Jane Eyre 8

• "I doubted I had taken a step which sank instead of raising me in the scale of social existence. I was weakly dismayed at the ignorance, the poverty, the coarseness of all I heard and saw round me. But let me not hate and despise myself too much for these feelings: I know them to be wrong-- that is a great step gained; I shall strive to overcome them." (p. 365)

Charlotte Bronte incorporates the many issues of social class and rank throughout the entire novel. Until now, Jane Eyre has always been surrounded by a wealthy environment: in particular, the Reed family and Thornfield Hall. During this time period, her intelligence and elegant behavior did not suffice - she was considered powerless. Because of Jane's social status, she faced many obstacles: such as the decision to marry Mr. Rochester, as she recognized she was not of equal rank. Upon leaving Thornfield Hall, Jane is able to experience some of the hardships of living in poverty, a circumstance she is not accustomed to. This experience ultimately leads Jane to overcome some internal struggles, discover the fortune her uncle left her, and gain the confidence needed in order to return to marry Mr. Rochester.

Work Cited:
"Jane Eyre Study Guide." Grade Saver. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.gradesaver.com/jane-eyre/study-guide/major-themes/.

Photo Credit:
Photograph. Blogspot.com. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/ ...