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  • Essay / The Importance of the Character of Jane Eyre

    Jane Eyre is considered a classic for many reasons: it goes beyond what is expected as the norm, it travels through time and has universal appeal . The importance of her character, both in the film and the novel, is unprecedented compared to any other female heroine; she has a complicated feminine character, at the same time, she has a determined spirit which is the opposite of how women are perceived at that time. The general basis of its history can be reflected in various forms and elements; social criticism that emphasizes the discrimination of the time, its sexual awakening, defending a strong sense of morality and showing the first signs of feminism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an original essay As a character, Jane Eyre is headstrong, very independent, and operates entirely according to her own moral compass. She is not willing to bend to the will of her guardian (aunt and cousins), her principal, or the man she loves, which was not a conventional attribute. Back then, women were expected to be submissive and marry as soon as someone asked them to. It was obvious that when St. John proposed marriage, Jane refused in accordance with her feelings and moral judgment. Also, Jane Eyre transcends generations. Although it is set in 1800s England, the theme and plot are easily accessible, relevant and timeless. Her quest to be loved by her family (biological or not), her friends, then her lover, is obvious despite her strong character. She is able to grow and understand that there is a way to be loved and to be independent every time. Helen Burns helped her find herself, have faith, and care about herself more than anyone else. And despite her death, she retained every memory of it. Many people today can relate or live these experiences; the feeling of not being valued or not knowing who they are. This is echoed when Jane expresses, “It is far better to patiently endure an insult that no one but yourself feels.” It is weak and stupid to say that you cannot bear what your destiny imposes on you. Understanding Jane's struggles, feelings, and motivations, even though she comes from a very different place and time, resonates universally. Another reason that makes Jane Eyre a timeless work of literature is its adaptability. The novel has given rise to numerous adaptations in various art forms. It has been frequently made into a film, but equal radio, television, and theater versions are available. At the same time, it has inspired numerous rewritings and reinterpretations based on its original essence. Cary Fukunaga's 2011 film version captures all the essential elements of the source material, gave new meaning to a text, and, finally, is able to rise to the challenge of turning a beloved work of classic literature into a film. Additionally, the film was able to tell the beloved story with a strong sense of emotion without sacrificing the contextual essence of the novel. Reflecting on the elements of the novel, the film reflected the different forms of discrimination of the time, namely: the depiction of how women face in a male-dominated society – when Saint John asks her to marry him and accompany him to India, not out of love, but out of duty; cruelty in Gateshead – when Jane is treated badly by the Reed family, even though Mrs Reed had agreed to take her in; and social class – when Jane was invited to be in the drawing room by Mr. Rochester and the guests, particularly Blanche Ingram, greeted her.