Sydney Voss-KernanMs. ConnorsAP English LanguageMarch 20, 2014Jane Eyre: The Heroin FeministJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte can be superficially read as simply a sweet romance in which Jane ends up with the man of her dreams after overcoming many obstacles and challenges. But this misses the much deeper – richer – messages of Brontë’s enduring masterpiece. A more thoughtful reading reveals this novel, particularly its heroine Jane, challenging centuries-old gender roles that assume male supremacy, characterizing men as the dominant, more privileged gender, while women are oppressed in inferior and submissive roles. Of course, this Victorian novel depicts the gender roles expected of men and women in 19th century England, but Jane breaks out of the patriarchy by questioning the social roles assigned to her with a personality marked by boldness and self-confidence. Mrs. Bronte, through Jane, ultimately demonstrates that women can live their lives equally with, or independently of, men. In 19th century Britain, the status and rights of women were almost non-existent. She can't vote, she can't own property, she can't divorce. Everything she owns, even her body, belongs to her husband. Women from modest backgrounds are forced to work as domestic servants, agricultural workers or factory workers to survive. “The only ‘genteel’ professions open to middle-class women [are] governess, schoolteacher, or companion of a wealthy woman with her delicate status between servant and lady” (Thaden 66). The only reasonable way for women to obtain social position or economic security is to marry. Unlike most middle-class boys who receive an education to prepare them for a profession, Mo...... middle of paper ......inists in heroism by refusing to call him "Master Reed" . Jane admits to being “usually obedient to John” as conventional society would have done (Brontë 13). John emphasizes his superiority over Jane both physically and verbally: “Now I will teach you to rummage through my shelves; for they are mine, this whole house belongs to me” (Brontë 14)! Jane's inferior position is highlighted when John throws the book at her. Jane's reaction solidifies her as a strong-willed daughter when she declares him "a murderer — [...] like a slaver — [...] like the Roman emperors" (Brontë 15)! She attacks him physically and verbally, presenting herself as a key heroine for his fearless approach. Jane proves exceptional for her time by breaking the conventional role of women, silent and submissive, with a rabid voice of passionate defiance against patriarchal society” (Simpson 12).