"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will". In light of this quotation, explore the representation of women in Jane Eyre.

Possible approaches to this question:

The idea of Jane Eyre being a feminist text: explore Jane as a character, fiercely independent, principled, disregards matrimony in favour of self-sustenance, she is emotionally controlled, choses to be kind despite the abuse suffered as a child demonstrates she has forged her own identity instead of allowing herself to be influenced and shaped by others – leaves Rochester once she discovers the truth about Bertha, refuses to become his mistress – goes in search of self-autonomy and respect. Counter argument: unable to accept a dualistic identity of passion and practicality, haunted by her emotional/passionate self throughout the novel/Bertha represents her suppressed passions/fear of sexuality Discuss Jane’s marriage to Rochester: Does it conform to the conventional narrative structure of the time, thereby facilitating gender stereotypes/female submission – Or is Jane’s marriage the achievement of ultimate equality? – her marital/social identity united?Does the revelation of her family origins/change in financial status alter her identity?  - Compare Bertha and Blance Ingram to Jane as a counter argument to feminist implications: Bertha demonised by her sexuality; her identity is eradicated by Rochester due to his inability to control her or subject her to himself - she must die in order for Jane and Rochester to marry - Bertha pays the ultimate price for Rochester's immorality - Racial eradication, overly sexualised due to her race/exotic climate of her childhood Blanche only admired for beauty and aesthetic attributes/contrast to Jane’s plainness – worth of women inherently external – Jane rebels against this in her principled and moral suppression of overt sexuality – interiority of the narrative, empowering in itself? – how does the autobiographical narrative influence the exploration of female character? – Can we detect bias towards the exploration of Rochester’s character, for example?Adele is taught the Victorian ideals of womanhood and femininity – Possible comment on Rochester’s attitudes towards women – does he change? Why does he value Jane?Contrast of the supernatural/human within the narrative – a means of confronting the emotional suppression of Victorian culture? Or a mode of belittling female identity/autonomy? 

What is the conclusion of the text regarding the theme? - Does it have a singular representation of femininity or is it multifaceted? What is the author trying to say overall regarding the theme?