Influences Of Women Characters In Jane Eye On The Heroine:an Interpretation From The Feminist Perspective

Jane Eyre is one of the most important works of Charlotte Bronte and it occupies a very significant position in feminist criticism. Shadowed by the protagonist (Jane Eyre), other women characters in Jane Eyre and their influences on Jane’s female consciousness have not received enough attention they deserve. In the perspective of feminism, this thesis explores five women characters’ influences on Jane’s female consciousness.This thesis believes that Jane Reed Eyre, Sarah Reed, Maria Temple, Helen Burns and Bertha Mason impact Jane in different aspects. Jane Reed Eyre mainly encourages Jane to be independent and pursue her own happiness; under Mrs. Reed’s influences, Jane realizes that words have power; Temple impacts Jane’s awareness of being a new woman; Helen’s religious beliefs affect Jane and Bertha’s influence is embodied in her consciousness of female sexuality.Besides an introduction and a conclusion, this thesis has four chapters. The introduction presents a literature review, the task of the thesis and the significance of the study.Chapter One studies the relationship between Jane and Jane Reed Eyre. Even though mother is absent, motherhood still exists. She who is not a traditional mother impacts Jane through her absence and love story. Under her influence, Jane became an independent woman who boldly seeks for happiness.Chapter Two is concerned about Jane’s shift in discourse through conflicts with Mrs. Reed. Jane changes from a silent and submissive girl into a woman warrior. Her changing process can be divided into seven steps. Chapter Three explores the relationships between Temple, Helen and Jane. As a group, they form a female community. And from it, Jane gathers support, help and intimacy. Sisterhood is powerful. Temple who has both feminine features and masculine qualities displays a new woman image. Helen’s religious beliefs subvert the tradition. Under their influences, Jane turns to be a new woman like Temple and forms her own religious belief.Chapter Four centers on Bertha’s influence on Jane’s awareness of female sexuality. Through exploration of Bertha, the relationship between woman’s madness and traditional ideas of sexuality is revealed. This thesis objects to the inevitable relationship between madwomen and excessive sexuality.This thesis explores new aspects of Jane Eyre in the perspective of feminism, and emphasizes the importance of women characters’ influences on Jane’s female consciousness.