Introduction
In order to gain a broader understanding of Charlotte Brontë′s description of her characters in "Jane Eyre", I consider it necessary to take a close look at the social and economic conditions in Great Britain in the 19th century. Charlotte′s objectives and their realisation can only be understood against the framework of outer conditions and limitations the author as well as her characters were exposed to. Writing about people of her own time naturally gives an author first-hand authenticity and a close insight into contemporary views. However, it may also limit her point of view to her own personal sphere which may be, as in the case of CharlotteBrontë, influenced by her upbringing and limited by many material and social restraints. Therefore, a look at the overall conditions of life in Great Britain during the Early Victorian Age may make the author′s choice of characters and events as well as any omissions she intentionally or unintentionally made, more understandable.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Social and Economic Conditions in Great Britain during the First Half of the 19th Century
- The Industrial Development
- Emergence of a Working Class
- A Growing Middle Class
- The Upper Classes
- Male Characters in "Jane Eyre"
- The Upper Class Heir: John Reed
- The Medical Profession: Mr. Lloyd
- Education and the Clergy: Mr Brocklehurst
- The Upper Class Missionary: St. John Rivers
- A Flawed Hero: Mr. Rochester
- Female Characters in "Jane Eyre"
- The English Gentlewoman: Eliza and Georgiana Reed
- A Shining Example: Diana and Mary Rivers
- The Governess: Jane Eyre
- Charlotte Brontë and the start of a feminine tradition
- Primary Literature
- Secondary Literature
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the portrayal of gender roles in Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" by examining the social and economic conditions of Great Britain in the 19th century. By understanding the historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of Brontë's objectives and how she navigates the limitations imposed on women during this era.
- Gender roles and societal expectations in 19th-century England
- The impact of social and economic change on individual lives and relationships
- The representation of different social classes in the novel
- The exploration of female agency and independence within a patriarchal society
- The role of education and religion in shaping individual perspectives
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the importance of examining the historical context of 19th-century England to understand the characters and events in "Jane Eyre." It highlights the impact of industrial development, the emergence of a working class, the growth of the middle class, and the enduring power of the upper classes.
The following chapters delve into the male and female characters of the novel, analyzing their social roles and motivations within the context of their respective classes. This analysis includes a discussion of John Reed, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Brocklehurst, St. John Rivers, and Mr. Rochester, representing various professions and social standings within the upper classes. The female characters, such as Eliza and Georgiana Reed, Diana and Mary Rivers, and Jane Eyre herself, exemplify different facets of womanhood in the 19th century.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key concepts explored in this analysis include: Gender roles, social and economic conditions, class distinctions, female agency, education, religion, patriarchal society, and 19th-century England.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do social and economic conditions of the 19th century affect "Jane Eyre"?
The industrial development and class structures of the Early Victorian Age directly influenced Charlotte Brontë's portrayal of characters and their limited social mobility.
What role does the "governess" play in Victorian gender roles?
The governess, like Jane Eyre, occupied a precarious position between the working and middle classes, highlighting the limited career options for educated women.
How are male characters like Rochester and St. John Rivers contrasted?
The paper analyzes Rochester as a "flawed hero" and St. John Rivers as a rigid "upper-class missionary," reflecting different facets of patriarchal authority.
Does Charlotte Brontë start a "feminine tradition" in literature?
Yes, the novel is seen as a foundational work for female agency and independence within a patriarchal society, influencing subsequent generations of writers.
How is class distinction represented among the female characters?
The paper compares the "English gentlewomen" (like the Reeds) with the more independent and educated figures like the Rivers sisters and Jane herself.
- Quote paper
- Cornelia Peters (Author), 1997, Gender roles in Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/28753
