Feminism In Jane Eyre
...for
the past two centuries. With novels such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice,
or even William Shakespeare's Macbeth the fascination over this subject by
authors is evident. In Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre the main character, Jane
Eyre, explores the depth at which women may act in society and finds her own
boundaries in Victorian England. As well, along with the notions of feminism
often follow the subjects of class distinctions and boundaries.
There is an ample amount of evidence to suggest that the tone of Jane
Eyre is in fact a very feminist one and may well be thought as relevant to the
women of today who feel they have been discriminated against because of there
gender. At the beginning of the 19th century, little opportunity existed for
women, and thus many of them felt uncomfortable when attempting to enter many
parts of society. The absence of advanced educational opportunities for women
and their alienation from almost all fields of work gave them little option in
life: either become a house wife or a governess. Although today a tutor may be
considered a fairly high class and intellectual job, in the Victorian era a
governess was little more than a servant who was paid to share her scarce amount
of knowledge in limited fields to a child. With little respect, security, or
class one may certainly feel that an intelligent, passionate and opinionated
young woman such as Jane Eyre should deserve and be capable of so much more.
The insecurity of this position, being tossed around with complete disregard for
her feelings or preferences, is only one of many grueling characteristics of
this occupation. However for Jane to even emerge into society, becoming a
governess seemed the only reasonable path for her.
The women of the Victorian Era can be regarded as the first group to do
battle for the equality of the sexes. They lead all women to follow...
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