Sketch the character of Jane Eyre

Sketch the character of Jane Eyre. 

Or, Point out the ups and downs of Jane Eyre’s life in the novel “Jane Eyre”.

 

“Jane Eyre” (1847) is a classic novel written by Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855), which follows the life of its protagonist, Jane Eyre. Despite facing numerous challenges and difficulties, Jane’s indomitable spirit and resilience shine through. After scanning the novel, we get the ups and downs of Jane’s life based on her growth and strength.

Orphaned and Unloved: From a young age, Jane undergoes the pain of losing her parents and is left to the mercy of her unkind aunt, Mrs. Reed. Jane’s emotional struggle is evident when she says,

I was a discord at Gateshead Hall; I was like nobody there.

Abuse and Isolation: Jane is mistreated and bullied by her cousins at Gateshead Hall, particularly by her cousin John Reed. She is also isolated and confined to the “Red Room” as punishment, which heightens her feelings of loneliness and injustice: 

I felt an inexpressible relief, a soothing conviction of protection and security when I knew that there was a stranger in the room.

Resilience and Independence: Despite a difficult childhood, Jane demonstrates remarkable resilience and a strong sense of independence. She endures mistreatment from her relatives and the harsh conditions at Lowood School, yet she never loses her sense of self-worth.

Education and Self-improvement: At Lowood School, Jane receives essential education that empowers her and opens up new opportunities. Her thirst for knowledge and personal growth helps her overcome hardships and leads to her later success as a governess at Thornfield Hall.

Love and Emotional Connection: Jane finds love and emotional connection through her friendship with Helen Burns at Lowood and later with Mr Rochester, her employer at Thornfield. Despite societal barriers, she embraces her feelings and desires for independence. 

Heartbreak and Betrayal: Jane falls in love with Mr. Rochester, her employer at Thornfield Hall. However, she later discovers he is already married to Bertha Mason, who is hidden away in the attic due to her madness. This revelation shatters Jane’s heart: 

All my confidence is bestowed on him, all his confidence is devoted to me; we are precisely suited in character—perfect concord is the result.

Self-Doubt and Moral Dilemmas: After discovering his dark past, Jane refuses to compromise her principles for the sake of love. She doesn’t stay with Rochester as his mistress. Jane only marries Rochester after being financially independent and enjoys equal love.

I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.

In termination, Jane Eyre’s life is a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and moral strength. Despite going through numerous challenges and troubles, Jane remains steadfast in her principles and true to herself. From the depths of despair to the heights of love and self-respect, she emerges as a powerful and independent woman.