Jane Eyre Quotes Against Women

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Jane Eyre from Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre lived in the wrong time period. In the Victorian period, women were supposed to have femininity, be domestic, obedient, uneducated, and prepared for marriage. They were seen as clean and pure, dependent on men, and isolated from the outside world. Bronte wants the readers to think that Jane’s behavior is worthwhile due to how her life comes together. Jane goes against these Victorian roles most strongly by standing up against men. One of the first instances readers see Jane defy these roles is when she is just ten years old. She lived with her aunt, Mrs. Reed, and her family, for she had no living parents. The oldest son, John Reed, had bullied Jane. One day, she decided she would not take his abuse. John took a great blow at her, so she struck back. The servants quickly came to John’s aid and dragged Jane up to the red room. On the way to the room, one of the lady’s-maids cried, “What shocking conduct, Miss Eyre, to strike a young gentleman, your benefactress’s son! Your young master” (Bronte 15). This had led to Jane being sent to school, which had benefited her greatly. The consequences of this defiance sent Jane to live a better life. …show more content…

Rochester as he asks her to stay and marry him. She had decided that it would be better for her, and him, if she had just left Thornfield. When Rochester asks Jane to stay and be his wife her response is utterly shocking for her time. She exclaims, “Mr. Rochester, I will not be yours” (Bronte 363). Women of the time never disobeyed a man. This helped Jane live out her life happily because if she had said yes, she would have gone against her morals. She would have lived knowing she was going to hell because Rochester had another wife. This rebellion led her to live a fulfilled, happy

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