The Modernity Of Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte1' s masterpiece Jane Eyre traces the emotional and spiritual development of the heroine, Jane Eyre, who discords with the traditional fictional stereotype of a woman as submissive, dependent, and ignorant in the nineteenth century. It describes her search for an identity as a new woman supported by economic and emotional independence in a world, which did not allow such ambitions in women. For the originality of the novel in form and content, Jane Eyre is regarded by many as the precursor of feminism. Based on the feminist studies of Jane Eyre, this thesis will lay its emphasis on the modern features of Jane Eyre's character, which has forecast women's tendency towards a "new woman": independent, educated, relatively sexually liberated.In terms of economy, the protagonist strives to gain her independent status with a recognized identity in her times. Though a governess in a lower position in rich family, Jane refuses to obtain economic security via marriage. In emotion, Jane aspires for equal and true love. She breaks the restraints of physical appearance, social status and property and emphasizes the significance of being spiritual equality and independence in love affairs. As for moral standard, Jane extricates herself from the suffocating religious dogmatism and practice by interpreting the Christianity from human perspective. Finally she attains a harmony between the religiosity and humanity.The modernity of Jane Eyre: her awareness about women's independence and the degradation of Christian morality is of great significance as it reflects the tendency of socialdevelopment, which requires the reconsideration of women's role at the wake of Industrial Revolution.