The Jane Eyre Trilogy – Part Two
A Question of Independence
Jane Eyre is a classic novel written in the Gothic style during the Victorian era and published in 1847 by the then aspiring author Charlotte Brontë. One of the three famous Brontë sisters, Charlotte’s writing became successful during her lifetime and forms part of a literary legacy that continues today. Although a work of fiction, Jane Eyre draws upon aspects of Brontë’s own experiences and the society she inhabited.
This essay will examine the depiction of Jane’s independence through the five principal residences that mark different stages of her life: Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, Moor House and Ferndean. As the novel contains so many themes to explore, the focus will be on the particular aspect of Jane’s independence that emerges at each stage, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding her.
Gateshead — Independence through thought and resistance
Although Jane is entirely dependent on the Reed family as a child, she already demonstrates a strong sense of inner independence. Excluded from the family, she retreats into books and imagination, describing herself as being “shrined in double retirement.” This private intellectual world allows Jane some autonomy despite having little control over her circumstances.
Her independence becomes more openly defiant in her resistance to John and Mrs Reed. After John’s violence, Jane’s fear gives way to anger, and she condemns him as a “wicked and cruel boy.” Later, she directly confronts Mrs Reed over her treatment of her. Jane describes the aftermath as a moment when her “soul began to expand” with a sense of “freedom” and “triumph.” Although she cannot yet achieve physical or financial independence, Gateshead establishes that Jane already possesses the intellectual and moral independence that will shape her later choices.
Lowood – Intellectual and Practical Independence
At Lowood, Jane’s independence develops through education and experience. Unlike Gateshead, where she expresses her independence by resisting those who mistreat her, Lowood gives her the knowledge and skills needed to eventually support herself. Helen Burns and Miss Temple also teach Jane different ways of responding to hardship without diminishing her independent nature.
After several years as a pupil and later a teacher, Jane begins to desire a life beyond Lowood, declaring, “I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped.” Aware that complete freedom is beyond her circumstances, she instead seeks “a new servitude” and advertises for work as a governess. In doing so, Jane takes control of the next stage of her life. Her independence at Lowood therefore develops from rebellious resistance into the practical ability to make choices for herself.
Thornfield – Independence in Love and Morality
At Thornfield, Jane’s independence is tested by her relationship with Rochester. Despite being his employee and socially inferior, she insists upon her intellectual and emotional equality, declaring, “I have as much soul as you,—and full as much heart!” Even after their engagement, Jane is uncomfortable with Rochester’s attempts to dress her in expensive clothes and jewels and is determined not to become financially dependent upon him.
Jane also expresses a wider belief in female independence, arguing that “women feel just as men feel” and need opportunities to exercise their abilities. However, her greatest test comes when she discovers that Rochester is already married. Although she loves him, she refuses to remain as his mistress and chooses to leave Thornfield, declaring, “I care for myself.” Jane’s independence here is therefore not a rejection of love, but her refusal to sacrifice her identity, principles and self-respect for it.
Moor House – Financial and Personal Independence
At Moor House, Jane achieves greater practical independence. Arriving penniless, she chooses to support herself by working as a village schoolteacher rather than remain dependent on others. Her position changes dramatically when she inherits £20,000 from her uncle. Jane chooses to divide the money equally with her newly discovered cousins, declaring that “five thousand pounds… is better than twenty thousand for one.”
Jane’s independence is tested again when St John asks her to marry him and accompany him to India. Although willing to work alongside him, she refuses a marriage without love, recognising that it would require her to sacrifice part of herself. At Moor House, Jane therefore gains financial independence, family on equal terms, and the freedom to choose the direction of her own life.
Ferndean – Independence and Choice
At Ferndean, Jane returns to Rochester entirely by her own choice and under very different circumstances. She now has financial security and can declare, “I am independent, sir, as well as rich: I am my own mistress.” She no longer needs Rochester for employment, money or security and is free to leave if she wishes.
Her decision to marry him is therefore presented as a choice rather than a necessity. This is reinforced by Jane’s famous declaration, “Reader, I married him.” At Ferndean, Jane’s independence lies primarily in her ability to choose Rochester while remaining capable of choosing a life without him.
Summary – Jane’s Independence
Throughout the novel, Jane’s independence takes different forms according to her circumstances.
At Gateshead, it appears through her inner strength and refusal to accept injustice. At Lowood, education gives her the intellectual and practical means to make choices for herself.
At Thornfield, her independence is tested by love, as she refuses to sacrifice her principles and self-respect for Rochester. At Moor House, employment and inheritance give her financial independence, while her rejection of St John confirms her right to determine her own future.
Finally, at Ferndean, Jane is able to return to Rochester freely, declaring herself “an independent woman” and “my own mistress.” Jane’s journey therefore shows that independence is not one single achievement but something expressed intellectually, morally, financially and emotionally throughout her life.
By the end of the novel, she is able to choose marriage not because she needs security, but because she is finally in a position to choose the life she wants.
This is the middle post of a three-part series.
Read the Complete Jane Eyre Trilogy Below:
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
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