‘Charlotte Brontë successfully argues for female independence and empowerment in Jane Eyre’. How far do you agree?

Overall, Brontë does successfully argue for female independence and empowerment in Jane Eyre. However, there are still limitations to this empowerment, with some critics arguing that Brontë merely adheres to the Victorian view of women.  The first section of the essay will consider Jane's independence as a child. Despite her strict and impoverished upbringing, young Jane is described as rebellious and refuses to obey the orders of people who have wronged her. She develops her own moral conduct and stays true to it throughout her life, rather than allowing herself to become conditioned by the abusive, hypocritical, overtly religious education she receives.  She is also independent in relation to men, something that was revolutionary at the time due to strict social expectations placed on women (AO3 - context). She does not allow herself to become a 'trophy' for Mr. Rochester, and rejects St. John's marriage proposal because she does not love him. She does refuses to be the meek, devoted housewife most Victorian women were, and will only marry once she has secured financial and personal independence. Bertha is similarly presented as an empowered figure, burning down the mansion which reflects the patriarchy that restricts her. She appears to be a mirror of Jane, embodying her true thoughts and desires.  However, other views should be considered, with reference to critics (AO5 - different interpretations). Some could argue that the treatment of Bertha degrades women by not giving her a voice and presenting her as the cultural 'other'. Rochester is also shown to be possessive and controlling towards Jane. Finally, despite arguing for female independence, Brontë ultimately gives her heroine the standard yet disempowering 'happy ending' for Victorian women: domestic harmony in the devoted housewife role.