I really love Jane's personality and the
way she acts towards the men in her life and her situations in general. I think
it would be interesting to contrast her stubborn and assertive personality to
the way women were expected to act during her time period. I think a big reason
this book was so controversial is because Jane's character is so bold and that
was not necessarily tolerated in the 1840's and 50's.
I would first look into what women during
this time period were expected to do and how they were meant to act. Then I
would compare those standards to how Jane deals with different situations, such
as Brocklehurst's role, Helen's theology, Rochester before and after his
marriage proposal, running away after the marriage falls through, and being
homeless.
I also want to look at the idea that Jane
doesn't need men. In her day, marriage was almost the only option, other than
becoming a governess, which is exactly what Jane does. She takes care of
herself and rarely ever asks for help. That's why I was actually very surprised
that she relied on St. John to find work for her and that she couldn't find any
herself. Was she unable to find work for herself because of the way women were
seen in that time period? Or was it Bronte's way of affirming the idea that
Jane had simply hit rock bottom in her life and she needed a man to clean it up
for her for once?
One of my favorite parts in the book is
after Rochester proposes to Jane, but before the wedding. Jane will not let
herself succumb to her happiness and just let Rochester spoil her and change
who she is. She's almost mean to Rochester because she wants to prove herself.
I love that idea! Don't let a man change who you are, even if you do love him.
I especially want to focus on the three or four weeks before the wedding, and
Jane's behavior to her fiancé.
I guess I mainly want to focus on women
during the period this book is set in and how Jane contrasts those ideals
because her character is so strong-willed. I really enjoy Jane’s personality.
Great ideas Sara! I agree with you about Jane's strong personality. She's very independent, and usually doesn't rely on anyone. I think you should definitely go into how this contrasts with the norms of the mid 1800s, and how women were expected to behave.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very unique, and good, idea! You could also add in how men were suppose to act as well, i.e. Rochester marrying his governess and being married to someone else at the same time. If you want to generalize to both men and women instead of just focusing on women.
ReplyDeleteI agree with those above, Sara, your post indicates a productive approach to the novel (one that is rooted in its nascent feminism, perhaps). But don't overlook the other women in the book--and especially Bertha, as she (in her passion and her confinement) seems to share some traits with Jane, though in her case they lapse into something monstrous. Go back and review the "women feel" passage just before Jane's first encounter with Rochester and perhaps use that as a starting point.
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