Masculinity in "Jane Eyre."

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the characters of Jane and Rochester as portrayed in Franco Zefferelli's 1996 production of "Jane Eyre." The paper contrasts Rochester's power with that of Jane Eyre. The paper explains that the fact that being a man in the 19th century was sufficient to give Rochester the power to define rationality and sanity, while at the same time allow him to behave abominably towards women.

From the Paper:

"Charlotte Bronte published her novel Jane Eyre in 1847. Men in this time period had complete control of all aspects of society, including money, education, commerce, politics, and inheritance. The character Edward Rochester, after a difficult start, has become the epitome of this kind of powerful man, and indeed he may be said to embody the kind of rationality and power we associate with Enlightenment era men. Yet of course this power and rationality was a product of the intensely patriarchal society that shaped it. Rochester's power, and his ability to define what is rational and sane, may thus be said to be at the expense of women such as Jane Eyre, who are eminently rational, yet who lack power."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Zefferelli, Franco. (Director). Jane Eyre. Miramax Films, 1996.

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