Being a woman in the 19th century must have really sucked. I mean, were they able to do anything? At all? No. They were expected to stay home, and take care of the children, the household and be some sort of ‘property to the man.’ It makes me worried that just in the 1990s things have changed for woman. Sure we’re finally able to get good jobs, get an education and be in control of our lives. But the whole male dominant species thing I think is still there. We are still not treated equally. Girl sports still will never mix with guy sports, (And I know the real reason, but I’m pretty sure if all the teams were mixed it would be fine.) and men will always get looks when they are playing Mr. Mom (and I mean looks and teasing from mostly men).
But at least now women are more in control of their lives than in the 19th century. Back then, woman were housemaids, mothers, nurses, and governess’, as Jane was. They had strict social rules, including how they were suppose to act and their place in society. Only higher class woman were allowed to be educated, and they began at very young ages. Women were sometimes allowed to work as nurses and governess’, but if they were married they would have to get their husbands permission, and the money go to him.
As a governess though, woman’s roles became even more complicated. In Jane Eyre, Jane is a governess for the young Adele in the Thornfield house. She was at the same intellectual level as the aristocrats, and her job was to teach Adele to be at the same level of education as the rest of the higher class woman. But Jane, like other governess’ was a middle class woman, and therefore not treated as higher class or a member of the family. Governess’ were treated as servants, because they got paid to teach the children. So even though Jane had the education of a higher class individual, she was treated and seen as a servant, who was working under the master of the house.
I believe that the author wanted to convey that even though the story was set in the 19th century, that Jane had a very different way of thinking that what society told her to think. She struggled with following the social structures of the woman, what with all the free ideas flowing through her mind. She had a free spirited and independent attitude that gave her great internal conflict on what she should be in society, versus what she was. Bronte wanted to show that woman in the 19th century had the same ideas as men and even some of the same talent. But they were not allowed to express their feelings, because women were not expected to have the same talent, or ideas as man. Jane struggles with this independent mindset through the whole book, and has a hard time conforming to what society says a woman should act.
Actually, I don’t believe she ever really conforms to society rules…She still stayed independent in her mind. And for that, I applaud her.
Yes, I too feel that life in the mid 19th century must have really—sucked; I could not imagine being happy if I could not be independent! And my only roles as a woman were to be a housewife, mother, or a governess taking care of someone else’s kids, as well as being the property of a man, no way! Sure enough times have changed, but the domineering male role still exists today, and some men still consider their wife or girlfriend as property; thus, feeling they have the right to tell them what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Jane was a good example of change in the mid 19th century; at a young age she did not tolerate being mistreated by anyone, and stood her ground even though the ground she stood on was not even hers ( being an orphan in her aunt’s home). She did not go down without a fight. I really believe many women back then seen themselves in Jane, but were afraid of the consequences if they stand up to be heard. I know that all it takes is one role model, someone that feels the pain and could relate to the suffering of women, to give many women the courage to—stand up and demand a change. Charlotte Bronte made Jane Eyre that role model.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I believe that Jane Eyre is a modern woman trapped in the mid-nineteenth century, and born into a station that berates her to the fullest. In a gendered role she is only outwardly capable of doing, what her society deems is within her limitations. To raise her voice or to be fit full with passion is obscene and un-lady like. Even today depending on your crowd, to behave in such a manner that is non-conformist and is viewed obscene and un-lady like. Women must carry themselves with charm and grace, in a fashion that is flirtatious and genial, gentle- and soft spoken. In films we see this such as in James Bond. Almost every Bond Girl is dependent upon James , usually because they are victims in their own right. Most Bond Girls are damsels in distress and cannot reprimand their enemies with James’ aid, all except one has paid this price by sleeping with James Bond himself.
ReplyDeleteThe women of Jane Eyre’s world are figuratively damsels in distress in need of be rescue by a husband to continue living. Jane is not the damsel , but instead the heroine of the story. She works as a governess because that is her livelihood, however finding a wealthy suitor and becoming less of herself is not her M.O.
I agree being a woman in the 19th century most have been horrible, especially with what we have now compared to then. Now is definitely not perfect, but learning about women and their roles back then makes me appreciate the time in which I live a little more then I did before. As to the story of Jane and her role of a governess I think Bronte did write her with a since of self and with a “free spirit” as you pointed out. And although Jane was educated as a highborn I think perhaps she had more opportunity then some of those in the higher classes. Though those in the higher classes had access to better educations it seems their choices in a way, were maybe even more limited then that of Jane’s. They had intellect and education but they were not able to make use of them. Even in the upper society the woman were expected to marry, to raise a family. But unlike the lower classes they did not have the option of becoming a governess or maid. In the 19th century, perhaps it was a detriment to have social standing and class, though admittedly they had much more security in respect to the necessities of life.
ReplyDeleteI thought that you did a great job at expressing Bronte’s key purpose in portraying Jane as a girl that didn’t necessarily go along with the standard of who women were supposed to be. You said, “She struggled with following the social structures of the woman, what with all the free ideas flowing through her mind. She had a free spirited and independent attitude that gave her great internal conflict on what she should be in society, versus what she was. Bronte wanted to show that woman in the 19th century had the same ideas as men and even some of the same talent.” This was my favorite aspect of the whole book. Bronte chose to show the reality of who women were within the physical, social, and hierarchal restraints of that time. It was also good that you pointed out that some of those standards still exist and can be felt in various ways in today’s society. It’s obvious that male dominance still exists, mostly within the world of sports. I think that no matter what society does, however, there are always going to be feelings and views of women being under men in different areas of life. I hope one day that will change and we could all simply view it as using our talents and abilities to help each other, not suppressing those who are weaker or don’t have those abilities. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Especially the first few sentences when you said “Being a woman in the 19th century must have really sucked. I mean, were they able to do anything? At all? No. They were expected to stay home, and take care of the children, the household and be some sort of ‘property to the man.’” Men have always had it easier since the beginning of time. They were always the dominate sex, and always had it their way. They were always able to own property, be able to vote, have a job, and have a say to who they are and what they believe in. Women had none of that. Basically women were seen as a form of property to a man, and men were able to do what they want with women, for example, hit and beat them. Now, a woman can press charges and report them to the authorities. I think we’re on the same page when you said “Actually, I don’t believe she ever really conforms to society rules…She still stayed independent in her mind. And for that, I applaud her.” I found Jane Eyre to be a very inspirational character, especially in her time. She was very educated and polite, but she also knew when to say “No”.
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