Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte?

Question

#1. What is the role of 19th century women in the novel?
#2. What are the views of love in the novel?

Answer 1

1. You could probably write a ten-page paper on this question, but here's something in brief. Jane Eyre is generally considered a feminist novel that was ahead of its time by critics. Jane's independence and self-sufficiency are what make her a unique character; she is unlike most other women seen before her in British literature. Also, her post as a governess also represents a major woman's role in 19th century England, because this was a new, emerging form of employment during this time. Being a governess was the only acceptable independent employment that single, middle-to-upper class women could participate in. Bertha Mason also represents the state of the mental health field at the time in England; the family members of an insane person had few options. Conditions in mental hospitals were often worse than prisons, so many rich families kept their insane relatives at home. Because of this, one can see that Mr. Rochester may not have as cruel of intentions for his mad wife as a 21st century reader may first think.
2. I'm not going to say as much about this one, but I'll advise you to look at the scene where Mr. Rochester dresses up like a fortune-telling gyspy. It reveals the playful side of his nature, and also says a lot about the women he loves. Also look at the proposal, the wedding scene, the scene where Rochester describes his arranged marriage, and the final scene where Jane returns to Thornfield.