Social status

• "I don't think sir, you have the right to command me." --> strong sense of independence: she refuses to be subservient or obedient simply because of his social status or gender.

  She asserts her own autonomy, standing up for herself against authority figures

  The quote also reflects the broader societal expectations and power dynamics of the time In this hierarchical society, individuals were often judged and expected to conform based on their social class and gender. Jane's defiance challenges these norms, highlighting the injustices and inequalities inherent in Victorian society.
• “I am not an angel,” I asserted; “and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.
• “Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! - I have as much soul as you, -and full as much heart!"
• Jane struggles continually to achieve equality and to overcome oppression. In addition to class hierarchy, she must fight against patriarchal domination- against those who believe women are inferior to men
• "I ask you to pass through life at my side- to be my second self, and best earthly companion" (Rochester directly refers to Jane as his "equal" and his "likeness")


  -reflects desire for a deep, equal partnership; someone who complements him

  -signifies his recognition of Jane's intellectual and emotional equality-however, their relationship is still marked by Rochester's initial attempts to exert control over Jane by attempting to dress her lavishly and keep her isolated

  -Jane has a commitment in maintaining her independence within the context of marriage
• "I ask you to pass through life at my side- to be my second self, and best earthly companion" (Rochester directly refers to Jane as his "equal" and his "likeness")


  -Jane would refuse to become subservient or loose her sense of self within their relationship: so she insists on equality and mutual respect, asserting her right to be Rochester's equal rather than just an accessory

  -in the victorian era, marriage was often seen as a means of securing social status or financial stability, with women expected to prioritise their husband's needs and desires above their own.
• Rochester's marriage proposal emphasises companionship and equality, defying these traditional notions of marriage as a transactional or hierarchical institution. Jane's insistence on equality further defies societal expectations, as she refuses to conform to the passive, obedient role expected of women in her social class
• "Most things free-born will submit to anything for a salary" --> Rochester is responding to Jane's refusal to accept insolence, just because she is his employee

  -Rochester demonstrates the power of people in his social class over those of a lower social class

  -he argues money can buy anything, including obedience, even when it contradicts someone's moral views

  -Bronte is showing the cynicism and disregard with which people of Rochester's class are able to treat those of lower social status, even when they are "free-born"
• Because of her social status, Blanche feels she can be rude and dismissive of Jane; she is shown to be extremely callous in her desire to impress Rochester

  Bronte is criticising the way that those of high social status are able to treat the lower classes

  Show's how disempowered Jane is- as she is unable to defend herself, unless she wants to loose her job