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How Does Jane Eyre's Use Of Power

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Ava Wright English AP IV Lyons 9 March 2023 In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte depicts the journey of an orphan, Jane Eyre. Jane struggles to find people who she can call family and longs for a close familial bond. Jane originally lives with her cousins the Reeds, where she is first made aware of the implications of being poor. Jane often feels inferior to those around her and struggles with a lack of respect and acceptance by others. Bronte utilizes contrasting social statuses and degrading language to highlight the differing power and attitudes between the social classes, and the implications that power has on relationships. Rochester’s use of power is presented by repetitively projecting his wealth and social status onto those who are not …show more content…

Originally Jane internally struggles to combat her jealousy of Rochester marrying Miss. Ingram. It was later revealed that the marriage was part of the plot to get Jane, Rochester was playing both women until he got what he wanted, which raises major concerns for Jane. She fears that she will become another woman that he spoils and is infatuated with until he loses the spark and soon discards her. Jane continues to refuse or dispute Mr. Rochester’s requests in order to maintain control of her life. While Mr. Rochester is persisting in buying her extravagant gifts for her wedding she continues to refuse, saying she would “certainly never venture to wear his choice”. She refuses to take Rochester’s gifts because she already views him as her superior and fears becoming an object for him to control. She says “I never can bear being dressed like a doll by Mr.Rochester or sitting like a second Danae with a golden shower falling daily around me”. By referencing Danae, a greek goddess, who was a girl locked away due to fear of her father being killed, suggests that Jane does not want to have to sit in a “prison” solely to serve Mr. Rochester. This sends a message that Jane is content with herself and does not want to change for a man’s approval. She defies the thought of becoming degraded down to Rochester’s “girl-bride”, or a “doll” for him to

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