if it means going against social and literaryRead MoreOn Feminism and Jane Eyre Essay1257 Words   |  6 Pageswith, men in a society dominated by men. These seekers are called feminists and many feminists see Charlotte Bronte’s titula r character Jane Eyre as a proto-feminist icon of the Victorian era. Not only does Jane Eyre show the struggle of one woman under one man it represents the struggle of women in a male-dominated society. Reading Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre through a feminist perspective reveals Jane’s fight for independence, individuality, and equality in a society controlled and dominated byRead More Jane Eyre and Feminism Essay1799 Words   |  8 Pages Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre embraces many feminist views in opposition to the Victorian feminine ideal. Charlotte Bronte herself was among the first feminist writers of her time, and wrote this book in order to send the message of feminism to a Victorian-Age Society in which women were looked upon as inferior and repressed by the society in which they lived. This novel embodies the ideology of equality between a man and woman in marriage, as well as in society at large. As a feminist writerRead MoreJane Eyre, The Bluest Eye, And Feminism1422 Words   |  6 PagesPavit Singh Mr. Trott English 2 Honors Period 5 15 May 2015 Jane Eyre, The Bluest Eye, and Feminism Feminism. It’s a big concept in society today, but has it always been that way? Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a famous work on the basis of her own experiences. In this novel, the author shapes a tough and independent woman who pursues true love and equality. In the Victorian period, the image of Jane Eyre cast a sharp contrast to the man-dominated society. She stands for a new lady who has