Feminism in Jane Eyre Essay

I could not in those days, see God for his creature: whom I made my idol. Janes quest for identity and morality are justly rewarded. Discuss this in reference to feminist critic.

In the mid-nineteenth century, woman would have carried the burden of staying in their place however, Jane Eyre is seen as atypical to this behaviour. Janes quest for identity is evident throughout the text, and is able to be compared to that of Antoinette in Wide Sargasso Sea. Janes strong will and moral character is carried through the novel, defying the cultural standards and proving herself a paradigm for aspiring feminists of her day. Janes commitment to dignity, freedom of choice, independence and defying a mans emotional power were fostered by some of the characters in the novel.

Jane Eyre, of course did not take to the streets with such feminist actions, it was through the subconscious expression of equality of woman through her words and actions. Jane Eyre was living in a society that measured the likelihood of her success by the degree of her marriage ability, which included her family and economic status, and of course beauty. However, Jane does not allow her goals and ambitions to be set solely on marrying. Evident, however, that Rochesters betrayal sends her into the depths of despair, but she tells St. John Rivers that she would be perfectly happy as a simple teacher with a few pupils. She also reveals such actions when St. John proposes that she becomes his wife and they go to India to be missionaries, Jane says I am ready to go to India if I may go free. (p. 467). Her nature is far different to classical Victorian women, as she even stated the more he bought me, the more my cheeks burned with a sense of annoyance and degradation (p.309) The sense for her love to be matched through equality and fairness and not through jewels and money, is evident throughout the text. Her will for independence and to be her own woman too is apparent, especially through her quest for identity.

Jane Eyre, from a young age, was judged and peoples opinions of her often were made for them, if it was through that of Ms. Reed, or even when she was in Lowood. Being suppressed from a young age and being called a bad animal enthused Jane to prove such opinions wrong, and to be her own woman. I am my own mistress (p. 501) Rochester appeals to Jane as he judges for himself this makes a stark contrast to her upbringing. Her defiance of Mrs. Reed is Janes first active declaration of independence, however, it was Helen Burns and Miss Temple who were the first to acknowledge her as an individual and to love her for herself, in spite of her obscurity. Jane is a strong and independent woman, however her independence is seen to be more evident when she has financial independence. I am an independent woman (p.501) through her independent and passionate nature she is referred to as a wild frantic bird by Rochester, however she is able to reply with I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert to leave you (p.293) Such a strength is seen in major contrast to Antoinette in Wide Sargasso Sea. Antoinette is seen more as a weak character, as to need protection all the time. Her own identity is lost as she relies on others to give her one, however not one she always likes Bertha is not my name. You are trying to makeme into someone else (p.95) with the constant need for someone to protect her, she looses herself completely. Whereas, Jane Eyre relies solely on herself, and her values, and in turn saves herself.

Janes religious beliefs too, are evident throughout the text. Her core beliefs were instilled whilst she was still in Lowood by Helen Burns, who taught her that she should show love to those who do harm to her and not return hate for hate. It is far better to endure patently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you (p. 66) Her religious morals enable herself to refuse to be Rochesters mistress. I will keep to the law given by God (p365) Her religion, beliefs and morals shaped her and guided her decisions. So much has religion done for me; turning the original materials into the best account; pruning and training nature. (p.382) Though she is religious, she is seen to be not quite like Helen, but religious in a more non-doctrine way. Jane frequently prays and calls on God to assist her, particularly when she has troubles with Rochester. Her moral ways are seen to support Jane at the conclusion of the novel when she returns to Rochester and marries him. if I ever did a good deed in my life if I ever thought a good thought if I ever prayed a sincere and blameless prayer If I ever wished a righteous wish I am rewarded now (p. 513)

Jane Eyre is a strong, passionate character that has an evident quest for her own identity throughout the text, in comparison to Antoinette who allows others to place one upon her. Janes commitment to her faith, dignity and defying a mans power over her enables readers to interpret Jane Eyre as an early feminist reading, however, without naming Jane Eyre as a feminist. One is able to interpret her actions and words as ones that are atypical to that of early Victorian woman, who at that time lived under the burden of staying in their place. Jane Eyre shows that despite her cultural standings; equality, religion and moral right is vitally important to live a full and wholesome existence.