On Feminism and Jane Eyre Essay - 1257 Words

Influential female characters in literature reflect the struggle for equality women have with men. Much like reality, these characters seek individualism and liberty from, or equality with, men in a society dominated by men. These seekers are called feminists and many feminists see Charlotte Bronte’s titular 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 by men. Before Jane’s situation can be dissected thoroughly,†¦show more content†¦In chapter Seven Mr. Brocklehurst orders that a girl must have her hair cut off insisting â€Å"[he] desire[s] the hair to be arranged closely, modestly, plainly,† Mr. Brocklehurst punishe s this girl, and all girls, who defects from his, or society’s, template of a proper woman. Mr. Brocklehurst tries to further exert his power over the girls when he confronts Miss Temple about the lunch of bread and cheese. He thinks that since they did not eat breakfast they should not get lunch; he doesn’t want to â€Å"accustom them to habits of luxury and indulgence.† He continues by saying their sufferings should be comparable to those of the martyrs of Biblical times. He sets the standard at what he believes the girls, and by extension all women, should be once more. Another example is St. John and his reason for proposing to Jane. St. John outlines everything that Jane is and tells her that her life is best slated for missionary work. This is an example of the social conditioning of the Victorian time period; women are forced to follow the rules set by men and suffer punishment for their deviation. Jane Eyre is a woman whose convictions, though radical as they are, cause her to believe or say things that can be regarded as feminist, radical, or revolutionary. Asking for her â€Å"own free will,† is a radical idea for Victorian women, but it shows Jane’s desire for freedom of choice. A good example of Jane’s radical thought is Jane’s refusal to kiss Rochester after he sings hisShow 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. 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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 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 Bron te 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 hasRead MoreFeminism in Jane Eyre Essay1648 Words   |  7 Pages 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)