Why is Jane Eyre considered a feminist figure?

Question

Why was Jane Eyre considered a feminist figure in the context of the Victorian society? She was unable to fully liberate herself from the inherent patriarchy. She was strongly affected by marriage, even though she didn't fail to express her opinions.Writing in 1966, R. B. Martin, who makes many fine points about the novel's techniques and meaning, argues that it is essentially pre-feminist:> The novel is frequently cited as the earliest major feminist novel, although there is not a hint in the book of any desire for political, legal, educational, or even intellectual equality between the sexes.

Answer 1

This is such a wonderful question! First of all, I would have to say that my personal opinion matches your thoughts. I never really looked at Jane Eyre as a feminist icon, particularly when she is stuck just having to serve her husband. But this is 2019 me speaking. Between the time this novel was written and today, there has been a tremendous amount of evolvement of the feminist movement.

Her character was considered quite radical for its time. While I do not believe it's any less feminist do be driven by love, I hardly find her relationship with Rochester an iconic example of feminism. Still there were moments such as her intellectual banter with Rochester. Rochester called Jane his equal at one point of the novel. Jane stands up for her beliefs -- in this case, marriage. She does not desire to be a man's mistress but his wife. Of course if we knew a Jane in today's time, a man having a crazy wife locked up in his attic is a massive red flag. I think part of the problem of why it's so difficult for some of us to view Jane as feminist is because we can't empathize with her motive. It's driven by her love and desire for marriage with Rochester who is arguably quite flawed. Yes, her story does revolve around her tending to a man...however, it was her choice. She decided to take this path on her own. She chose to work out a very challenging relationship rather than marry St John, who she does not love for the sake of comfort and security. In those times, that is what's considered radical and feminist. While Jane Eyre in my opinion is no match for any Austen or Hardy heroine, she still takes pride in herself and choices.

I hope this helps!