Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” is a revolutionary work that challenges the entrenched societal expectations of women during the Victorian era. Here’s a detailed look at the ways in which Brontë confronts these norms:
- Jane’s Assertiveness: From the outset, Jane is portrayed as an individual with a strong sense of self. Even as a child, she speaks out against injustices, confronting her bullying cousin John and her cruel Aunt Reed. In an era where women, especially of a lower social status, were expected to be passive and subservient, Jane’s assertiveness is a marked deviation.
- Pursuit of Independence: Jane’s desire for self-reliance and autonomy is evident throughout the novel. Her decision to work as a governess, her reluctance to become completely dependent on Mr. Rochester, and her inheritance which grants her financial freedom all symbolize a break from the Victorian notion that women should be economically dependent on men.
- Challenging the “Angel in the House” Stereotype: The Victorian ideal of womanhood was often encapsulated in the “Angel in the House” image — a woman who is submissive, pure, and dedicated entirely to her family. Jane, with her flaws, ambitions, and desires, challenges this stereotype.
- Intellectual Equality: Jane’s conversations with Mr. Rochester highlight her keen intellect and her ability to engage on par with him. This emphasis on intellectual compatibility and mutual respect in relationships was a forward-thinking perspective, especially when women’s education and intellectual capabilities were often downplayed.
- Critique of Beauty Standards: Victorian society placed a high emphasis on beauty as a woman’s primary asset. Jane’s self-description and others’ comments on her plainness, juxtaposed with her strong moral character and intelligence, challenge the notion that a woman’s worth is tied to her physical appearance.
- Rejection of Bigamy and Adultery: Jane’s decision to leave Mr. Rochester upon discovering his marriage to Bertha Mason is a significant moment. In a society where women were often expected to endure marital hardships and indiscretions for the sake of social stability, Jane prioritizes her self-respect and moral integrity.
- Spirituality and Morality: Jane’s personal relationship with God is based on her own understanding of morality, rather than societal interpretations. When St. John Rivers tries to persuade her to become a missionary’s wife, she refuses, choosing to follow her own path of faith.
- The Madwoman Trope: The portrayal of Bertha Mason, the “madwoman in the attic,” can be seen as a critique of how society dealt with women who did not fit the prescribed norms. While Bertha’s character is controversial, her confinement and the mystery surrounding her reflect the societal suppression of women’s sexuality and agency.
- Marriage on Equal Terms: At the end of the novel, Jane returns to Mr. Rochester not as a dependent but as an equal, both emotionally and financially. This portrayal of marriage, based on mutual respect and equality, was a progressive idea for the time.
Through “Jane Eyre”, Brontë not only offers a compelling narrative but also delivers a powerful critique of the gender constraints and societal expectations faced by women in the Victorian era.