In the book Jane Eyre there are many different aspects of the book that relate to the Victorian era, and it helps mold the whole story together. Many circumstances in the book show that girls and women were treated differently in the Victorian era. As a kid, Jane is told to act formal and be polite to her elders and men, but she doesn't always listen. As well when Jane goes to Lowood she is taught to be proper and listen to her authority, she couldn't complain and had to get things done when they asked her to do it. These examples show how women were looked at during this time period, they were to act elegant and never disobey orders from people with authority, like elders or men. Another thing that connects to the Victorian era was the classification system that was present during this time period. We specifically see this when Jane is at Thornfield and Mr. Rochester and his friends are present for a party. Jane is of the lower class and you see it in the story when she is quietly in the corner and others don't listen to her when she talks. On the other side, you have Miss Ingram who is all about herself and very elegant in what she wears and how she acts. This class puts a bind on Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship as well because in those days men that were higher up in the class never married down to a lower class.
Victorian Literature and Culture by Maureen Moran
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The Victorian Novel in Context by Grace Moore
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I would agree with this. Women in the Victorian Era were required to be prim and proper, and to not disobey others. They were also supposed to kind of "rely on a man" and Jane Eyre breaks that stereotype, so she is frowned upon. Jane is independent and likes to do her own thing, and does not want anyone to tell her what to do. There are also many examples of this era shown throughout the novel that can prove this point valid.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that connects to the Victorian era is what people expect of Jane. Since she is of a lower class the rich expect her to nothing more than sit in a corner quietly and do her job. Another thing is how people expect women to interact with men, during the time period men were held higher than women and expected to be treated as such, but Jane treats them as equals.
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