Feminism In The 19th Century Through Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte in the 19th century is a timeless classic that is widely loved and studied even today. Written in the Victorian era, at a time when the traditionally rigid lines between the genders were being questioned for the first time after centuries of oppression, the book is considered as a seminal piece of feminist literature. 

Jane’s Early Childhood

Jane strives for independence throughout the novel, demonstrating a propensity for rebellion that was condemned by contemporary rebellions. As a child in Gateshead, she is abused by Mrs and John Reed for her dependence on the reed family. Her rage against her ill-treatment is punished by locking her in the Red Room, that represents Jane’s vision of the society in which Jane is trapped. 

Lowood School

Jane’s passion and anger is seen as a trait to be eradicated, for the correct model for girls is Christian submissiveness and rigid self-control, the doctrine preached at Lowood. Through the influence of Helen Burns and Mrs Temple, Jane becomes a calmer individual, but her inner spark of defiance lives on. 

Christian Themes

This conflict between passionate subversion and Christian frigidness continues throughout the book, the two extremes represented by Bertha Mason and St John. Quite radically, Jane does not choose Evangelical female piety as would be expected of her by Victorian standards. 

Taking her life and spirituality in her own hands, she forges a middle path. She rejects lustful immorality by refusing to live as Rochester’s mistress and understands the pitfalls of passion without reason. At the same time she does not compromise on her emotional vitality and refuses to be trapped in a loveless marriage. She develops an independent moral and ethical agency, resisting the numerous figures that seek to control her destiny and soul. 

Women’s Right to Work 

More overtly, Jane seeks independence in the external sphere through financial autonomy. Women’s right to work was a contentious issue in the 19th century. In the novel, Jane makes a passionate plea for women to be allowed to use their talents and not be confined to the home ‘making puddings and knitting stockings’.

Gender and Society

Gender and social inequalities are on full display in Jane and Rochester’s relationship. Jane is significantly younger, has less life experience and is financially dependent on Rochester. Her inferior social positions makes their relationship unconventional, however it is apparent there is a power imbalance in their romance. 

Feminism in Romance

Rochester is dominating, and though Jane assets herself, she is swept along by his whims and fears losing her identity in their marriage. In her present state, Jane would be unable to have a relationship as equals, and marriage would be another constraint binding her independence. Jane thus has to complete her self-realisation and marries Rochester only when she achieves economic and social success and becomes mentally mature.

Rochester’s blindness at the end of the novel indicates the changed balance of power, the partial return of his sight suggests he has learnt from his past mistakes and has been healed by Jane’s love, making himself worthy of Jane. The portrayal of their relationship makes it evident Jane’s self-identity and autonomy are a priority and highlight how love can exist only among equals.

Written by: Devi Sankhla