Jane Eyre and Control Dramas

Jane Eyre and Control Dramas

There are particular powers that drive lives in their respective directions. Some are internal, but the majority are external. The external propellers are forces caused by the environment of an individual. Environmental influences include but are not limited to geographical and climatic forces. In addition, there are societal forces such as the "control drama." Control dramas have been introduced by the best selling author James Redfield as a way to evaluate situations through behavioral classifications. Jane Eyre is an excellent example of how control dramas affect the individual. In order to fully understand why Jane acts as she does, it is paramount to analyze the control dramas that influence her choices and decisions (Redfield 142-43).

Redfield suggests, "One of the first steps we must take to evolve consciously is to clear away our past attitudes, fears, misinformation, and behavior for controlling the flow of energy" (142-43). A control drama is a situation that involves an individual want or drive to control power. This will to power is exhibited through actions, reactions, conversations, and all other facets of everyday life. The foundation of control dramas begin early in life and set the tone for further life choices. In a conversation, for example, there is often a constant drive for each participant to feel as if he or she is in control. The way that each person gains control defines the different levels of a control drama. There are four basic types of power control that we purport: two which are passive and the two that are active.

The most active role one can assume is the "intimidator." The intimidator vies for attention by use of extreme behavior....

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...Jane's environment, she fell in love with Mr. Rochester. The reason for her feelings was not because he was good looking, especially kind, rich, or socially suitable, but because she felt no pressure to perform within a control drama. Mr. Rochester and Jane did not have to act with activity or passivity to coerce the other to sacrifice any of their own personal control. This unfettered relationship is finally successful because of their conscious effort to remain free of these dramas.

Works Cited

Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Ed. Richard J. Dunn. 2nd ed. Norton: New York, 1987. (5-398).

Eagleton, Terry. "Jane Eyre's power Struggles." Jane Eyre. Ed. Richard J. Dunn. 2nd ed. Norton: New York, 1987. (491-96).

Redfield, James, and Carol Adrienne. The Celestine Prophesy: An Experimental Guide. New York: Time Warner Co., 1995.