Independent Women in "Jane Eyre"

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes the development of Jane, the main character in Charlotte Bronte's novel, "Jane Eyre", from her submissive and abusive childhood to the confident and bright woman at the end of the story. The paper examines her relationship with the other characters and shows how and when her personality emerges for her to become a strong, independent woman.

From the Paper:

"Jane Eyre is one of the greatest British classics ever written. The story watches closely the life and the evolution of Jane Eyre, a poor, orphan girl who as a child lives upon the mercy of her cold-hearted aunt, Mrs. Reed. The story is very interesting from a feminist point of view. Apparently, Jane Eyre is from the beginning and throughout the development of the story a plain, obedient girl who is always trying to please the others. The humiliations she is subjected to as a child growing up in the middle of an aristocratic family but without being treated as their equal also emphasize her submissive status. Moreover, Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester could also be regarded as one of dependence. However, the strength of the story lies precisely in the effect of Jane's gradual emergence as a true independent individual, from the obscure beginnings of her childhood to the confident and bright woman at the end of the story. Jane's evolution can be traced in relationship with that of the other characters and it is especially apparent in her love relationship with Mr. Rochester."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bloom, Harold. Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre.' New York: Chelsea Publishing House, 1987.
• Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Penguin, 1982.
• Lemaster, Tracy. "M/Othering the children: pregnancy and motherhood as obstacle to self-actualization in Jane Eyre.(Critical essay)." Genders 47 (June 2008).
• Scargill, M. H.. "'All Passion Spent: A Revaluation of 'Jane Eyre." DISCovering Authors. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003
• Schorer, Mark. "'Jane Eyre." DISCovering Authors. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003

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