Free Will In Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.” (Bronte 303). This insightful line from the classic novel, Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte specifically speaks about one’s free will. Being a human is to be free, despite the social restrictions that hinder the power of independence. Jane Eyre features the past Victorian period which is relevant to the present audience, especially young females pondering upon its feminist literature and romantic mystery. The novel perceives the truth and reality about hierarchical classification among people in the society; rich over poor and men being dominant to women. Bronte further creates tension within her context through developing a mixed of romantic and

Men are superior to women due to their known masculinity. Likewise, rich people are on the higher level than those who are poor such as the orphans. In the beginning of the novel, Jane classifies herself as an orphan who desires for moral and equal treatment in the text, “Why was I always suffering, always browbeaten, always accused, forever condemned? Why could I never please?” (Bronte 10). In this quote, Jane’s alienation from others is clearly evident due to her social status, but also brought by her cold-hearted and ruthless Aunt Reed. When Jane’s poor parents and her Uncle Reed pass away, her Aunt Reed takes her into their household. However, she and her children does not care and show any sympathy for Jane, letting her suffer and feel abandoned at a young age. This shows how people in the society construct social levels according to their wealth. Not only in wealth, but in gender as well which is strictly describing how St. John attempts to control and be above Jane when he insists, “God and nature intended you for a missionary’s wife. It is not personal, but mental endowments they have given you: you are formed for labour, not for love.” (Bronte 486). Along the quote, St. John uses his religious views, to the point of abuse, in order to make Jane feel that she has to obey him. He tries to overwhelm her with his offer of missionary life together, even if they do not love each other. As a clergyman, St. John creates false religion whereas he should be proclaiming love. This exemplifies the power that men pull out for women over them, which is completely significant even in the present generation. In contrast to St. John’s character, a childhood friend of Jane named Helen Burns who is an orphan as well believes in the quote,” Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you.” (Bronte 64). The humble attitude of Helen fully