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Subtle Feminism in Jane Eyre

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In society, there are always those who choose to defy what others believe is right, and during the Victorian era, many women did just that. They traded in their petticoats for pamphlets about women’s rights and became feminists. Charlotte Brontë is not considered an extreme feminist however through her novel, "Jane Eyre," Brontë used the main character, Jane to voice her thoughts on feminism as she encounters many obstacles from hatred to love. In Brontë’s feminist novel, Jane defies the social norms and chooses to be a strong minded and independent woman. During the Victorian era, woman were expected to remain silent and keep their thoughts to themselves. However throughout the novel Jane voices her opinions on subjects most people would have considered irrational for woman. A prime example is Jane’s conversation with Mr. Rochester, the head of the household she works at. Unlike most women during this time period, Jane voiced her thoughts. When Mr. Rochester questioned Jane whether she believed if he was handsome Jane should, ”have replied to [his] question by something conventionally vague and polite,” (164) as was expected of women during this time, as she clearly states herself. However instead Jane replied truly to the question not caring how her words affect Mr. Rochester by replying, “no sir,” (164). Another example of Jane’s freedom of will was when she conversed with St. John her cousin, about his love of Ms. Oliver. Most women at this time wouldn’t have pried into men’s personal lives however Jane chooses to do so. She continued to question St. John stating to him that he must marry Ms. Oliver and that he, “need not be a missionary,” (478) and that he must, “relinquish his scheme immediately,” (478). During this era women dared not tell men what to do for fear of being reprimanded of their thoughts. Jane however, proves to be too strong willed and chooses to ignore the social norms during this e

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