Wide Sargasso Sea
...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
after...
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