Paper Topic- The Ideal Woman

Piquant, intelligent, and independent, Jane Eyre seems to be Charlotte Bronte’s depiction of the ideal woman. This is what I wish (and have wished ever since Rochester’s and Jane’s first encounter) to write about. In the introduction, Bronte discusses how conventionality is not morality. At first I thought that this must be in reference to some religious point of view. However, I then gained a new view that it must be about Bronte’s disdain for societal norms, especially in regards to women. She gives us a sharp contrast between two types of women: the stereotype, and what we should be. Mrs. Fairfax, Blanche Ingram, and Mrs. Reed are all presented in a negative light as weak, shallow and submissive (the stereotype). In contrast Jane, Miss Temple, and Diana are all presented as strong, and admirable. Clearly Bronte wished to present these women as an example of women’s potential and their more appropriate role in society.

While talking about this subject there are a number of points I will touch on, and they will all be a form of character analysis. I will talk about how, though she is beautiful, Blanche is shallow and base. I will talk about Diana’s strength, Mrs. Fairfax's unintelligence and submission, and all of the others’ attributes and flaws. I will then delve into the relationships these women have with men throughout the novel. This point is particularly important because it gives a reference point for the women’s behavior. And in addition, it is also the origin of women’s inequality and therefore is the solution and so the ideal women’s relationships in comparison with the others are in sharp relief.

This is just a short summary of where I wish to go with this paper. I will include several details about behaviors and interactions to show Charlotte Bronte’s intentions. Ultimately though I think the differences in the two types of women are most evident in their resulting happiness and that will be my main point of reference.