Development of Jane in part 1 and Rochester's increased feelings towards her
Uploaded by BennyBoyThexton on Dec 18, 2005
Throughout the first section of the novel, we are constantly reminded of the barriers in which Jane is suppressed by. Through this figurative element we can come to terms with the development of the character of Jane Eyre.
Jane is an intelligent, honest, plain-featured young girl forced to contend with oppression, inequality, and hardship. Although she meets with a series of individuals who threaten her autonomy, Jane repeatedly succeeds at asserting herself and maintains her principles of justice, human dignity, and morality. She also values intellectual and emotional fulfilment. Her strong belief in gender and social equality challenges the Victorian prejudices against women and the poor.
The development of Jane’s character is central to the novel. From the beginning, Jane possesses a sense of self-worth and dignity, a commitment to justice and principle, a trust in God, and a passionate disposition. Her integrity is continually tested over the course of the novel, and Jane must learn to balance the frequently conflicting aspects of herself as to find gratification.
After Jane’s departure and emotional liberation from Gateshead, we are invited onto the next chapter of her life. She is introduced to the daily routines at Lowood, which are largely made up of religious aspects. It is in the next chapter where we are introduced to two figurehead characters in the path of Jane’s development, Helen Burns and Maria Temple. In lesson, Helen informs Jane of the circumstances of Lowood and that all the children are ‘charity children.’ One of the nastier teachers, Miss Scatcherd mistreats Helen; Jane is impressed with the tranquillity of Helen’s emotions as she willingly bears the punishment. This may be perhaps a stepping-stone for which Jane to build upon as one of her closet friends and her biggest influences bears the punishment, which Jane, coincidently has had problems with as we have seen in the previous chapters. Helen delivers to Jane, her Christian beliefs of forgiveness and endurance, ‘one must bear the sins of others, turn the other cheek, and love thy enemy.’ Jane is of course at odds with this, as standing up for herself frequently means fighting back. We have already witnessed several situations in which she availed herself of these tactics, particularly the fight with John Reed and the consequences was that she was locked in the Red Room, and also the lashing out at Mrs Reed were she feels a short-lived victory that soon turned to...