Jane Eyre as a Victorian Novel : Thinking Literature

‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë is a classic Victorian novel that perfectly captures the spirit of 19th-century England, which was defined by industrialization, social unrest, and strict traditional values. Published in 1847, the novel explores themes of love, social class, morality, and the changing role of women against the backdrop of a society that is changing rapidly. The protagonist, Jane, is a rebellious character who opposes the societal norms of her day. In this exploration of ‘Jane Eyre’ as a Victorian novel, we delve into the novel’s vivid setting, complex characters, and the intricate interplay of societal expectations, revealing a timeless narrative that continues to captivate readers with its profound reflections on human resilience and societal constraints.

Table of Contents

Love and Social Class

The complex relationship between love and social status in “Jane Eyre” provides an intriguing insight into the complexities of Victorian society. In the strict hierarchy of the time, where social status controlled one’s place in society, Charlotte Brontë skillfully addresses the constraints and expectations embedded in the framework of society. These social conventions are questioned through the unconventional love tale of Jane and Mr. Rochester. A modestly-funded governess named Jane begins an intense and rebellious love affair with the imposing and aristocratic Mr. Rochester. Their bond surpasses the limitations set by social class and goes against accepted norms. By highlighting the conflict between personal pursuit of love and happiness and society standards, Brontë offers a sophisticated criticism of the limitations imposed by Victorian class hierarchies through this narrative thread. The unorthodox relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester serves as a prism through which to see “Jane Eyre,” which offers a potent reflection on the intricacies of love and social class in Victorian England.

Morality and Religion

In the context of ‘Jane Eyre’ as a Victorian novel, Charlotte Brontë analyzes the ethical issues and social expectations of the era via a powerful lens that draws attention to the investigation of morality and religion. The courageous protagonist of the novel, Jane Eyre, struggles with difficult moral decisions that go against accepted Victorian conventions. Her choices show a careful balancing act between her moral principles and social norms as she faces hardship and ethical dilemmas. The narrative’s interwoven religious themes—especially in Jane’s friendship with the deeply religious St. John Rivers—bring even another level of complexity to the examination of morality. In contrast to Jane’s more independent and caring demeanor, Rivers personifies the inflexible moral and religious standards of the era. The novel’s intricate web of social commentary is enhanced by Brontë’s depiction of Jane’s moral struggles and her contacts with figures like St. John Rivers, which highlight the conflict between individual morality and the rigid religious and cultural demands of the Victorian age.

Feminism

The Victorian novel ‘Jane Eyre’ presents a compelling subtext of feminism as Charlotte Brontë explores gender norms and the limited opportunities available to women in 19th-century society. As the resolute and independent protagonist of the novel, Jane Eyre sets out on a search for independence and self-determination, challenging the social norms that were expected of women in her era. Her career illustrates a feminist spirit that challenges the limitations of the Victorian patriarchy—from a mistreated orphan to a governess with ambitions beyond social norms. Brontë’s story highlights the restrictions placed on women by society, illustrating the hardships and injustices they encountered. ‘Jane Eyre’ is a powerful feminist novel that also serves as a social critique that is relevant to the larger feminist discourse because of Jane’s unwavering quest for independence. It provides a complex depiction of a woman’s journey towards autonomy in the face of social restraints.

Read More: Characteristics of Victorian Novel

First-person narrative

In “Jane Eyre”, Bronte’s intentional use of first-person narrative gives readers a very personal and contemplative prism through which to analyze the unfolding story. The choice of Jane Eyre as the narrator, the reader is given intimate access to the character’s innermost feelings, thoughts, and reflections. Brontë gives readers the opportunity to follow Jane as she progresses from the harsh limitations of her early years to her desire for love and independence through this narrative technique. In addition to providing an opportunity for examining Jane’s own agency, the first-person narrative advances the novel’s overarching thematic investigation of Victorian-era feminism, morality, and social restrictions. Brontë uses the first-person narrative to draw readers into Jane’s awareness and use it as a potent instrument to illustrate various aspects of the human experience. It also provides readers with a unique and captivating window into the social and emotional landscapes of Victorian England.

Use of symbolism and allegory

In “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë uses a rich tapestry of metaphor and symbolism to enhance the story and highlight underlying themes that are representative of Victorian social norms. The grand house where Jane works as a governess, Thornfield Hall, serves as a potent metaphor for concealment and the repression of hidden truths. An analogy for the delicate balance between passion and societal restraint in Victorian England is the motif of fire and ice, which is seen in both Jane’s inner problems and Mr. Rochester’s passionate yet restrained personality. In addition, Bertha Mason—the insane wife of Mr. Rochester who is kept hidden in the attic—becomes a moving representation of the fallout from cultural norms and the subjugation of women. Through the use of symbolism and allegory, Brontë gives readers a more in-depth look at love, morality, and gender roles in the strict confines of Victorian society than merely a narrative device.

Read More: Feminism in English Literature

Gothic elements

Gothic components are incorporated into “Jane Eyre” to give the Victorian narrative more emotional depth, mystery, and suspense. The imposing Thornfield Hall is a perfect example of a Gothic setting; it embodies mystery and foreboding with its dark corridors and hidden secrets. A supernatural element is introduced, adding to the eerie atmosphere, by Bertha Mason, the mysterious figure who is Mr. Rochester’s mad wife and is imprisoned in the attic. The narrative also takes on a supernatural quality via Jane’s vivid dreams and unsettling premonitions, which include the ghostly appearance of her deceased uncle. The Gothic elements in “Jane Eyre” reinforce the novel’s thematic investigation of the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of Victorian respectability, as well as the darker sides of human nature and societal repression. In keeping with the traditions of Victorian Gothic literature, Charlotte Brontë creates a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and psychological intrigue by introducing these Gothic elements into her novel.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “Jane Eyre” is an excellent representation of a Victorian novel, perfectly capturing the spirit of the time through its examination of key themes and incorporation of distinct literary elements. The novel examines the constraints of Victorian society via the prisms of love and social class, and Jane’s moral struggles and pursuit of independence highlight the dominant gender and moral standards. The novel is made more complex by the purposeful use of a first-person narrative, Gothic elements, and symbolic motifs. This allows the narrative to explore individual agency within social constraints on multiple levels. “Jane Eyre” is still a testament to Charlotte Brontë’s intelligent examination of Victorian England, providing readers with an enduring and provocative exploration of the nuances of morality, love, and 19th-century social expectations.