Sexism in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

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Imagine a time when sexism was protocol. Now imagine a woman who stepped up, and even implied these problems in her literature. That powerful mistress was Charlotte Bronte, a British author, and very strong woman. She lived a tough life, often suffering from many untimely deaths, including her own. Her sisters were incomparable assets to her mental and emotional strength. In addition to her family, her brief teaching career was likely impactful on her esteemed poetry and other collective works. Her illustrious life was highlighted by her sisters, her various educational roles, and her recovery from tough times. In the delicate times of the early 19th century, Charlotte Bronte was born in 1816. She was born to reverend Patrick Bronte and Maria Bronte in England. She also had 2 younger sisters: Emily and Ann, born in 1818 and 1820, respectively. Unfortunately, her mother passed in the next year, 1821. 3 years later in 1824, Charlotte and Emily were sent to a clergy daughter's academy in Cowan Bridge, along with 2 older sisters. The Bronte family again suffered losses that next year. They mourned the 2 oldest sisters, as they died of disease. Emily and Charlotte were sent home as a result. (http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/brontbio.html) Several years later in 1831, Charlotte decided to return to school, this time at Roe Head. Her tenure there was delayed by 3 years, because in 1832 she returned home to teach her sisters. In 1835 Charlotte returned to Roe Head, however, this time as a governess, or teacher. Ironically, her sisters attended the same school as students. Emily was a student in 1835, but left, many assume due to home sickness. In 1836-37, Ann attended Roe Head. A few years later, ... ... middle of paper ... ...t with it. The very last quatrain states: “Manfully, fearlessly, the day of trial bear, for gloriously, victoriously, Can courage quell despair!” (Bell 93-94) Bronte finishes off the poem saying that all struggles can be overpowered by confidence and bravery with ease. The various adverbs add much excitement and glee to this portion of the poem. Works Cited Cody, David. “Charlotte Bronte: A Brief Biography.” The Victorian Web 1987. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/brontbio.html Bell, Currer, Ellis Bell, and Acton Bell . Poems. 1848. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard, 1959. Bell, Currer. Jane Eyre. London: Smith, Elder, and co. Cornhill, 1847. http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1229822/ Jane Eyre. Dir. Cary Fukaunaga. , 2011. Sellars, Jane. Charlotte Bronte: British Library Writers Lives Series. Oxford university press incorporated, 2000

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