Character Development In Jane Eyre

Achievement of Innermost Desires:

The Conquest of External Obstacles through Character Development in Jane Eyre

Thesis: As an unwed governess in the Victorian era, Jane Eyre experiences both psychological growth and socioeconomic advancement as she strives to preserve her identity, attain autonomy, and fulfill her desire for true intimacy in the context of the gender-restrictive Victorian culture.

I. When Jane’s childhood misconceptions about her identity are transformed by external forces that threaten her fledgeling sense of selfhood, she strengthens her resolve and asserts her identity with confidence.

A. While the Reeds reluctantly accommodate young Jane at Gateshead, she misconstrues the concept of love as dependent on servitude and

Although both men offer Jane the opportunity to belong, each man also demands that she sacrifice her self-respect and identity, which Jane refuses to concede.

II. Just as Jane establishes her identity after years of development, she also fulfills her desire for autonomy and financial freedom by surmounting obstacles that result in the presentation of an inheritance from John Eyre.

A. Jane’s lowly position in the Reed household cultivates her desire to break free from the Reeds’ authority.

1. Jane speaks frankly of her dislike for Mrs. Reed and immediately feels lighter because of her triumph, demonstrating her potential for change.

2. A friend at Lowood tells Jane that Miss Temple has risen in station due to her vast knowledge, which illuminates a path to autonomy for young Jane, who emulates Miss Temple in her pursuit of an education.

3. Following Miss Temple’s departure, Jane acknowledges her longing for freedom, but is unwilling to be so bold; instead, she seeks new employment as a governess, perpetuating her belief that she must be a servant to be loved.

B. Jane is unable to escape her submissive mindset because of her position as a governess, which shapes her perception of herself and her place in

Although Jane’s inheritance resolves monetary complications, she refuses to compromise her principles to satisfy her craving for intimacy unless her partner accepts her individuality and independence.

A. Jane rejects the tempting proposals of Rochester and St. John on account of their inadequacies and inability to respect her genuine identity.

1. The pressure Rochester places on Jane to succumb to his overbearing intrusions and become the perfect Victorian wife trigger her flight from Thornfield.

2. St. John wants to utilize Jane as a resource for his missionary trip, and beyond pragmatic purposes shows no passionate interest in her; in contrast, Jane believes that God intended for love to be the essential component of marriage.

3. Jane refuses to sacrifice her principles and autonomy for Rochester because he could easily discard her if he were to grow bored and desire a new mistress.

4. Relationships should be built on mutual affection and interdependence, not on Victorian customs that ruin relationships.

B. Jane and Rochester eventually resolve their interpersonal conflicts when they reconnect after both having experienced significant physical and emotional transformations in their time