A reflection on Jane Eyre

A major problem in our society today is political stagnation. Despite the growing number of issues our government’s inaction is hurting us dearly. While over 80% of the population believes the government should computerize gun records, our government has voted against it time and time again. This is because the money is not in the hands of the people but rather the National Rifle Association (NRA). To vote against the NRA would cost a politician his or her career, something no one is willing to do. The political tension that prevents the nation from progressing will have great repercussions on teens. While Democrats control the senate, Republicans control the house. This legislative strain will prevent issues such as the national debt and global warming. The two issues may seem of mere consequence now but they are growing vastly. As teens grow up, so will these problems, and they must be fixed now, not later. Similarly, teens are suffering from the current problems of Education Reform and Birth Control. Low teacher qualification rates and high sexual activity among teens is causing major problems. The answer may not be clear but there are certain steps the government must take to ensure that teens are protected by the law as equals. These steps are not being taken right now. Political inaction in today’s society will have dire consequences. As such, it is necessary for the government to move past the tensions of party control and wealth to overcome the issues of today.
Jane Eyre embodies the heart of the feminist struggling that began amidst the Victorian era. Jane Eyre acquires an education, which was fairly rare for women of the age. With her education Jane Eyre avoids the common path of domestic servitude, choosing to live as an equal with Mr. Rochester.

Class structure in Victorian England:

Jane Eyre spends her life struggling to avoid the conformist nature of class. When she is given a large sum of inheritance she gives most of it away. When she is presented with an opportunity to live a wealthy life with Mr. Rochester she runs away. Jane Eyre does not do what someone of her distinct class would do, but rather follows the desires of her heart.

Education and the lives of children in Victorian England:

Throughout the novel education is valued as a privilege. Education not only implies qualification, but it also implies wealth and status. It is because of Jane’s education that she is able to gain positions such as a governess or teacher (unique positions at the time for women). Yet Jane takes this a step further. As she has always done, Jane Eyre fights to blur the lines of can and can’t for classes. By teaching under privileged children, Jane hopes to award deserving children with an education that will help them avoid the border of class.

Biographical Information about the Author

Jane Eyre’s life is a reflection of Charlotte Bronte’s. Surrounded by death throughout their childhoods, both Eyre and Bronte mature to be educators and thinkers alike. As Bronte follows her heart to marry the unorthodox man Mr. Nichols (oblivious to his status), Eyre chooses to marry a similarly odd man, Mr. Rochester. Both were educated and both were fond of writing. In total, Jane Eyre is simply an embodiment of Charlotte Bronte herself.