Bird Imagery In Jane Eyre
How would one feel if they were constantly reminded that they were lower than everyone around them, and that they didn’t have as many rights as others? In the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Brontë supports the idea that women should have just as many rights as men. Jane Eyre is an orphan, placed in the care of her aunt, who goes through a transformation of maturity throughout her journey of experiences growing up. Through the development of Jane Eyre’s character throughout the story, as well as symbolization and comparisons to being “caged” like a bird and bird imagery, Brontë shows that women should have the independence and power to do whatever they please and be treated with equality. Charlotte Brontë supports equal rights through
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Jane sees birds as free and unconstrained. She views them as a symbol for Jane’s longing to break away from society’s expectations and the time period’s expectations for women to be quiet and not speak up. When Rochester proposes to Jane and she declines he says, “Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation,” (293). He compares Jane to a struggling bird, and in a way compares her to being weak. Jane responds with, "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you,” (293) and once again supports women’s strength. She tells him that she is not weak, but is strong, free, and has an “independent will” to do whatever she pleases. Brontë uses more bird imagery as Jane speaks to Rochester before putting his ward, Adele, to bed. As they talk Jane speaks of a bird she sees and says, “I see at intervals the glance of a curious sort of bird through the close set bars of a cage: a vivid, restless, resolute captive is there; were it but free, it would soar cloud-high,” (162). Brontë compares Jane to a bird this time, and does this to show the reader how Janes aches for more out of life. Brontë also does this to show and contribute support to equality and striving for the best. If this bird was set free it would “soar cloud-high”, and if Jane were set free she would
Jane sees birds as free and unconstrained. She views them as a symbol for Jane’s longing to break away from society’s expectations and the time period’s expectations for women to be quiet and not speak up. When Rochester proposes to Jane and she declines he says, “Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation,” (293). He compares Jane to a struggling bird, and in a way compares her to being weak. Jane responds with, "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you,” (293) and once again supports women’s strength. She tells him that she is not weak, but is strong, free, and has an “independent will” to do whatever she pleases. Brontë uses more bird imagery as Jane speaks to Rochester before putting his ward, Adele, to bed. As they talk Jane speaks of a bird she sees and says, “I see at intervals the glance of a curious sort of bird through the close set bars of a cage: a vivid, restless, resolute captive is there; were it but free, it would soar cloud-high,” (162). Brontë compares Jane to a bird this time, and does this to show the reader how Janes aches for more out of life. Brontë also does this to show and contribute support to equality and striving for the best. If this bird was set free it would “soar cloud-high”, and if Jane were set free she would