Jane Eyre By Chalotte Bronte (Term Paper Sample)

Jane Eyre
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The novel “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë is written and centered on Jane’s character who is the protagonist in the book. It focuses on the development of her character through the different people she meets in her life. Must of the conflicts in the novel are built upon the numerous tests of her integrity she undergoes from people she gets close to and who should somewhat be responsible for her well-being. From the start of the novel, Jane possesses a sense of dignity and self-worth. She must learn to balance the self-conflicting aspects as well find her happiness.
Throughout the novel, she meets with people who play significant roles in shaping her character. First, she meets Helen at Lowood School. Helen although later dies after a typhus epidemic hits the school, possesses great admiration due to her martyr like attitude towards the miseries in her school. She (Helen) tells her that it is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; and besides, the Bible bids us return good for evil.” (Bronte, 1943 pp. 49). Jane however dislikes the quality and thinks if she would resist. “I were in your place I should dislike her; I should resist her.” Jane says. (Bronte, 1943 pp. 49). This builds a resistive character in Jane. Against the values of Christianity, she feels turning the other check would inhibit her dream to find happiness. Jane holds to the doctrine that she should not love, forgive and bless those who hurt her.
Jane also meets Miss Temple, a teacher at Lowood School. Miss Temple unlike Miss Scatcherd, is kind to Helen. “Miss Temple is full of goodness; it pains her to be severe to anyone, even the worst in the school: she sees my errors, and tells me of them gently; and, if I do anything worthy of praise, she gives me my meed liberally (Bronte, 1943 pp.50). Even thou, Helen still tell Jane that she is not good as despite the polite corrections, she does not change. Jane says “Well, then, with Miss Temple you are good?” (Bronte, pp. 51) Hellen replies, “Yes, in a passive way: I make no effort; I follow as inclination guides me. There is no merit in such goodness.” (Bronte, pp. 51). At this point, Jane learns to insight her weaknesses and not fall victim of the weakness. This character would later be seen as she leaves Rochester despite the love she has for him.
Almost towards the middle of the book, she meets Rochester when she gets a job as a governess at a manor called Thornfield. Here, she teaches a French girl Adele who speaks only French. While at the manor, she secretly starts falling in love with her Employer Rochester. She even saves him from a fire one night. She however falls into despair when she realizes that he no longer notices her because of another lady, Blanche Ingram. I found that he had ceased to notice me—because I might pass hours in his presence, and he would never once turn his eyes in my direction—because I saw all his attentions appropriated by a great lady, who scorned to touch me with the hem of her robes as she passed (Bronte, 1943 pp. 181) she says. She is also sure that Rochester would marry. “I felt sure he would soon marry this very lady—because I read daily in her a proud security in his intentions respecting her—because I witnessed hourly in him a style of courtship.
Rochester despite the time they spent with Blanche, he proposes to Jane for a hand in marriage. “But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry.” He says as he proposes to Jane (Bronte, 1943 pp. 251). She agrees to marry him. During the day of their wedding the clergy is interrupted by Mr. Mason the father to his wife Bertha who objects to the marriage on the grounds of Rochester being legally married to his daughter.
The discovery of his marriage breaks Jane down realizing that she still loves Rochester decides to le...