The Women Of Jane Eyre
Jane is one of a huge cast of women in Charlotte Bronte’s book. These women contrast hugely in character and ambitions. The women of Jane Eyre serve to contrast their characters against that of the heroine. So who do we have.
Jane Eyre – The heroine of the story and ever present due to the fact that Jane Eyre is written in the first person. The whole story is seen through her eyes. You see her move from being a poor and downtrodden orphan to become a strong and self sufficient young woman.
Mrs Reed – The Hated aunt who brought Jane up for the first nine years of her life.
Miss Temple – The teacher who was sympathetic towards Jane and viewed her as different to the other girls.
Helen Burns – Jane’s childhood friend who also stands out from the rest of the pupils. She tragically died of typhus aged 11.
Mrs Fairfax – The housekeeper of Thornfield Hall. Sometimes seen as a strong matron character, other times seen as weak and lacking in energy.
Bertha – The wife who haunts the life and existence of Edward Rochester
Blanche Ingram – The perfect women in the eyes of 19th century society. Shown to be beautiful and a bit boring.
The Rivers sisters – Two sisters of Mr St. John Rivers who are learned and intelligent but with no opportunity in life. This is changed when Jane Eyre inherits her fortune.
Adele Varens – The ward of Mr Rochester. The daughter of Celine Varens who was one of Edward Rochester’s lovers.
Sophie – Adele’s nurse. Ever present with Adele but little more said about her in Jane Eyre.
The Women Of Jane Eyre
The Women Of Jane Eyre.
