Jane Eyre Class Analysis - 1624 Words

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte shows the hierarchical class system prevalent in England in the 19th century. Through the character of Jane, Bronte explores the system and reveals many issues with society in the 19th century. For instance, the novel raises the issue of whether a governess should be considered upper class due to her superior education or lower class due to her servant-like status in the family. Jane’s journey through the established class structure results in her making judgments based on the class stereotype. Readers see Jane in all social classes throughout the novel from a poor beggar, to a middle-class governess, to a well-off wife. By the end of the novel, Jane finds a â€Å"sense of equality† with her place in society. She†¦show more content†¦John and is attracted to their power. The first instance of Jane making assumptions based on class is when she arrives at Thornfield. When Jane arrives at Thornfield she feels relieved to learn that Mr s. Fairfax was not her employer, but simply a housekeeper, implying that they both were dependents and can interact as equals. This provides evidence that Jane is basing her assumptions off social class rather than pure personality. Eventually, Jane becomes financially independent at Thornfield and is seen as implicitly questioning the class structure. Her attitude at Thornfield depicts that she combines deference with independence. She has too much self-respect to lavish her love for an indifferent Rochester, who is described as not being of â€Å"her order†. She tells herself, â€Å"He is not of your order; keep to your caste† (Bronte, 416). She shows an independent spirit, which has a double-edged perspective. By refusing to be treated as a servant, she implies a class judgment on those below her as well as a radical attitude to those above her. While at Thornfield and along her journey, Jane is seen acting completely different toward people of power and people who are rich and poor. Jane has always been furious with the way she was treated by Reeds, yet she also shares some of society’s class assumptions about the poor. This can be seen through Jane’s reaction against theShow MoreRelatedJane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte1374 Words   |  6 PagesJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Within the specter of the Gothic fictions arises the atmosphere of gloom, terror, and mystery with some elements of uncanny challenging reality. One major characteristic function of the Gothic fictions is to open the fiction to the realm of the irrational and perverse narratives, obsessions, and nightmarish terrors that hide beneath the literally civilized mindset in order to demonstrate the presence of the uncanny existing in the world known rationally through experienceRead MoreThe Upbringing Of Orphans By Charles Dickens And Jane Eyre1714 Words   |  7 Pagesmany, and leads readers to wonder about the injustices of the conditions of the orphans. The novels Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 1838 and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 1847 depicted much of the 19th century working class and illustrated the treatment of orphans with different socio-economic perspectives. The role of the two orphans in the novels (Oliver and Jane) leads the reader through a maze of experiences, encounterin g life s threats and grasping its opportunities. The novels show an insightRead MoreUse of Gothic Elements in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre1740 Words   |  7 PagesUSE OF GOTHIC ELEMENTS IN CHARLOTTE BRONTES ‘JANE EYRE Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre was published in the middle of the nineteenth century. Bronte was greatly influenced by the Gothic novels that were in fashion before the time of Jane Eyre. The Gothic novel was popularised in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and was defined by its use of suspense, supernatural elements, and desolate locations to generate a gloomy or chilling mood. The protagonist of the novel would generallyRead MoreVictorian Schools Using Hard Times And Jane Eyre916 Words   |  4 PagesUnfair Treatment (An analysis of Victorian schools using Hard Times and Jane Eyre) The Victorian Era was a time of much turmoil. Through the reign of Queen Victoria there were many aspects of society that took a standstill and some may say, declined. Education is a tremendous example of the stand still in the British society, showing the negative approaches to teaching. Preston Barker wrote about the conditions of victorian schools explaining, â€Å"Children soon learnt to do what the teacher asked, otherwiseRead MoreUse of Gothic Elements in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre1729 Words   |  7 PagesUSE OF GOTHIC ELEMENTS IN CHARLOTTE BRONTES ‘JANE EYRE Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre was published in the middle of the nineteenth century. Bronte was greatly influenced by the Gothic novels that were in fashion before the time of Jane Eyre. The Gothic novel was popularised in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and was defined by its use of suspense, supernatural elements, and desolate locations to generate a gloomy or chilling mood. The protagonist of the novel would generallyRead MoreFeminism in Jane Eyre1423 Words   |  6 PagesFeminism in Jane Eyre Jay Sheldon Feminism has been a prominent and controversial topic in writings for the past two centuries. With novels such as Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, or even William Shakespeares Macbeth the fascination over this subject by authors is evident. In Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre the main character, Jane Eyre, explores the depth at which women may act in society and finds her own boundaries in Victorian England. As well, along with the notions of feminism oftenRead MoreThe Binary Opposition Of Master And Servant In Jane Eyre1208 Words   |  5 Pagesin the relationship between John Reed and Jane. Although Jane is an apparent member of John’s foster family, she is often treated of a lower class because of her orphaned status and low wealth. John Reed shows a strong inferiority as he claims himself ‘master’ when he is yet a child of the household. This is best portrayed by a scene in chapter 1 when Jane asks John, â€Å"’What do you want?’†, whereupon John replies, â€Å"’Say, ‘What do you want master Reed?’’† Jane evidently shows a rejection to the claimRead More Imagery in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre Essay1089 Words   |  5 PagesImagery in Jane Eyre   Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Bronte wrote the novel Jane Eyre in the mid-eighteen hundreds. In her novel she expresses her views on many important factors present during this time including social problems such as race, class, gender, and the role of religion. Each of these factors affects the way that the protagonist, Jane Eyre, grows as a person. Throughout the novel Charlotte Bronte uses images and symbols that either influence or represent Janes growth. Bronte uses a commonRead More Narration and Conversation in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre Essay1439 Words   |  6 PagesNarration and Conversation in Jane Eyre      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout her life, Jane Eyre, the heroine of the novel by Charlotte Bronte, relies heavily on language and story-telling to communicate her thoughts and emotions. Not only are good story-telling skills important to Jane Eyre as a the narrator, but they are also important to Jane Eyre as a character in her own novel. From the beginning of the novel, we learn of Janes love of books -- each picture told a story (40) -- and of her talent for tellingRead MoreEssay on An Analysis of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre1431 Words   |  6 PagesAn Analysis of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre is presented in the Victorian Period of England. It is a novel which tells the story of a childs maturation into adulthood. Janes developing personality has been shaped by her rough childhood. She has been influenced by many people and experiences. As a woman of her time, Jane has had to deal with the strain of physical appearance. This has a great effect on her mental thinking and decision making. Jane Eyres cognitive