This essay explores the possibility that Charlotte Bronte?’s Jane Eyre novel (1847) was not intended to be received as a feminist book. The Victorian era in which the text was written was one where the woman’s role was best limited to the domiciliary sphere (Hughes (2014). Patmore’s 1854 poem, ‘The Angel in the House’, was published. The phrase was then adopted by all women of the house who are of utmost devotion or purity. Charlotte Bronte? She renounced without ambiguity the society that refused her acceptance as the woman she was. By cleverly contradicting society, her writings show that Jane Eyre’s biographical portrait is actually the opposite of Patmore’s depiction of her and her morals. Patmore calls his wife an angel, describing her as a love-filled blossom that only blooms in places where noble manners are veiled. Angels may be acquainted with this (p.140). Despite Bronte? Although Bronte was not the author of this text, she published it in 1847 using the pseudonym Currer Bell. She used a masculine tone to conceal her femininity. However, the argument will be that it was not feminist. It was performed by someone who was afraid of mockery and retribution.
First, I will attempt to examine the history of the period and compare it with the definitions of feministism and why Bronte is still believed not to have been a feminist. The feminist viewpoint was the basis of this novel. Victorian Victorian feminism emerged as a powerful political force during the 1837-1901 period. The Victorian female consensus began to change with changes in views and charitable missions. Females began to believe they shouldn’t be kept out of the public eye. In the 19th and 20th centuries, literature was developing that addressed the issue of women’s equality with men. Martin Luther, for example, stated that “Women should be at home, remain still, take care of their children, and sit still.” A woman should be friendly and courteous and should be able to make friends in life. The feminist movement refers specifically to reform efforts around issues such as voting rights and equal pay. Elizabeth Rigby, who wrote a harsh review of Bronte?s novel in Quarterly Review (1848), strongly criticised the morality of Jane Eyre’s book. Jane Eyre has been widely considered one of the most feminist novels. But, it is thought that Jane Eyre could, within Victorian England’s context, be considered feminist. Coventry Patmore made it clear that he saw the ideal Victorian woman in his poem. It was originally published in 1854. He considered the ideal woman, or the angel of his house, and the poem he wrote to adorn Emily outlines his expectations for the woman. The following excerpt provides an insight into what the ideal male/female relationship looks like. Man should be pleased. But he must please. How often she flings her heart for nothing and yokes it, Whose every impatient thought provokes Another, Not from her but from him; While she, too gentle even if he demands His penitence with kind replies, waits by, looking for his remorse . Carol Christ states that “The angel inside the house isn’t a very good poetry, but it’s culturally significant because of its definition of the ideal sexual relationship.” Even though society has improved enough over the past few hundred years, what might have appeared incredibly feminist in 19th century times is not compatible with twenty-first-century feministism. Jane’s actions stem from her moral beliefs. Jane can make conscious lifestyle choices and is clearly feminist. However she cannot free herself completely from the oppressive culture of marriage-obsessed society. Jane’s character isn’t feminine. Jane discovers that Rochester, her husband, was already married. Jane, “who had been ardent, expectant women — almost a Bride” (Bronte, 2006, page 341). Bronte was a feminist author. Jane intended in her writings that Jane be seen as a feminist figure. The statement is the exact opposite. Common knowledge is that the 19th century woman’s marriage was the most significant and profound institution that would impact her life. Women who entered wedlock gave up any freedom in financial and political matters.
Jane Eyre is concerned with the gender conflict. Jane is also vulnerable to the patriarchal system. John Reed was a fourteen-year-old schoolboy. Jane says that he bullied and punished her, not just once or twice a week […], but constantly’. Jane, however, speaks with him in the same derogatory tone as Jane and calls him a ‘wicked and cruelty boy!’ I said to you, ‘You’re like a murderer, you’re like a slave-driver’ (p.13). This first chapter is part of many that Jane will face against the patriarchal and male-centered organisation Abrams (1993). Jane faces John Reed in her first battle, and then she is subject to more retribution. The author clearly demonstrates that there is a ideological divide between two spheres: the public (male domain and paid work) and the private (woman’s domiciliary role). These ideologies were of great importance in Victorian times and in subsequent years. The Victorian woman who lives outside her private space is absurd. Or, Dr. Theophilus Syslop in 1905 stated that ‘The removal a woman from the natural sphere of domesticity and into the mental labor sphere only renders her less able to maintain the viability of the race. Jane makes a statement at chapter 6. She states that she would disagree with Hyslop’s assertion. She stated that “Nobody knows how numerous rebellionsbesides political ones ferment in the masses […]” and that “but women feel exactly as men do”. Dr. Hyslop stated that women who are more determined to preserve the torch and intellect of their children will have a lower chance of seeing her descendants. If Bronte was indeed? It is argued that Jane Eyre did not intend to present Jane Eyre in a feminist role model. Why did social constraints and oppression remain unbroken, and boundaries set accordingly? Chapter six is clear that Jane is not content to be at home with her thoughts and should be allowed to work. It is foolish to condemn or mock them if their desire to learn more about sex is beyond what custom allows. Sandra Gilbert, Susan Gubar and The Madwoman in the Attic (1979) state that Charlotte was the one who created the noms du plume which were deliberately ambiguous in regards to gender. Further, they claim that Bronte? Rigby questions Bronte?’s ability to create the characters she desired. Rigby says that Bronte? created the role for the governess. This is a woman who works in a household to raise the children. Rigby states that ‘a governess does not exist, but is a burden to society.’ (Rigby. 1848 p.507). Eagleton describes Jane’s role as a governess and says that she is an upper servant.
Jane is an independent lady from the beginning. Jane is sent to live with Mrs. Reed her cruel aunt. Jane must do everything herself because she doesn’t have any money or family. Jane is introduced to Mrs. Reed early in the novel. This allows her to be viewed as a masculine character. Chapter 1 describes her as a strong, square-shouldered, tall woman with strong legs. Jane also supports Mrs. Reed’s masculinity claim by saying that ‘Her household was completely under her command’. Jane was just ten when Jane experienced patriarchal influences. Then, Jane discovers that her uncle, a Mr. Eyre de Madeira, is dead and has bestowed his fortunes upon her. St. John Rivers informs Jane with some cold, perhaps even sexist words. This is another example of Jane being portrayed in a feminist fashion in the novel. Jane Eyre’s critical reviews often state that Bertha is Jane. Bertha quickly became a popular character in English fiction. Bertha could be seen as Jane resisting the male authority. One of Freud’s five lectures in psychoanalysis (1910) includes the following excerpt: ‘Hysterical patient suffers from reminiscences. Freud suggests symptoms such as’residues, mnemic symbols’ that could function in the mind like public’monuments’ or memorials. For example, the towering London column commemorating the 1666 Great Fire. Accordingly, Jany Eyre by Bronte? can be considered a memory symbol that reduces the number of women who read it to tears and rage.
Jane Eyre’s novel is a symbol of feminist feminism. Jane Eyre’s sisters wrote under the pseudonyms of Acton Bell, Ellis, Currer and Ellis. Jane Eyre’s narrative is a classic example of feminist feminism. Angela Carter writes in her book, Expletives Delete (1992), that Jane Eyre’s view of Charlotte Bronte’s heroine’s struggle to find love was extraordinary. Yet, of all the great novels, Jane Eyre veers closest to trash. Bertha, Mr. Rochester’s second wife, is described as an animalistic description. Jane describes Bertha and her stature as nearly equaling that of her husband. She also says she was virile. Jane describes Bertha as masculine, saying that her appearance was ‘Virite’ and “as wild and strange as an animal”. Jane might describe Bertha in a similar way if she was a feminist. Jane then describes Bertha in an unusual way for someone who was only interested in being accepted for her merit. Sandra Gilbert, Susan Gubar and The Madwoman in the Attic (1979) state that it was Charlotte’s nom de plume that was deliberately ambiguous in gender. Further, they claim that Bronte? They also claim that Bronte? Eagleton argues that Jane and her role in the household of the governess are a higher servant than other servants […] and that Jane lives at an ambiguous place in the social hierarchy […], where two worlds intersect and collide. This essay was originally intended to show that Charlotte Bronte’s novel is not feminist. The intention was not to be viewed as a feminist work.
Jane Eyre is the Victorian novel that Bronte most loved. Jane struggles to find happiness despite her difficulties. Bronte? Her concerns about equality, independence, ambition and freedom are expressed. Many critics such Sandra Guilbert, Elaine Showalter, and Susan Gubar conclude that Jane Eyre may be a feminist work. However, the essay’s conclusion is that of Bronte. Jane’s self-portrait or creation is not an expression of Victorian women empowerment, but rather a fear of mockery and retribution. This conclusion is reached by how one perceives Jane Eyre’s novel. According to Cambridge dictionary online, perception refers to a belief or opinion. While both arguments regarding feminism are valid, Jane Eyre can also be considered feminist due to her pursuit of self-esteem and independence.
