Jane Eyre's Internal Passion

1263 Words6 Pages
It is believed that we are born with a predestined personality. Our spiritual individuality is just as much a product of our genetic makeup as the color of our skin or our eyes. With our soul firmly planted, we can then build upon this basis, as we are educated of the world. The social climate and cultural atmosphere shape our personalities, however, it is the people in our lives who have the greatest influence. Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre reveals this idea by the development of the protagonist. Through a series of character foils, Bronte expresses her idea of self-development and growth of the human spirit by contrasting passion with reason. In the novel, Bronte suggests that in one's lifetime, they will encounter a number of people and experiences that will arouse enough emotion in them to have the power to change their direction in life. St. John Rivers plays one of these life determining foils to Jane Eyre. His confidence, devotion, and reason intrigue Jane almost enough to silence her inner passionate spirit, but it is the forces of nature that prove to be stronger than human will. The life path of a Victorian woman was somewhat limited in it's direction and expression of individuality. Jane Eyre strongly adheres to the Victorian morality, which was dominated by the Anglican party of the Church of England in which passion and emotion were kept concealed. Jane's instinct for asserting herself was stifled at an early age and could only be expressed through defiance. The wrongful statement from Mrs. Reed, “You are deceitful”, (pg. 35) gives Jane the power of resistance, leading to freedom and a new life at the Lowood boarding school, creating a pathway to “unhoped-for liberty”. (pg. 37) In the subsequent years Jane develops into a highly educated, well-spoken, and strong willed woman. She is taught to be patient and thoughtful during her years in Lowood,
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