從簡愛夏洛特.勃朗寧

1、江蘇師范大學學士學位論文 An Analysis of Charlotte Brontes Feminism from Jane Eyre1. IntroductionWhen Jane Eyre was first published in 1847, it was an immediate popular and critical success. George Lewes, a famous Victorian literary critic declared it the best novel of the season. Although the story is fictional

2、, the environment of the heroine as well as many other characters and even many of the details are from the experience of the author and people around. The author expresses her feelings through struggling experiences of a humble young woman, which deeply touches readers. In the 1930s, the contradict

3、ion of capitalism was still very sharp. In fact, the story of Jane Eyre is the result of the social development in the course of history- a common woman who is at the bottom of society and suffers social oppression wants to pursue freedom and equality. Her fate shows the strongest protest, which is

4、the pursuit of economic and social rights in that era.Wang Wenhui writes the article Another Aspect of Jane Eyres Character-Comment on Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre from Angle of Feminism in which she analyzes the heroine Jane Eyre from her revolt and awakening of feminism, revealing the situation of

5、contemporary British society and women. In the article The Androgynous New Image of Woman-An Analysis of Jane Eyre, Guo Xiaomei considers that Jane Eyre has feminine characteristics such as obedience, but she is more like a strong and brave man. In the article Feminism of Charlotte Bronte, Wang Juxi

6、ang summarizes the essence of Charlottes feminism as the independence, equality and true love.Western feminists consider Jane Eyre as victory of women against patriarchal oppression, celebrating Jane Eyres rebellious feminism. Joyce Carol Oats in the third edition of the novel Introduction says, “In

7、 1847, before Jane Eyre was published, there were some rebellious female images in English literature, but it was unprecedented that Jane Eyre who was humble, ordinary, helpless and disadvantaged confronted consciously powerful patriarchal society.”This paper studies the heroine Jane Eyre to explore

8、 into Charlotte Brontes feminism. First of all, this paper analyzes the development of Janes feminism at three different periods. Then, it gives a brief review of Charlottes life experiences and feminism at the time of Victoria. Finally, this paper points out the advancements and limitations of her

9、feminism.Since Jane Eyre was published, it was given a strong sense of feminism. In the Victorian era of male supremacy, Charlottes advanced feminism challenged male authority .In this novel, Charlotte Bronte created a pure, thoughtful, self-esteem, stubborn character and gave Jane courage to pursue

10、 equality and happiness .Thus Jane Eyre is a representative of rebellious women in the Victorian era. Through the image of the heroine, the author expresses the awakening of feminism and advocates gender equality in love. She puts forward the idea that women should struggle for independence and main

11、tain for human dignity. Many scholars have carried on researches about the heroine in a single aspect. This paper studies the author Charlotte Brontes feminism from a comprehensive perspective. The analysis and discussion about feminism not only help to raise awareness of the whole society to attach

12、 great importance to womens issues on the realization of self-awareness and identity , but also means placing themselves in a favorable social status in order to build a society where men and women are equal.2. Analysis of JaneEyres FeminismJanes feminist consciousness changes widely at different ti

13、mes. Life experiences and surroundings at different periods have a great impact on her feminist consciousness.2.1 ChildhoodBuilding Period of FeminismJanes childhood was not happy. As an orphan, Jane depended on others for a living and suffered the different treatments with her peers from an early a

14、ge. She entered Gateshead as an orphan and received abuse and bullying from her aunt Mrs. Reed and cousin John. For example, she was often blamed, beaten or imprisoned. Her rebellious spirit can not cover the inferiority in the heart, but this inferiority led her continuous efforts to forge ahead, w

15、hich promoted Janes confidence and self-reliance. 10 -year-old Jane showed a strong spirit of resistance to her own bitter experience. When she heard that her aunt told children to keep away from Jane, she shouted, “They are not fit to associate with me.”(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre,33)His cousin Jo

16、hn hated her even more, trying to humiliate and beat Jane. Various oppressions did not vanish her personality but gave her endless power. The pain eventually surpassed her fear, she cursed, “Wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murderer -you are like a slave-driver- you are like the Roman emperors!”

17、(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 7)Jane was kind but she was imprisoned in the Red Room that was dark and cold while her cousin Eliza who was capricious and selfish was respected. Georgiana was cruel and sinister, but everyone condoned her. John did all day bad things all day but he was still his mothe

18、rs own darling. She suffered disgrace and was censured by everyone. Little Jane signed with a little emotion, “Unjust!-unjust!” (Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 14)Her inner anger and protest broke out. Although depending on others, little Jane did not continue to be forbearing. She realized that the s

19、ociety was injustice and boldly resisted.Johns violent beatings, aunts dislike and even all the servants prejudice made Jane realize blind submission was useless, it would only get situation worse. She realized, “ a moments mutiny had already rendered me liable to strange penalties, and, like any ot

20、her rebel slave, I felt resolved, in my desperation, to go all lengths.”(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 9) She understood that only a bold revolt and adherence to the self could survive better. We briefly see commendable spirit of resistance. This stage of life seems to be a fertile ground for nurturi

21、ng her rebellious spirit. She slowly begins to grow up. At this period, her feminist consciousness has started to take shape.Therefore, we can say that Janes feminist consciousness is shaped by her characters.2.2 YouthDeveloping Period of FeminismTo get rid of Jane Eyre, the aunt sent her to Lowood

22、boarding school where Jane also experienced her unusual adolescence. She found that life here was not as wonderful as she had expected. She always suffered hunger and unfair punishment.Mr. Brocklehurst was in charge of the school and he was hypocrisy and greed. He considered the punishment as a way

23、to save the people, forcing all girls cut their hair, treating them like a slave and leaving them cold and hungry .When Jane broke a stool, he let her stand on the stool for a half-hour and openly insulted her , calling her a liar. The action made Jane feel very disappointed and painful. She said ,“

24、I had meant to be so good, and to do so much at Lowood: to make more friends ,to earn respect, and win affection. Already I had made visible progress: I had reached the head of my class; Miss Miller had praised me warmly. I was well received by my fellow-pupils and treated as an equal by those of my

25、 own age.”(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 95) Obviously, Jane desired for love and respect. She believed that everyone had an independent mind and had the right to express their own thoughts and feelings .Once abused for no reason, she should not be submissive, but be rebellious.In Lowood, Jane met a

26、friend, Helen Burns. Janes character is different from Helens. She was a devout Christian and always restrained herself, believing in rendering good for evil. So she was submissive when beaten by teachers .We can say that Helen was a microcosm of the majority of women in United Kingdom. In patriarch

27、al society of the nineteenth century in England, women, whether at home or in society, had no place, but were dependent on man. They tended to be tolerant and afraid to express their wishes. But Jane was different and could be regarded as an alien at the time. When she learned teachers in Lowood Sch

28、ool were ferocious to Helen, she did not bear them in silence.And Jane extremely hated rude destruction of their principals and teachers. She said to Helen, “When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard.so as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again.” (

29、Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 75) Helens doctrine of endurance or her sympathy for her torturer is against Janes belief in fairness and self-respect.From then on, Jane starts to struggle against this unjust society with consciousness.2.3 AdultMature Period of FeminismWhen Jane Eyre became an adult, s

30、he began her career as a governess for Adele in Thornfield .After the contact for a period of time, Jane Eyre was attracted by the owner of the manor. Rochester was friendly and treated people equally.This kind of love in that time of the United Kingdom can be said to be very bold and can not be acc

31、epted by the community. In the nineteenth century in England, the family status was very serious, marriage placed more emphasis on good match. Jane Eyre was a underprivileged tutor while Rochester was a rich aristocracy. They were two different people. The difference between family statuses separate

32、d them like a huge gap. But Jane was not bound by the secular concepts. Jane loved Rochester neither due to his enormous wealth nor prominent social status, but his soul. It was her honesty, nobility and purity attracted Rochester. As a result, he slowly fell in love with Jane. When Jane found that

33、she lost her heart to Rochester, in the case of such a disparity in the status, she dared to love and believed that people were equal in spirit. Jane had the courage to pursue love and happiness. She boldly challenged the society. When she thought he was going to marry Miss Ingram and still left her

34、 at Thornfield , Jane was very angry , “Do you think Im an automaton?-a machine without feelings ? I have as much soul as you-and full as much heart! we stand at Gods feet , equal-as we are.”(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 373)This passage was like a declaration of womens independence. Sweet love did

35、not destroy her dignity but made her feminist consciousness more prominent.When Jane knew that Rochesters wife was still alive, she chose to leave because of her self-esteem and personal morality. Finally, in the face of Rochester and St. John, Jane still chose true love-Rochester. Although Rocheste

36、r had nothing at this time, Jane was willing to return to him. From this point, the noble character of Jane Eyre and her pursuit of true love are fully reflected.All those show that Janes feminism has been mature.3. Formation of Charlotte Brontes Feminism3.1 Influence of Personal Experience of Charl

37、otte BronteCharlotte lived in the Victorian era when British society implemented the bourgeois democratic reforms but women were far from equal rights. The community generally believed that the only way to get out for women was to marry. And Charlotte had no property, no family status and no appeara

38、nce, naturally excluded from secular rights.Bronte sisters were born in a poor pastor family. Their mother died of lung cancer when they were young, which made the whole family fall into a misfortune. After they lost her mother, childrens childhood was like the deep winter without sunshine and joy.

39、Fortunately, their father was knowledgeable. He taught them to read books, which paved the way for later literature life.Due to the miserable life, the Bronte sisters had to spend childhood in a charity school. Two sisters died of lung disease because the living conditions were very poor, which was

40、a very heavy attack to Charlotte. Later, she moved this school into her novel Jane Eyre in memory of her sisters, shaping the figure of a cute little girl Helen Burns. Since then, Charlotte and Emily returned home and studied by themselves with her brother Branwell and sister Anne.During this period

41、, Charlotte had made great progress in academy. In 1835, Charlotte returned to Herod school to be a teacher. Since then, Charlotte and her sister traveled around as tutor. At that time, the social status of the tutor was low and salaries were meager. So they decided to give up starting their own sch

42、ools. But in a patriarchal society, the situation that Charlotte sisters faced was very tough.Charlotte died young at 39 years old. We can say that she had been experiencing illnesses and life could be described bitter. She was fully aware that the women received inequality and injustice in aspects

43、of employment, marriage and daily life. Facing the unfair reality, Charlotte was not silent but expressed injustice on behalf of women .Through shaping the figure of Jane Eyre; she affirmed womens own value and dignity, reflecting the strong feminist consciousness.3.2 Influence of Feminism in Victor

44、ian Era in BritainIn the Victorian era, despite of the implementation of the bourgeois democratic reform, measures taken by the government did not let women get equal rights. Even the charter movement did not raise the issue of gender equality. Women had no position in society and they were constrai

45、ned in the family. Her reason for existence was to serve the husband, father, grandfather, brother, guardians, and other sorts of men. From social orthodox point of view, violating the model of angel in the home is a violation of a womans nature, which is considered as a monster who has no humanity.

46、 Therefore, it is easy to see that people view the value of women in a men-centered perspective.Charlotte lived in the United Kingdom during the reign of Queen Victoria when social upheaval as well as clash between the old and new values occurred. Most philosophers and thinkers believed that women w

47、ere equal to men. Charlotte was a knowledgeable woman, and Enlightenment thought of liberty, equality, fraternity became her source of spiritual ideas. As a career woman, she loved reading and thought more. Self-reliant experience further strengthened her own thinking and understanding of womens liv

48、ing conditions.Numerous utilitarian marriages led to unhappy couples. Women had to choose mates at the mercy of the family, which was the harsh reality in the 19th century England .Charlotte Bronte herself was in such a confused situation. Her life experience and inner feelings prompted her enlighte

49、nment, inspiring her to choose and create a new female image Jane Eyre with real feminism.4. Analysis of Charlotte Brontes Feminism4.1 Advancements of Feminism4.1.1 Sense of Economic IndependenceThe sense of economic independence was clearly reflected at the beginning of novel. Jane had to rely on o

50、thers for a living because her father did not leave her a penny. She had no qualification to read in his aunts home and could not live together with other children. She had to endure John Reeds arbitrary, her sisters arrogance and her aunts hatred as well as servants bias. Later she worked hard as a

51、 school teacher with superior talent. She became self-reliant economically.Janes pursuit for the economic independence was strong and ran through the novel. Even when falling in love with Rochester, she could not eliminate restlessness produced by the economic gap and was reluctant to accept his gif

52、t. Jane and the author herself were typically very similar. Despite of low social status as a tutor, she took a welcome step on the road of self-reliance. They were unable to tolerate such life as women married a good husband and became an angel in the house.Jane desired to participate in social wor

53、k to change the position of women, which reflected feminism of Charlotte. Although Jane accepted Rochesters proposal, she refused to accept his gift , saying, “ I only want an easy mind , sir; not crushed by crowded obligations. I shall continue to act as Adeles governess; by that I shall earn my bo

54、ard and lodging, and thirty pounds a year besides. I shall furnish my own wardrobe out of that money, and you shall give me nothing but your regard” (Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, 398) Jane was such an independent and self-reliant woman. She came out from the misery and knew the importance of economi

55、c independence. She earned the bread by honest labor. This wisdom still inspires women today to fight for an independent economic status .Only in this way can they obtain an independent personality.Obviously, the author intended to make Jane independent economically. Heritage arrangement was not sup

56、erfluous but it reflected the author thought that it is most important for women to be independent economically. She knew that if women were not economically independent, there is no full independence and equality in politics and marriage. After Jane received heritage, the author arranged her to mar

57、ry Rochester who had gone bankrupt as a financially independent woman.4.1.2 Awakening of Female Self-consciousnessOne of the purposes of creating Jane was to arouse womens self- consciousness. Jane reflected her appearance and status at first, “I am poor, obscure, plain, and little. Although I do no

58、t look bright, but always hoping to try to look good, as much as possible to get the goodwill of others. Sometimes I still regret that Im not beautiful. I am eager to be tall and straight. I feel that my features are so irregular and distinct, which is really a misfortune.”(Charlotte Bronte, Jane Ey

59、re, 373)A desire for beauty was female nature so Jane was no exception .When she realized that there was a big distance between her own appearance and Ingrams, Jane hoped to take advantages of her strengths and uniqueness to compensate for the lack of appearance. Her inner voice often warned, “You are not beautiful either, and perhaps Mr. Rochester approves you: at any rate, you have often felt as if