'Wrong With Jane In Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre'

Haadi Malik

Mullins

AP English & Literature/9th Period

18 October 2015

What is Wrong with Jane? Jane Eyre, authored by Charlotte Bronte, demonstrates, the issue of male superiority versus female independence, Jane’s and Rochester’s love for each other, and promoting the ideas of feminism in the nineteenth century. Throughout many events in the novel, Jane emphasizes that women are equal to men. For example, when Rochester proposes to Jane, she made sure that he agreed to look upon her as an equal. “Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart!” (Bronte). In this quote, she expresses that she should be seen as an equal and isn’t just an object; she

It can be seen that they are in the relationship for different reasons; Rochester is there for more of the romance while Jane is there to be herself. As a result of these views from Rochester, Jane doesn’t want to submit to Rochester’s view points and prefers to keep her sense of self-respect. Jane, still wanting the relationship to work, realizes that his personality and goals may lead to the eventual dismissal of her sense of equality and self-respect. For example, after the problem with the fire in Rochester’s bedroom, he lies to Jane when questioned about it. He goes into the attic and comes back without revealing to her what really is happening. "While I paced softly on, the last sound I expected to hear in so still a region, a laugh, struck my ears. It was a curious laugh - distinct, formal, mirthless. I stopped" (Bronte). This quote reveals that there is something odd happening at Thornfield Hall, but even after the fire, Rochester still won’t reveal his