Question

Identify and evaluate three themes presented in the novel Jane Eyre thus far. How have the themes been established and developed so far? Use examples from the text to support your answer. Your answer should be at least 250 words.

Answer 1

The three main themes presented in the novel Jane Eyre are the following:

• Gender Relations: Throughout the entire novel, the main character continously struggles to achieve gender equality and erradicate male oppresion. As portrayed by the author, Jane is often encountered facing against class hierarchy and patriarchial domination.

* As an example we have the three male antagonists: Mr. Brocklehurst, Edward Rochester and St. John Rivers who all attempt to keep her in a submissive possesion.

• Social Class: The novel is a critique of Victorian England's strict social hierarchy. Jane is a graphic representation of an ambiguous class, as she is an intellectual but not from the same social class as Rochester, whom she developed feelings for.

*As an example we have Chapter 23 where she reprimands Rochester about looking down on her because of her low status.

• Religion: The main character iis continously trying to find the balance between her own earthly pleasure and her moral duty, between her body and her soul.

*As an example we have the character of St John Rivers who embodies the model of typical Christian behavior.

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