April 22, 2004

The First Feminist Novel, Jane Eyre

“[Women] must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it . . . . Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do” (96). 

Jane says the above quote when she begins to consider a change in occupation.  She has already learned and taught at Lowood Institution for 12 years, and decides that she needs a change in scenery.  She aspires to be a governess for girls.  In this quote, Jane Eyre voices her opinion that women are no different than men: women have just as much right to be ambitious as men.  In these couple of sentences Jane Eyre justifies her right to seek another job opportunity and the right to exist as a learned woman.  Jane is assertive in using the word “must” and may have often men during her time period.  Though the statement may be seen as a bit weak, Jane has written the first feminist novel.

“‘I don’t think, sir, you have a right to command me merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience’” (Bronte 118).

In this statement, Jane is speaking to Mr. Rochester.  When Rochester implores Jane to speak what is on her mind, he acts himself as the promoter of feminism.  Jane replies that Rochester is not being just by acting superior because of his extensive traveling experience and because of his seniority: the underlying theme is the equality between sexes.  Ultimately, Jane the character is used to lay the foundations for feminism in a subtle way.