Explore the theme of gender relations in Jane Eyre

The theme of gender relations in Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' is complex given the patriarchal society in which the novel was both written and set. This essay will discuss gender relations with regards to the themes of femininity and male possession throughout the novel. Jane, although seen through many critics eyes as a true feminist literary character, faces a plethora of challenges which limits her ability to understand her female identity. As a “poor, obscure, plain and little” orphan, Jane constantly fights against the constraints that society places upon her. Esther Godfrey draws focus to her childhood at Lowood school, claiming that Mr Brocklehurst views womanhood, and by extension the essence of femininity "as a construct afforded by middle-class luxury.”Jane is thus taught to be somewhat genderless from a young age, and modern readers can trace how this informs how she reclaims her identity as an adult. The lexical field of entrapment in Jane’s diction demonstrates the constraints of her society: “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.” Although modern, and particularly feminist critics may respect her desire to escape the metaphorical "net" of patriarchal power, this is ultimately marred by the constant theme of male possession throughout the novel.Jane only truly gains independence and fulfilment when she marries Mr Rochester. Although this may seem a befitting ending to the classic Romantic novel, it has much darker undertones. Rochester's diction often has connotations of possessiveness; “my very soul demands you; it will be satisfied.” The tone of Rochester's speech is unsettling for modern readers, who may view this not as a passionate outburst, but something very much achievable in Victorian England. This theme is also very much applicable and certainly much more sinister when applied to his relationship with Bertha. For both post-colonial and feminist audiences, the treatment of the mentally ill Bertha is deplorable. Gilbert and Gubar's study 'The Madwoman in the Attic' discusses how the ways Rochester attempts to physically and mentally control Bertha acts as a symbol of male power over women. Ultimately, Rochester's treatment of women in the novel is wholly alarming to modern readers and demonstrates the extent of the patriarchal context in which Bronte was writing.