Jane's Independence

Jane Eyre is a very important woman in literature.  She signifies a self – reliable and an independent woman which contradicts the common idea that women need to rely on men.  Throughout the book Jane is always searching for her independence and her time is spent in proving to everyone that she does not need to marry for financial support, instead she finds a job and provides for herself. An example of Jane showing her independence would be when she refuses Mr. Rochester’s marriage proposal and leaves to find another job. The tables are turned when Jane returns to Mr. Rochester and finds that he needs to rely on her after a large fire burnt down his house and causes him to become unable to take care of himself.  Jane illustrates her growing independence when she was young by saying; “I resisted all the way: a new thing for me.”  The definition of independence is not being influenced or controlled by others in the matters of opinion or conduct. Jane proves this statement over and over again throughout the book with her actions of leaving Mr. Rochester and with her thoughts.  Growing up in a household that bullied and disrespected her Jane learned to stand up for herself and be true to who she wanted to be.  Jane is a role model for any girl to look up to because of her independence and her determination to prove herself as a person and an equal to anyone.

Mr. Rochester and Jane