Jane Eyre Research Paper

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The Victorian Era is characterized as a period of prosperity and increased morality. People began to develop very refined behavior and nationalistic spirits towards Britain. In the autobiography Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, Jane describes her life during this time period starting from a young age as an orphan being raised by her aunt to living out her life married to the wealthy Mr. Rochester. Jane is a unique woman because while she does develop the common morality and sensibilities of the Victorian time, she does not follow all of the norms associated with women. Most women in her position would be quiet, polite, and skilled in artistic mediums and intellectual matters, yet Jane typically pushes against these standards. Through schooling …show more content…

Jane’s parents died when she was very young forcing her to live with her affluent aunt, Ms. Reed, at Gateshead Hall. While Jane is surrounded by wealth, she does not get to enjoy it because of Ms. Reed’s negative judgements towards her. Ms. Reed resents Jane and purposefully isolates her from the family. Before Jane leaves this cruel house, she expresses her opinions to her Aunt in a extremely scandalous way: “I am glad you are no relation of mine; I will never call you aunt again as as I live; I will never come to see you when I am grown up; and if any one asks me how I liked you, and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick and that you treated me with miserable cruelty.” (Bronte, 45) Jane’s outburst is the beginning of her irregularity for the Victorian Era. Most children her age were expected to be quiet and courteous to their elders, especially those that are their guardians. Jane knows that she is crossing boundaries, but she feels that her point of view is not being taken into consideration and that she is justified in her exclamation. The months of isolation forces her to express herself in a childish, excited manner. As Jane matures her actions become more civilized and …show more content…

Rochester. When Jane’s role model, Maria Temple, leaves, Jane finds herself in need of new experiences. She sends out advertisements for teacher positions and shortly after begins to work at Thornfield for Mr. Rochester with her pupil, Adele. She and Mr. Rochester develop an interest for each other and Jane is rarely afraid to express herself to this man even though he is her superior. When Jane and Mr. Rochester fall in love, she accepts his proposal of marriage, but when she finds out that he has another wife, she strongly declines his offer, “Mr. Rochester, I will not be yours.”... “Oh, Jane, this is bitter! This- this is wicked. It would not be wicked to love me.” “It would to obey you.” (Bronte, 368). Jane fiercely believes that it is wrong to marry this man when he has another wife. She is not afraid to explain that even though most women would follow a man’s orders. Jane also recognizes that he is superior and so she politely refuses him. Despite the fact that Jane had years of strict teaching she still doesn’t always follow the societal

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