Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre is an inspiring novel written by Charlotte Bronte. Its value not only lies in its beautiful language, but also exists in the characteristics of Jane. Throughout the novel, Jane expresses Charlotte’s radical thoughts on gender, religion, and social class. In the novel Jane Eyre, Charlotte does not follow the Victorian tradition of ideal male heroes. Instead, she degrades her male character, and allows Jane to suppress the male hero in the story. It is believed that, “The ideal Victorian male should have certain characteristics such as honor, loyalty, intelligence, moral uprightness and it does not hurt to have a good income” (Hesse par1). However, Mr. Rochester’s appearance is not attractive at all.
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Mr.Rochester proves to be weak in other aspects. Although he is superior to Jane socially and economically, Jane is superior to him morally, for Rochester hides the secret that he is already married. Bertha Mason is an example that illustrates how women could be controlled and suppressed by a man during the Victorian era. However, Jane fends off marriage, for she knows that living with Rochester would mean the loss of her dignity and equity, and living with St. John River would sacrifice her emotional feelings. Finally she comes back for Rochester, but everything has changed. Rochester has become blind by the fire. Now Rochester becomes even weaker while Jane gains strength. Finally, Jane marries Mr. Rochester and gains her independence and equality. At this point, gender roles are even reversed because Rochester has to rely on Jane for his eyes. Ultimately she becomes the feminine hero in the novel. Bronte presents three models of religions through different characters and criticizes extreme religious beliefs. While …show more content…
Bronte proves that social hierarchy is insignificant and does not reflect one’s ability or potential. In the nineteenth century, money equals independence and power. The wealthy control the future of the poor. Jane represents the poor, and she speaks for those who are powerless. Despite the fact that Jane has no family supports, she fights for her own rights and against social injustice. For example, after leaving her aunt, Jane is sent to Lowood Institution. However, life in school does not go easy on her. Mr. Brocklehurst is extremely strict and deliberately picking on Jane when she first starts at Lowood Institution. What Jane experiences at school not only illustrates the flaw of the education system during Bronte’s day, but also shows the suffering of the lower class in England during the nineteenth century. Indeed, life is hard for those who are poor and powerless during Bronte’s days. “The upper classes claimed that the lower classes ‘cannot be associated in any regular way with industrial or family life,’ and that their ‘ultimate standard of life is almost savage, both in its simplicity and in its excesses’” (Vaughon par5). However, Jane fights back no matter how hard it is. She never submits to Mr. Brocklehurst, and she is brave enough to express her true fellings. Later on, when Jane meets Mr. Rochester, they fall in love with each other. Mr. Rochester knows that Jane grew up
Mr.Rochester proves to be weak in other aspects. Although he is superior to Jane socially and economically, Jane is superior to him morally, for Rochester hides the secret that he is already married. Bertha Mason is an example that illustrates how women could be controlled and suppressed by a man during the Victorian era. However, Jane fends off marriage, for she knows that living with Rochester would mean the loss of her dignity and equity, and living with St. John River would sacrifice her emotional feelings. Finally she comes back for Rochester, but everything has changed. Rochester has become blind by the fire. Now Rochester becomes even weaker while Jane gains strength. Finally, Jane marries Mr. Rochester and gains her independence and equality. At this point, gender roles are even reversed because Rochester has to rely on Jane for his eyes. Ultimately she becomes the feminine hero in the novel. Bronte presents three models of religions through different characters and criticizes extreme religious beliefs. While …show more content…
Bronte proves that social hierarchy is insignificant and does not reflect one’s ability or potential. In the nineteenth century, money equals independence and power. The wealthy control the future of the poor. Jane represents the poor, and she speaks for those who are powerless. Despite the fact that Jane has no family supports, she fights for her own rights and against social injustice. For example, after leaving her aunt, Jane is sent to Lowood Institution. However, life in school does not go easy on her. Mr. Brocklehurst is extremely strict and deliberately picking on Jane when she first starts at Lowood Institution. What Jane experiences at school not only illustrates the flaw of the education system during Bronte’s day, but also shows the suffering of the lower class in England during the nineteenth century. Indeed, life is hard for those who are poor and powerless during Bronte’s days. “The upper classes claimed that the lower classes ‘cannot be associated in any regular way with industrial or family life,’ and that their ‘ultimate standard of life is almost savage, both in its simplicity and in its excesses’” (Vaughon par5). However, Jane fights back no matter how hard it is. She never submits to Mr. Brocklehurst, and she is brave enough to express her true fellings. Later on, when Jane meets Mr. Rochester, they fall in love with each other. Mr. Rochester knows that Jane grew up