Jane Eyre

The most memorable, inspirational characters in literary history have somehow risen above the ordinary and the societal expectations. They defied a stereotype or mold, leaving an awestruck impression in the readers mind. Jane Eyre epitomizes one of these defiant characters. Her role as a heroine drastically diverges from the beautiful, vulnerable and kind female archetype any ordinary or predictable novel would supply us. Yet Jane's lack of sensitive femininity empowers her in a way which is rare amongst female protagonists. She is stubborn, intelligent, and strong. As opposed to yearning for the love and support of a man and allowing him to dominate her emotional constitution, she is self-sufficient. She is the mastermind behind her life transformations, she is the force behind her own personal change. Even though we see a budding love between her and Rochester, she has yet to let the complications of their situation consume her.
Due to the fact that Jane is not pretty, funny, very personable, it may be harder for young women to identify with her, or strive to embody her characteristics. Bronte didn't romanticise her heroine. Nothing about Jane or Jane's life is something an ordinary girl would lust after. She lacks the glamour of other female characters in other novels. Yet Bronte supplied Jane with a depth and a vigor that, if other women examen closely, could learn from. I feel she is a rolemodel for struggling girls, particularly those enduring the ups and downs of adolescence. So many girls battle doubts about their physical and social appearance and how to go about discovering their identity. Often times they lose who they truly are out of a thirst for praise and acceptance. Jane Eyre, however, has remained true to her opinions and convictions throughout to novel so far.
Jane didn't get out of her miserable family situation or her feelings of enprisonment at Lowood due to pure luck. Nothing happened to her that ultimately ended her up where she is now. She identified her unhappiness and recognized her potential to do more in the world. Then she took initiative and actually did something about it. In reality, success and happiness must be the result of your own actions. Few miracles are caused by wallowing and waiting for a hero. Life can satisfy you if you are aggressive about your aspirations. Jane never hesitated to speak her mind and attack an opportunity when she felt it would benefit her.