In Jane Eyre Bronte presents a vivid image of a strong, independent young woman living in Victorian England. Discuss this statement.
Throughout the novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, a vivid image of a strong, independent young woman living in Victorian England is strongly portrayed. From a young age, Jane is constantly ridiculed and frowned upon at Gateshead. When at Lowood, she lives in harsh conditions under strict rules. At Thornfield and Marsh End, she experiences tragedies that completely change her life, however, her actions and decisions strengthens her character as a bold, strong individual, and she ends up living happily and comfortably. “I care for myself, the more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself”, reveals Jane’s strength of character and will power over emotion.
In Gateshead, Jane is unloved and oppressed but shows spirit and passion. She is often scorned at, called names like “toad” and blamed from things she did not do; however, she “resisted all the way”. Jane retorts back saying, “I am glad you are no relation of mine, I will never call you aunt again as long as I live”, highlighting her strong personality.
Jane enters Lowood and is given the opportunity to begin a new life and receive a proper education. This act of self-sustenance reveals Jane’s individuality and her ability to survive by her own means. At Lowood, she learns valuable lessons from Helen and Miss Temple particularly, which contributed to the long term impact of her development. She learns good Christian values, like to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you”. Seeing Helen put up with all the undeserved hardship, ponders Jane but inspires her. Jane is told that “life appears too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs”, and learns to be patient and to endure. Jane is lucky to have received an education, but she desires independence and freedom, “I desired liberty, for