Independence in Jane Eyre Essay Sample

📌Category: Books, Jane Eyre
📌Words: 519
📌Pages: 2
📌Published: 28 March 2022

In the novel, Jane Eyre written by Charlotte Bronte, the main character Jane evolves into an independent woman throughout her experiences during the story. Written in 1847, this novel takes place in England during the Victorian era when women were not treated as independent thinkers or contributors. Throughout her journey, the reader observes the character of Jane Eyre growing up from childhood to young adulthood; Gateshead, Lowood, and Thornfield are places that provide key moments that enable her to become self-sufficient. 

At the age of ten, Jane lives with her aunt, Mrs. Reed, at her estate called Gateshead. Unfortunately, life with her aunt and cousins is difficult because they do not treat her as an equal compared to other family members but rather like an outsider. Cousin John Reed purposely torments her, making her feel lesser and, at one point even compares her to the staff. Jane contemplates his rude statement by questioning herself, “Master! How is he my master? Am I a servant?” (Bronte 6). This response shows how Jane is internally starting to feel neglected. As the ridicule goes on  Jane does not resist her feelings and begins to proclaim them aloud. Even though her statements cause her to get in trouble, Jane feels it is right for people to know how she feels. This provides Jane a glimpse into the real world and teaches her to be wary of people, especially those of the upper class. At Gateshead, Jane learned a tough lesson about both family and life.

Jane’s independence continues to grow through her stay at Lowood, a charity boarding school. It is here that she meets her best friend Helen Burns.  Helen provides Jane with useful insight and lessons about how to handle life’s difficulties.  For instance, Helen teaches Jane to be less bothered by the hurtful words or judgments said or made by others.  Helen exclaims, “Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs” (Bronte 51). Another example of Helen’s effect on Jane’s maturity is helping her think more open-mindedly and accept other viewpoints. The scholar Virginia Brackett states, “Her tendency to remain silent suggests various ideas about Jane's personality”(Brackett).  Jane takes this lesson and applies it to the incident between her and Mr. Brocklehurst. As much as Jane wanted to fight back, she stayed quiet knowing that it would help her.  Jane gradually realizes that sometimes stating her opinion against others may not always be useful. As a result, Jane becomes more considerate towards others and could adapt to circumstances.

During her young adulthood, Jane is hired as a governess at an estate called Thornfield. She discovers that Edward Rochester is the owner and finds him very interesting. Through a series of events, Jane and Mr. Rochester fall in and out of love during her stay, revealing a darker side of this household. 

Jane knows she does not want to play the role of mistress nor does she want to become another Bertha. This event helps Jane consider how little power she will have if she stays with Edward. According to The Heros Journey written by scholar Harold Bloom, “She is determined to preserve her independence after marriage rather than become his plaything” (Bloom). As a result, Jane makes the difficult decision to leave Thornfield in order to live her life as she wishes.

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