Examples Of Individualism In Jane Eyre

In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Jane is the picture of an individualistic thinker. Her bold opinions and independent thoughts make her unique as a woman in her time period; however, she goes one step further. Along with daring thought comes daring action—not only does Jane exhibit a powerful sense of individualism, but she also follows through and makes decisions based on her autonomous thought, and hers alone. From Gateshead to Moor House, Jane displays an unwavering sense of self-regard for her morals and beliefs. This confidence comes through when Jane interacts with important figures in her life, such as Mrs. Reed, Mr. Rochester, and Mr. Rivers. These three characters all share strong opinions and a sense of superiority, whether they be

Reed’s severe punishment of Jane’s insolence throughout her childhood, Jane speaks up for herself after Mrs. Reed unfairly tells Mr. Brocklehurst about Jane’s supposed “tendency to deceit,” spoiling her chance at a fresh start at Lowood (41). Despite the fact that “a child cannot quarrel with its elders,” Jane responds by sharply rebuking Mrs. Reed for her “miserable cruelty” and her mistreatment of Jane throughout her childhood (45, 44). Although Mrs. Reed has a history of silencing Jane and dismissing her accusations of wickedness, Jane follows her own will and directly addresses her benefactress’s injustices. The consequences of that conversation with Mrs. Reed are positive and numerous; as the result of her own audacity, Jane, impassioned, demands to be sent to school. Soon after, she is enrolled at the Lowood Institute, where she eventually enjoys the happiness resulting from her original rebellion. Though Lowood is a cold, unwelcoming place at first, Jane grows to reap the benefits of her education there. For example, Jane enjoys “a quiet and faithful friendship” with Helen Burns (93). She gains Mrs. Temple as a sort of “mother, governess...[and] companion” (100). Jane relishes her “excellent education” and, after some time, her appointment to “the office of teacher” (100). These results allow Jane to feel great “fondness,” “delight,” and “zeal” (100). Because Jane acts on her independent will in confronting Mrs. Reed, she is able to demand an education.

Rivers decides that “God and nature intended [Jane] for a missionary’s wife” (464). He tells Jane that she must come to India with him to lead a life of service as his wife, not his sister. Jane strongly believes that a life with Rivers where “the spirit” of love is “quite absent” is not a life that she wants to live (467). Rivers continues to pressure her for a time, trying to appeal to her Christian faith, her empathy, and even her guilt. Jane does not fold, despite his repeated attempts to recruit her. She “will never [be Rivers’] wife” because “God did not give [Jane] life to throw it away”