The Independence of Jane Eyre

Ⅰ.General Review of Jane Eyres Independence

Janes independence also has something to do with dignity.Every time she was teased by her cousin，she would resist rather than keep silent.Even when she stayed with the so-called upper-class people，she behaved without any self-humiliation.Janes sufferings that give rise to her independence and unconquerable spirit to stay with Rochester，Jane didn't feel herself inferior because she was a tutor who came from a low-class family nor did she feel she would be looked down upon because she was a servant.It is just her honesty，goodness，chasteness and unpolluted heart that shocked Rochester who considered Jane as equal as him in spirit and finally he fell in love with her.Jane is particularly delineated，she is a distinctive girl with her independent spirit and strong will.

A.The inborn independence of Jane Eyres

Jane was born unfortunately.She was plain，little，and pale.As an orphan，she lived at the household of her aunt and was treated badly by her cold-hearted aunt and cousins.Because of those maltreatments，she began to realize that she should live a new life style to be independent，which was very important to her.If she wanted to gain a little independence，she must protect herself and resisted their maltreatments.

Jane is a little girl without money，status，or beauty，but with an uncommon temperament and an abundant emotive world.What strikes me most is Janes independent spirit.Faced with the wrench in life，she abandoned womens effeminacy and recreance，and gradually became an independent girl because she knows the only person who will help her is herself.Even under the torture of the devil in Lowood Orphanage，Jane appears to be with no fear and continue to live independently.

B.The Development of Jane Eyres Independence

Jane independence gradually developed in five segments which take place in Gateshead，Lowood，Thornfield，Moor House and Ferndean.On each journey she started alone so that she had to deal with all the difficulties all by herself.At Gateshead，Jane was afflicted by her aunt while at Lowood Mr.Blocklehurst took her aunts place.The two places contribute a lot to shape Janes independent spirit and strong will.At Thornfield，Jane met Rochester and she became more mature by that time.Her independent spirit became stronger here，and just as the critic Inga-Stina Ewbank says “her refusal to live as Rochesters mistress is a heroic assertion of the sanctity of the individual soul” At Moor House，Jane chose to be a teacher which could build up the independence she needed.

Ⅱ.Display of Independence

A.Working as a Governess to Support Herself

When Jane was still a child，she was not independent in economy until she was at the age of 18.The independent personality depended on the economical independence.However，jobs provided by the society for the women were not only few but also low at that time，such as governess.At the beginning，Jane worked as a governess to support herself.After she accepted Rochesters love，she continued to be Adeles governess.Jane never thought of depending on Rochester，although he was very rich.Jane thought that self-respect，independence，equal right are the fundamental elements of one love.She did not want to be the slave of money.If she lost her independence in economy，she would lose herself.

B.Regaining of her Passion after the Acceptance of Rochesters Love

Jane developed her independence fully when she worked as a governess to support herself.When she firstly came to Thorenfield，she brought a new fresh air to the upper-class family in England.Her personality was unique.She dared to say no to any one，including the master of Mr.Rochester，who was domineering and arrogant.When she faced Rochester，she never avoided saying what she thought in her mind.When she found her life was changed by Rochester，she attempted to control her passion.Meanwhile，Janes frankness and uniqueness made Rochester fell in love with her sincerely.But Jane didnt give up her independence.She didnt pay much attention to their great disparity between them，and showed her self-respect and authority at any time.

Ⅲ.Conclusion

Generally speaking，Jane Eyre is really the classical and immortal masterwork which is kept in our soul，attracting more and more readers and influencing our spirit.The story can be seen as a symbol of the independent and strong-willed spirit，both physically and mentally.Though ordinary and short，she is as accepted and interested as any other character in literature.Being portrayed with great details，Jane Eyre conveys the true emotion and has a special infection.

References：

[1]Blackburn，Ruth H.Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.New York： Monarch Press，1986.

[2]楊靜遠.勃朗特姐妹研究[M].北京：中國社會科學出版，1983.

作者簡介：

董引娣（1984—），講師，重慶城市管理職業學院信息工程學院教師。