Ms.Wolf
English 9H
9 May 2013
Jane Eyre: An Unconventional Heroine The story of a woman who comes from the worst circumstances to grow and prosper by breaking the rules set for her is relevant in many different works of literature. Jane, the endearing heroine in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, breaks through barriers set for women during the Victorian Era. Throughout the novel, Jane shows incredible self-respect and self-esteem, even during the worst of circumstances. After conversing with Mr. Lloyd, Jane says “They are not fit to associate with me” (Bronte 23). In this quote, Jane refers to John, Eliza, and Georgiana, who are told by Mrs. Reed that they should not associate with her first. The fact that Jane is not impacted …show more content…
While Jane is arguing with Mr. Rochester after she discovers that he is still married, Jane states that she does not need him or anyone else to take care of her, but that she can care for herself (Bronte 342). Jane’s statement helps to further convey that Jane is an independent woman who does not need the help of other people, especially men. This statement also is an example of how Mr. Rochester and Jane are equal, which was a rare occurrence for a Victorian couple. Her passion to stay true to herself and to not change who she is also shown: “It is her grittiness that saves her at Lowood School, where punishments are meted out unfairly and girls are sent to starve and sicken. Helen, who meekly accepts unjust punishments, dies. Jane survives because she does not” (Jong 152). At Lowood, Jane’s incredible self-respect allowed …show more content…
Mr. Rochester often disregards Jane age as he informs her of his troubles: “Other readers felt that the novel was coarse because it addresses issues and incidents that were not proper for a female narrator to discuss. When Edward Rochester tells Jane of his past history with women, for example, and his possible fathering of Adele Varens, many readers found it highly improper to imagine a man speaking of such matters to a young girl of eighteen” ( Markley 1). As stated above, it is highly unusual for a grown man like Mr. Rochester to discuss his past with an eighteen-year-old governess like Jane. The fact that he did discuss these matters shows that Mr. Rochester believes Jane is a very mature individual who is an equal of himself, even though she is considered a “servant”. When Mr. Rochester is telling Jane that he is getting married and that she will be moving away, she begins to sob and