Jane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women Essay

Jane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women In 1837 critic Robert Southey wrote to Charlotte Bronte, Literature cannot be the business of a womans life, and it ought not to be. The more she is engaged in her proper duties, the less leisure will she have for it, even as an accomplishment and a recreation, (Gaskell 102). This opinion was not held by only one person, but by many. Indeed, it is this attitude, one that debases women and their abilities, to which Charlotte Bronte responds with Jane Eyre. The purpose of Jane Eyre, not only the novel, but also the character herself as a cultural heroine, is to transform a primeval society, one which devalues women and their contributions,†¦show more content†¦She ventured to explore her own literary abilities and wrote Jane Eyre, a novel which served to articulate the new sense of self that in Brontes time was still emerging and developing against the background of a changing social order, (Schact 423). This novel not only proved the capability of Charlotte Bronte, but also, through Jane, gives readers hope as they view a young heroine who has a strong desire and struggles for independence, and who thinks for herself in a society which did not encourage this. Because of the prejudices against women, she felt that any opportunity for literary success would be stifled by her gender. For this reason the first editions of Jane Eyre were published under the pen name Currer Bell. As we realize the barriers Bronte faced and had to overcome, we see her motivation for the development of the character, Jane Eyre, and for the publication of the novel. Throughout the novel, Craig asserts, Jane ascends new gradations of glory, for in every relationship or confrontation, Jane emerges as the superior individual, (Craig 61). These gradations of glory assert Janes value as a woman and virtually depict the worth of all women. Although these triumphs are not always immediate, Jane is always the ultimate victor. Even as a child, Jane isShow MoreRelatedJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Essay1162 Words   |  5 PagesShe broke a mold for women at her time because there were not many occupations that were deemed acceptable besides ‘teacher’ or ‘governess’ in the mid-nineteenth century. Her imagination was far too creative to be left unwritten on a page. Charlotte Bronte’s writings reflect her opinions on women’s roles in society and such opinion is shown in Jane Eyre. Although Jane Eyre was considered radical for its time because women weren’t supposed to play the role of heroine, Jane Eyre rises up from her oppressorsRead MoreFeminism in Jane Eyre1317 Words   |  6 PagesFeminism in Jane Eyre After reading Jane Eyre, I think Jane Eyre is a great woman. Jane is disadvantaged in many ways as she has no wealth, family, social position or beauty. 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