Feminism in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Feminism Feminist Women Criticism

Feminism in Jane Eyre      Ã‚  Ã‚   Feminism has been a prominent and controversial topic in writings for some time.   In Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre the main character, Jane Eyre, explores the depth at which women may act in society and finds her own boundaries in Victorian England.   As well, along with the notions of feminism often follow the subjects of class distinctions and boundaries.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is an ample amount of evidence to suggest that the tone of Jane Eyre is in fact a very feminist one and may well be thought as relevant to the women of today who feel they have been discriminated against because of there gender.   At the beginning of the 19th century, little opportunity existed for women, and thus many of them felt uncomfortable when attempting to enter many parts of society.   The absence of advanced educational opportunities for women and their alienation from almost all fields of work gave them little option in life: either become a house wife or a governess.   Although today a tutor may be considered a fairly high class and intellectual job, in the Victorian era a governess was little more than a servant who was paid to share her scarce amount of knowledge in limited fields to a child.   With little respect, security, or class one may certainly feel that an intelligent, passionate and opinionated young woman such as Jane Eyre should deserve and be capable of so much more.   The insecurity of this position, being tossed around with complete disregard for her feelings or preferences, is only one of many grueling characteristics of this occupation.   However for Jane to even emerge into society, becoming a governess seemed the only reasonable path for her.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The women of the Victorian Era can be regarded as the first group to do battle for the equality of the sexes.   They lead all women to follow after them, and though their progression may not have been as vivid as the women of the 70's, they did have an effect.   Feminism was not outright spoken of in this time, rather passed through literature, such as this very novel.   Stories and novels were the primary means in which to communicate information and ideas in that time.   Without mass communication systems