Charlotte Bronte wrote the Victorian novel Jane Eyre with the intention of telling the story of how a seemingly simple governess, Jane Eyre, managed to challenge the idea of ​​what was a conventional woman during the Victorian era she was able to achieve with sheer courage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Jane tells her story through a strong narrative voice which is one of the many factors, along with her strength and perseverance, that allow her to be an unconventional female hero. Throughout her life, it is striking how Jane refuses to live up to what was expected of a conventional woman. Instead of conforming to what is expected of women, she was able to triumph through adversity and lived her life as a strong, independent woman who could rely on herself. One of the first adversities Jane faced on an ongoing basis was her family life. . Jane was raised by a neglectful aunt who would punish her unfairly. Jane also grew up with her spoiled cousins, they would attack her and get her into trouble because they knew they could. When Jane says, “I am not deceitful: if I were, I should say I love you, but I declare I love you not: I detest you more than any man in the world but John Reed” (Bronte 32). the reader is able to paint a clear picture of the constant conflict that has taken place between Jane and Mrs. Reed. She lived in a neglected house where she was treated with constant humiliation. Even though everyone ganged up on her and even though women were practically seen as second-class citizens in that period, Jane still has the courage to defend herself and express her hatred. and anger. An example of when Jane is mistreated early on is shown when the author states, “She never saw him hit or heard him insult me, although he did both in her presence from time to time” (Bronte 6). Jane's cousin constantly abuses her both physically and mentally with no consequences because her evil aunt always seems to look the other way. The one time Jane defends herself, Mrs. Reed immediately takes John's side and unfairly punishes Jane, "Take her to the Red Room and lock her there." (Bronte) This example shows a test of strength for Jane, despite knowing that John will go unpunished and she will get in trouble, she consciously challenges a conventional woman's "just take it" attitude and fights against her spoiled cousin. John. At least it sends John a message that she won't be made fun of. Jane has the courage to pursue the idea of ​​being sent to a school called Lowood, which was already challenging society's moral codes because women were not supposed to do so. receive such a formal education: "It was assumed that a girl would marry and therefore have no need for formal education, as long as she could look beautiful, entertain her husband's guests, and bear a reasonable number of children." (Picard) Jane begins Lowood on a bad note after her evil aunt tells Mr. Brocklehurst, the headmaster of Lowood, that she could not be trusted, and that she was a liar who would not tell the truth. Mr. Brocklehurst believes Mrs. Reed, ignoring any defense that Jane tried to disprove, and publicly shames Jane into standing all alone in front of the class, while telling everyone that she was a liar. Fortunately, Jane receives some comfort when Miss Temple explains that Mr. Brocklehurst is simply a miserable man. "Mr. Brocklehurst is no God: nor a great and admired man: he is little loved here." (Bronte). Jane accepts hersunjust punishment without resistance. Mr. Brocklehurst has labeled her a liar under false pretenses, but finds comfort in the fact that it is better to be her enemy than her friend. Jane always has an opinion of her own that will not be suppressed for the well-being of a man. . One asks for example Rochester, head of ThornfieldJane "You examine me, Miss Eyre," said he; "Do you think I'm handsome?" (Bronte 157) Jane blurts out an honest response, “No, sir.” Jane apologizes for not being more politically correct, but Rochester doesn't seem to care. Now, if Rochester had asked Blanche Ingram the same question, she would have responded with a compliment about how handsome he was. She is a perfect example of how a Victorian woman would behave towards a man of such high status. Jane refuses to conform to ideals of how she should behave around a man of Rochester's stature in order to sacrifice her moral beliefs. Jane and Rochester fall in love for love and not for other common reasons at the time such as money or status. Jane Eyre tells the story of how she became a fierce, independent woman through a strong narrative voice. A passage that expresses how Jane feels that she and Rochester measure up states: “Do you think that because I am poor, dark, simple, and small, I am soulless and heartless? You think badly! — I have as much soul as you — and just as full a heart! And if God had given me a little beauty and a lot of wealth, I would have made it as difficult for you to leave me as it is now for me to leave you. I do not speak to you now through custom, through convention, or even through mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we were at the feet of God, equal – just as we are!” This passage emphasizes that Jane thinks of her and Rochester as equals. The very idea that Jane a "mere governess" sees her lover as an equal is unheard of during the Victorian era and is a big deal. Jane's strong-willed nature is one of Jane's main qualities that Rochester falls in love with. Jane's strong-willed nature also allows her to make Rochester's skull understand that they are on equal footing regardless of their difference in social status. After Jane's marriage to Rochester ends, she discovers that Rochester has a pre-existing wife living in secret. with them, Jane realizes that she doesn't need Rochester and that she is a strong, independent woman. She states: “I take care of myself. The more lonely, friendless, less supported I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. . . Laws and principles are not for times when there is no temptation.” (Bronte) Jane is able to say no to a marriage that would go against her moral values ​​because of her strength and dignity. Jane positions herself over Rochester, this shows how she is able to reject society's expectations and be independent at a time when most women would have stayed with Rochester because of his wealth and because they cannot rely on themselves. This independence alone demonstrates what an unconventional female heroine Jane was. Furthermore, despite Rochester being the love of her life, Jane still does not compromise her integrity to run away with Rochester and live the rest of her life as a lover. Another example of Jane's ability to have strength when pressured by men is shown when Jane says, "Shall I go?" I said briefly; and I looked at his features, beautiful in their harmony. . . but like his wife, always at his side, always contained and always controlled. . . this would be unbearable." (Bronte) This transition of Jane comes to the realization that she is her own person and not a weak, dependent person who would succumb to the pressure of not having to rely on herself..