the feminist view of love in jane eyre 简爱中的女权主义爱情观学位论文

Outline1. Introduction2. The Reasons Why the Feminist View of Love Is Popular2.1 Background of the Society2.2 The Author’s Experience3. The Development of Jane Eyre’s Resistance3.1 Outburst Period at Gateshead3.2 Jane’s Resistance at Lowood Institution3.3 Jane’s Resistance becomes Perfect at Thornfield and Moor House4. Jane Eyre’s Pursuit of Independence and Freedom4.1 The Definition of Feminism View4.2 Jane Begins to Realize the Importance of Independence andFreedom4.3 Jane Gains Strengths from Her Teacher and Her Friend to AchieveHer Independence4.4 Jane Develops Her Independence fully and Enjoys the Pleasure of It5. Jane Eyre’s View of Love5.1 True Love should Be Based on Equality5.2 The Marriage Pursued by Women must Be Based on True Love6. ConclusionSchool of Foreign Languages, Jinggangshan University, Ji’an, Jiangxi 343009Abstract: Jane Eyre is written by Charlotte Bronte who is the famous English novelist. It successfully presents the first female character in the history of English literature that takes an independent and positive attitude towards love, life, society and religion and dares to struggle and strive for freedom and equality. Because the novel throbs with the heart-beats of its author, both literary critics and the readers have taken great interest in its heroine. Jane Eyre, whose unconventionality is shown in the heroine’s pursuit of liberty, equality and independence. This essay attempts to prove Jane’s feminist view of love through the analysis of her personality. The image of Jane Eyre is brilliant for her rebellious character. She always insists on her principle to fight bravely against the unfair world. She still tries her best to pursuit freedom, equality, independence and true love. By unremitting efforts, she finally gets dignity, freedom and true love.Key Words: Feminist; Independence; Equality; True love简爱中的女权主义爱情观摘要：《简•爱》是英国著名小说家夏洛蒂.勃朗特的代表作。

它成功的塑造出了第一个在英国文学史上敢于追求真爱，同社会和命运抗争的女权主义形象。

因为它不仅触动了作者的心，同时也震撼了文学评论界以及使读者对非传统的女主角产生了极大的兴趣。

简爱，她的不平凡的特点表现在对自由，平等以及独立的追求。

这篇论文试图对简爱性格的分析来阐述简爱的女权主义爱情观。

简爱，这个正面人物形象主要是她的反抗精神。

她坚持自己的原则去不断反抗不公平的社会。

她用尽全力去追求自由，平等，独立和真爱。

经过坚持不懈的努力她最终获得自尊，自由和真爱。

关键词：女权; 独立; 平等; 真爱。

1.IntroductionJane Eyre is an image which is written by Charlotte Bronte, who is a great critical realist in19th century. She has written a lot of works in her life. But Jane Eyre is her famous work. She tries to creat a new image. Followed by that, Jane Eyre comes into being. However, how does the author creat this new image? In some extent, Jane Eyre is a mirror of the author. Charlotte Bronte endows her characters and experience to Jane Eyre. Actually, she writes about herself and express her ideas in her mind. The author aims at awakening women’s consciousness to fight against the unjust world. The analyses of Jane Eyre’s personalities and her attitudes towards love have shown the independence of Jane’s love. The story has opened a new dimension for women. She leaves great influence in English literature.2. The Reasons Why the Feminist View of Love Is Popular2.1 Background of the SocietyIn that period, women had a very low social status, especially governess. Governess usually lived in their master’s home and educated children not only in academical fields but also in arts. But governess were always looked down by people in family. Governesses were not treated the same as other family members.In Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre is a governess. She is often looked down upon by upper class. It is a mirror that reflects the real of the society. These unfair things had also happened to the author. The novel is written to criticize the society. In that time, Jane Eyre is a feminist work. She dares to love his master Mr.Rochester and fight against the unjust world. She is brave enough to pursue love. She is a representative of middle-class woman, who fights against fate and longs for basic rights.2.2 The Author’s ExperienceCharlotte Bronte was born in a poor family. Her father was a poor minister, who graduated from St.John’s college, Cambridge. He taught his children. Their mother was a lovely woman and good at expressing her emotions in words. Unfortunately,when Bronte was still young, her mother died. After that, her father became quite. Besides, he became strict to his children. Though the family was poor, Charlotte Bronte and her sisters were sent to accept education. After graduating, one of them became a teacher, and the other one was a governess. In 1842, they opened a school. However, happiness was so short. Unfortunate things happened to her. Her two sisters and her brother died. This was a big blow to her, which had a great influence on her and her writing career.3. The Development of Jane Eyre’s Resistance3.1 Outburst Period at GatesheadJane was born as an orphan. She has to lived with the Reeds. After her uncle died, her aunt treats her even worse. Under this background, everyone looks down upon her, even the servant. “Why was I always suffering, always browbeaten, always accused, for ever condemned?’’ (Bronte, 2002:7) Her reason said,“unjust, unjust!”( Bronte 2002:14) A first angry voice bursts out from her deep heart. When Mrs Reed tells Mr Brocklehurst that Jane has had a bad character and a deceitful disposition, Jane defends that “I am not deceitful: if I were, I should say I loved you; but I declare I do not love you: I dislike you the worst of anybody in the world except John Reed; and this book about the liar, you may give to your girl, Georgiana, for it is she who tells lies, and not I.”(Bronte,2002:48) She can not accept her aunt’s imputation. Jane suffers violent treatments from her aunt and cousins, although she does her best to be a good girl but is only in failure in her aunt’s eyes.Jane fights again and again, but she finally breaks out. Jane’s behaviors frightens Mrs Reed, because she knows Jane is right. In Gateshead, Jane’s resistance is expressed step by step. Her behaviors show her courage and determination. Jane’s fight not only just for treatment, but also for equality. This is the first step of the development of Jane’s personality.3.2 Jane’s Resistance at Lowood InstitutionLowood Institution is a charity school for poor girls. Jane lives here for six years and works here for two years. Her resistance has further development. In fact, it is ahell for girls. Children here are not supplied with enough food. Sometimes they are supplied with bad food. What’s worse, the medical conditions are so bad that many of them die of illness. The leaders of the institution have no love and sympathy at all. Children have to pray for God and thank for oppressors. Helen, a clever, kind and beautiful girl, receives beats and finally loses her young life. She believes in God. She says to Jane,“ I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me.’’ (Bronte, 2002:121) Just because of her ideas, she has little rebels against that kind of cruel treatment. Her personality is the reason of her sad end. But Jane is not like Helen. She is not willing to be treated badly by others. Especially from Helen’s death, Jane learns that she must fight against this unjust world. Jane is not like Helen. She always rebels. She believes if people are always obedient to those who are cruel, the wicked would have it all their own way.What’s more, Miss Temple is an independent and kind female. Jane loves and admires her so much that she dreams she will be another Miss Temple one day. From Miss Temple’s kindness, Jane longs for ideal life. So after Miss Temple’s leave from Lowood, she cannot stand isolation. She thinks it is time for her to leave. Jane looks forward to a new form of life. Then she makes an advertisement and gets a job as a governess. It suggests that Jane’s resistance become maturer.3.3 Jane’s Resistance Becomes Perfect at Thornfield and Moor HouseAt Thornfield, Jane changes her harshness into gentleness and becomes a refined woman with good education. She gets along well with everyone there. Jane is mild to everyone. She patiently teaches Adele, a girl without talent. In such a place, she forgets her pain and misery. What’s more, she learns to be tolerant to others’shortcomings. When she firstly sees Rochester, he is rude to Jane. In spite of his rudeness, she says, “I cannot think of leaving you, sir, at so late an hour, in this solitary lane, till I see you fit to mount your horse.’’ (Bronte, 2002:173) Hearing that Mrs.Reed is dying, she comes back soon to Gateshead. Although she once told Mrs. Reed that she would never come back. But finally she forgives her.Although Jane loves Mr.Rochester, she still keeps her mind clear. She dares to say “no’’to anyone including her master, Mr.Rochester, in order to keep her characters. When she talks with Mr.Rochester, she does not avoid saying what she believes and does not care whether Mr.Rochester is happy or not. When Jane knows Mr.Rochester’s wife is still alive, she leaves Mr.Rochester without any hesitation. She cannot accept she will be the lover of Mr.Rochester if she still accept him. This is the climax of Jane’s resistance. To her, love is not the most important thing. She cannot sacrifice her self-respect to get love. Besides, the fact that Jane refuses to marry St.John can also prove Jane’s resistance. This period is the perfection of Jane’s resistance.4. Jane Eyre’s Pursuit of Independence and Freedom4.1 The Definition of Feminism ViewFeminism is a collection of social theories, political movements and moral philosophies, which are largely motivated by or concerned with the liberation of women. Feminism means that women and man are equal in working, education and marriage.4.2 Jane Begins to Realize the Importance of Independence and FreedomImportance and equality are the outstanding qualities throughout the whole process of the novel. Jane is poor, pale and not pretty. But her character is unique. She is often bullied by her aunt and cousins. One day, because Jane takes John’s book to read, she is beaten once more. John says she has no business to take his book; “You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us, and eat the same meals we do, and wear clothes at our mama’s expense.’’(Bronte, 2002:7) But this time, even Jane does not know where she gets encourage to fight against him severely and says, “you evil, cruel boy”. (Bronte, 2002:7) Just because of this, she is sent to Red Room. This is the first timeJane shows her resistance. Her view of independence bursts out.In the Red Room, she is frightened, because her uncle died in this room. And since then, no one has entered into this room. “Why was I always suffering, always browbeaten, always accused, for ever condemned?’’ (Bronte, 2002:7) Her mind begins to change. Under the stimulation of pain, she realizes the importance of independence and freedom. She must fight against this unjust world. She hates Gateshead, hates everyone there. She hates Mrs Reed who is a bad, hard-hearted woman. Only when she is independent, can she be away from them and be respected by them.After all, she is a little girl. It is very hard for her to be economically independent. The Reeds also hates her, too. Therefore, she is sent to a low budget orphan school called Lowood Institution.4.3 Jane Gains Strength from Her Teacher and Her Friend to Achieve Her IndependenceAt Lowood Institution, the condition there is very bad. But Jane does not submit to it. Maria Temple, an independent woman, is the headmaster of the Institution. She is a responsible teacher and kind to students, even to the poor students. Consequently, she gains respect and popularity from the people around her. From Maria Temple, Jane learns that independence is a very important thing for everyone.Besides, Jane learns the importance of duty and self-control through the friendship with Helen. At first, Jane has much sympathy for Helen. Because Helen does not dare to fight against when others bullied her. Jane thinks Helen should turn against others. No matter who bullied her, Jane dares to fight against him. From these, we can see that Jane is not obedient to anyone. What’s more, she also learns other things from Helen and is deeply moved by Helen’s words and action; “Yet it would be your duty to bear it, if you could not avoid it: it is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear”. (Bronte, 2002:79) From Helen, she learns to be self-control in a certain degree and it is useful for her to improve herself. “It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but your self, than tocommit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; and besides, the Bible bids us return good for evil.’’ (Bronte, 2002:79) Jane stays at Lowood for 8 years. She works as a teacher for 2 years in Lowood Institution. She attempts to do well in all aspects. She has made rapid progress both in study and work. Her mind becomes maturer. She longs for a new form of life. Then she finds a job as a governess.4.4 Jane Develops Her Independence fully and Enjoys the Pleasure of ItIn order to lead a life of independence, Jane gets a job as a governess in Thornfield Hall. She is looked down upon by the rich ladies of fashionable society, but she never thinks she is inferior. On the contrary, she is satisfied with her job, and even pround of her independent work. She believes that she makes a living by herself. So she does not need to rely on anyone. That is the most important for her.She falls in love with Rochester, who is rich and has a high social position, by talking, observing and getting along well with him. However, she never takes these things seriously. Once she immediately answers Rochester’s question about what else she needs, by saying “Your regard; and if I give mine in return, that debt will be quit.”(Bronte, 2002:424) We can easily find that this kind of independence is out of her pure soul. When happiness comes, she still keeps her independence and protects her personality. She refuses all the precious gifts Rochester buys for her. She continues to be Adele’s governess.As Rochester’s bride, she does not give up her job. She continues to be Adele’s governess. They love each other. Rochester does not want Jane to go on working, and he hopes Jane belongs to him and considers Jane as her property. Jane refuses his suggestion without any hesitation. In her mind, if she loses her job, she has to rely on Rochester to live and her independence will say goodbye to her. At last, she decides to keep personality.With the news coming that Rochester’s wife is still alive, Jane refuses to marry him. It means that Jane wants to be his wife not but his mistress. By this time, thereare two roads for her: one is to be his mistress, and the other is to be away from him to begin a new life. In fact, she is sad to leave the man she loves and the place she likes. However, Jane is unique. She is determined to leave Thornfield Hall without any hesitation.The natural strength of independence overwhelms her, “still indomitable was the reply--I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”( Bronte, 2002:467) It is a pity that Jane and Rochester are parted. There is no denying that the blood of independence is from the day she was born.Life is hard for Jane. She is hungry. What’s worse,she is ill. Thanks to Diana and Marry, Jane goes through difficulties. Jane becomes spiritually stronger and more confident by making friends with them. In order to support herself, with the help of St.John, she works as a teacher. Finally, Jane gets dignity, freedom and independence. As a feminism, she achieves her independence fully.5. Jane Eyre’s Attitude towards Love5.1 True Love should be Based on EqualityWith the view of being equal, she also seeks love which should be based on equality. Jane is a governess while Mr Rochester is an upper class man. In other people’s eyes, it is impossible that Jane and Mr Rochester would be together. And to people’s surprise, they do.Though she is born of low class, she is sensitive about her position in society. She hopes she could keep her equality if not in property, but in personality. She works very hard to reach the norm which is required by the upper class. Of course, she hopes she can be admitted by the man who she loves. Mr Rochester is a member of upper class. But he falls in love with Jane. Jane does not pay much attention to status. What she cares is that true love should be based on equality. Humble job and poverty can not stop her loving him. On this point, she shows her equality. Jane’s viewpoint shows that she has clear self-aware sense of love. As a woman living in the society unequal between women and men, Jane is unique. She believes women and men are equal in love. When Rochester tells Jane that he is going to marry Miss Ingram and he insiststhat Jane must stay at Thornfield. Jane is angry at it. She resists to him. “I tell you I must go!” “Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automaton?––a machine without feelings? And I can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my lips? Do you think I am poor, obscure, plain, and little... You think wrong!––I have as much soul as you,––and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty. and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh;–– it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal,—as we are!” (Bronte, 2002:396) Rochester respects her. Thus Jane is such a person who regards her dignity inviolably. Though she is eager to be loved, she thinks that getting equality is more important for her. It is equality that makes her love Rochester with all her heart and soul, and also it is equality that makes her leave Rochester with disappointment.On their wedding day, a secret is exposed that Rochester has a mad wife locked for several years. Having known this, Jane resolutely gives up Rochester. Jane’s ambitions forbid her to accept the unequal position of being the lover of someone’s husband. Being an illegal mistress makes her lose her respect. She has her self-respect and can not accept the fact. Then she would have to depend on Rochester and lose her quality, independence and freedom. So she chooses to leave.5.2 The Marriage Pursued by Women must Be Based on True LoveIn that period, women were firstly dependent on their parents and husbands. Most upper class women marry men who have property and high social position, but not because of true love. On this point, women can not control their fate. They have to rely on their husbands. As for Jane, she does not think so. She believes that men and women are equal and marriage pursued by women must be based on true love.At that time, everyone thinks Miss Ingram would be Rochester’s wife. Because she is beautiful and has high social position as Rochester. There is no doubt that she will be Rochester’s wife in the future. To people’s disappointment, Rochester falls inlove with Jane. Miss Ingram is proven to be a loser. Jane defeats Miss Ingram by her thoughtful mind. It turns out that marriage needs true love not other things.After she leaves Thornfield Hall, St.John wants to marry Jane and takes her to India with him. Although he is a little merciful and handsome, he considers little for Jane. He does not respect her and give her selfless love. The most important is that Jane does not love him at all. So she refuses to be St.John’s wife. In her view, it is unfair to marry him both for him and herself, because they do not love each other. Jane still insists that marriage must be based on true love.After leaving Rochester’s home, Thornfield Hall, Jane begins a new form of life. But she is still concerned about Rochester. She loves Rochester deeply. After a certain time, when Jane hears Thornfield Hall has been burnt down, she comes back to find Rochester immediately. Rochester vainly attempts to save his mad wife from the fire, losing one of his hands and being blind in both eyes. Now Rochester is not as rich as he used to be and he is disabled. Jane does not care these. She loves him more ever. She decides to live with him and takes care of him. Because she loves him whether he is poor or rich. Finally, this pair of lovers comes together.6. ConclusionJane Eyre is Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece. She describes a new image who struggles to acquire her self-respect, independence, equality and true love though she is pale, plain and poor. In the end she gets what she wants. The author highly praises her spirit to fight against social prejudice. Her pursuit of happy life aims at awakening women’s consciousness of lower class against the unjust world. Her character has much influence on people in that time. Besides, the author has show much sympathy to lower class. She calls for equality between sex. In my opinion, the value of a woman does not lie in her looks, her dress, and any other thing that have a powerful fascination to men’s eyes, but her nature, her mind and her sentiment. 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