Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre explores the feminist oppression present in the mid-19th century. She criticizes the authoritative, often white; male and rich oppressors, whilst sympathizing with the female populous. The imagery evoked through use of the terms “poor, obscure, plain, and little” in succession, serves to emphasize the powerlessness Jane feels at her oppression. Brontë elaborates on this point by her conclusion “[then] I am soulless and heartless”. The terms “soulless” and “heartless” are extremely emotive; which helps showcase the natural injustice of female oppression. Simultaneously, the implicit consequences that being “soulless and heartless” is due to her being “poor, obscure, plain and little” is that any weak, powerless human being is not deserving of love or affection.
Brontë emphasizes the need for human love and affection throughout Jane Eyre. As a child, Jane clings to a “shabby” and “graven image” of a doll; and Jane rejects St John’s proposal because it would mean sacrificing human affection. This motif climaxes at Janes exclamation “I have as much soul as you – and full as much heart!”. Jane struggles because she desires her independence and human affection; two things which were mutually exclusive …show more content…
The description of Jane as “poor, obscure, plain, and little” helps further Jane’s plight as a marginalized individual in society. The contrast between “an automation” and Janes exclamation that she has “as much soul as you [Rochester]” helps juxtapose the expectations placed on Jane from society and her desires as a human being. Brontë explores Janes need for autonomy by her comparisons of Jane to a “machine”; something only intended to be used. Rochester’s summoning of Jane concludes that he still plans to treat her as an unequal human being; someone to be controlled. Although Jane’s journey is painful, it leads to her discovery of true liberty and love; free from
Brontë emphasizes the need for human love and affection throughout Jane Eyre. As a child, Jane clings to a “shabby” and “graven image” of a doll; and Jane rejects St John’s proposal because it would mean sacrificing human affection. This motif climaxes at Janes exclamation “I have as much soul as you – and full as much heart!”. Jane struggles because she desires her independence and human affection; two things which were mutually exclusive …show more content…
The description of Jane as “poor, obscure, plain, and little” helps further Jane’s plight as a marginalized individual in society. The contrast between “an automation” and Janes exclamation that she has “as much soul as you [Rochester]” helps juxtapose the expectations placed on Jane from society and her desires as a human being. Brontë explores Janes need for autonomy by her comparisons of Jane to a “machine”; something only intended to be used. Rochester’s summoning of Jane concludes that he still plans to treat her as an unequal human being; someone to be controlled. Although Jane’s journey is painful, it leads to her discovery of true liberty and love; free from