Jane Eyre is a novel by English author Charlotte Brontë, first published under the pen name "Currer Bell" on October 19, 1847, by Smith, Elder & Co. in London. The first American edition followed in 1848, published by Harper & Brothers in New York. A classic bildungsroman, the novel traces the life of its titular heroine, Jane Eyre, as she matures into adulthood and navigates her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester, the enigmatic master of Thornfield Hall
The Plot in Short
In the quiet English countryside, a young girl named Jane Eyre lived a difficult childhood. Orphaned and unwanted, she was raised by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, at Gateshead Hall. Mrs. Reed’s children, John, Eliza and Georgiana, also treated Jane poorly. She was often unjustly punished and made to feel like an outsider. One day, after being locked in the red room as punishment, Jane boldly declares that Mrs. Reed and her children are not fit to associate with her, and that she will never call her aunt again.
As a result of her rebellious actions, Mrs. Reed sends young Jane away to Lowood Institution, a charity school for girls. The school is harsh, with poor conditions and a rigid, religious environment run by the austere Mr. Brocklehurst. Despite the hardships, Jane learns the value of perseverance and forms a close friendship with another student named Helen Burns. Helen teaches Jane about patience, acceptance, and the Christian faith. However, Helen dies of consumption at the school, which causes young Jane great grief. Jane stays at Lowood for eight years, first as a student and later as a teacher, learning how to be more independent and self-sufficient.
Seeking a change, Jane responds to an advertisement and becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, a remote manor owned by the brooding Mr. Rochester. There, she is tasked with the education of a young French girl named Adele Varens, Mr. Rochester's ward. Jane finds herself drawn to Mr. Rochester's complex and often cynical nature. Their relationship develops gradually, marked by intellectual conversations and unspoken feelings. Despite their differences in social standing, Jane and Rochester find themselves falling in love.
However, Thornfield holds a dark secret. Strange and unsettling events occur, and Jane discovers a hidden room, and the mysterious laughter. As their relationship deepens, Mr. Rochester unexpectedly proposes marriage. Jane accepts, overjoyed, despite some misgivings about her own worth and the differences in their social standing. However, the wedding is dramatically interrupted by the revelation that Mr. Rochester is already married to Bertha Mason, a woman who has gone insane and is kept locked away in the attic of Thornfield.
This revelation shatters Jane’s dreams, and she is deeply distraught by the deception. With her moral integrity shaken by this information, Jane flees Thornfield, unable to accept a position as the mistress of a married man. She becomes a vagrant, wandering the moors with no money, friends, or shelter. Exhausted and starving, Jane is taken in by the Rivers family. The Rivers siblings are Mary and Diana, and their brother is a clergyman named St. John Rivers. Jane begins to recover and makes the decision to start over.
Jane’s life begins to improve as she takes on a teaching position in a small school, and becomes friends with the Rivers family. St. John, a man of deep faith and strong will, begins to develop feelings for Jane. The family soon discovers that Jane’s uncle, John Eyre, who lives in Madeira, has recently died and left Jane a large inheritance. St. John proposes marriage to Jane and asks that she join him as a missionary in India. St. John does not propose out of love, but a desire for a suitable and intelligent partner. St. John believes Jane is the perfect woman to assist his ambition. Though Jane is initially tempted by the prospect of a purpose-driven life, she cannot accept without love.
Just as she is about to accept St. John’s proposal, Jane hears Mr. Rochester’s voice in her mind and recognizes that her heart truly belongs to him. She departs immediately for Thornfield. However, upon her arrival, she discovers the mansion has been burned to the ground by Bertha Mason. During the fire, Mr. Rochester tried to rescue his wife. However, Bertha jumped from the roof, ending her life, and Rochester was severely injured by the fire and is now blind.
Jane seeks him out and finds him at Ferndean Manor, his new residence. She goes to be with him and they are eventually married. Jane and Mr. Rochester face many challenges together, but through mutual love and respect they find a path to happiness together. Jane and Mr. Rochester’s relationship is equal, as Jane has her own financial security. They are married and start a life together.
Critical Analysis
Jane Eyre is a novel rich with themes and complex characters, offering a compelling narrative for critical analysis. It is a story of a young woman's journey toward self-discovery, love, and independence, set against a backdrop of Victorian England.
Character Development and Social Critique
- Jane Eyre: The protagonist, Jane, is a strong-willed, intelligent, and morally upright character. She is an orphan who experiences cruelty and hardship, which shapes her independent nature. Jane's journey is not only about finding love but also about finding her own voice and agency in a society that often oppresses women. Her refusal to compromise her principles and her demand for equality in relationships are central to her character.
- Mr. Rochester: He is a complex and brooding character, initially presented as a cynical and Byronic hero. He is Jane's employer at Thornfield Hall, and his relationship with her evolves from a mutual intellectual connection into a deep love. However, he is also flawed, with a secret past and a tendency toward arrogance and manipulation. His relationship with Jane is not without its problematic power dynamics, particularly in the beginning.
- Mrs. Reed: Jane's aunt is portrayed as a cruel and unsympathetic character. She represents the cold, unfeeling side of Victorian society. Her dislike of Jane seems to stem from jealousy and a lack of understanding. Mrs. Reed's character serves as a critique of loveless, self-righteous authority figures.
- St. John Rivers: He is a clergyman who embodies cold, rational piety and ambition. While he seems like a good man, his proposal to Jane is devoid of love, instead seeking a partner for missionary work in India. St. John represents the dangers of sacrificing personal happiness for duty and ambition.
- Other Characters: Other characters in the novel serve various purposes, such as Helen Burns, who represents religious forbearance; Miss Temple, who provides Jane with guidance; and the various other characters at Thornfield and Lowood. These characters contribute to a wider social critique of Victorian society.
Themes
- Love and Relationships: The novel explores different types of love, from the romantic love between Jane and Rochester to the platonic love between Jane and Helen. The challenges faced by Jane and Rochester highlight the societal expectations and inequalities that impact relationships in the Victorian era. The novel also explores the theme of finding an equal relationship based on mutual respect and love rather than social status or dependency.
- Social Class and Inequality: The novel critiques the rigid class structure of Victorian society, highlighting the disadvantages faced by orphans and women. Jane's experiences at Lowood, where she is subjected to harsh conditions because she is poor, and the societal pressure against her marrying someone above her class, underscore these issues.
- Gender Roles and Women's Rights: The novel is a subtle but powerful critique of the limited roles available to women in the 19th century. Jane's desire for independence, her refusal to be defined by others, and her quest for self-respect challenge conventional gender roles. The novel shows how women were often dependent on men for their survival and had few opportunities for self-fulfillment.
- Morality and Integrity: Jane's strong sense of morality and integrity is central to the novel. She refuses to compromise her values, even when it means sacrificing her own happiness. Her decision to flee Thornfield after the discovery of Bertha Mason is a testament to her commitment to her principles. Her return to Rochester only occurs after the removal of the obstacle that made their union untenable.
- Religion and Spirituality: Religion is a significant theme in Jane Eyre, explored both through the harsh, rigid practices of Lowood and through St. John Rivers' austere faith. The novel questions the nature of faith and suggests that true spirituality comes from within, not from strict adherence to dogma. Jane's spiritual journey is one of self-discovery, where she seeks her own truth rather than accepting the narrow views offered by those around her.
- The Supernatural and the Gothic: The gothic elements in Jane Eyre, such as the mysterious laughter, hidden rooms, and the presence of a "madwoman" in the attic, add layers of mystery to the story. These elements also reflect Jane’s internal struggles and the hidden darkness within the characters.
Narrative Style and Significance
- First-Person Narrative: The novel is written in the first person from Jane’s point of view, giving the reader direct access to her thoughts and feelings. This intimate perspective allows the reader to connect deeply with Jane's experiences and understand her motivations. Jane’s narration gives the story its emotional power and makes her journey that much more personal.
- Social Criticism: The book critiques social class, gender roles, and religious hypocrisy. It also addresses the limitations placed on individuals due to their social circumstances.
- Feminist Reading: Jane Eyre can be seen as a proto-feminist novel because of its focus on a woman's struggle for independence and self-respect. Jane's actions and decisions challenge the traditional roles and expectations placed on women of her time.
- Psychological Realism: The novel is remarkable for its psychological depth, with characters who possess complex motivations and inner conflicts.
Conclusion
Jane Eyre is a powerful and enduring novel that blends romance, social commentary, and psychological depth. Through Jane's journey, the novel challenges societal norms and celebrates the strength of the human spirit in the pursuit of love, equality, and self-discovery. The book's themes and characters continue to resonate with readers today, making it a relevant work of literature.