Passion and Feeling versus Religion and ‘Pure’ Affection in Jane Eyre

Abstract: The purpose of this essay is to investigate the protagonist and narrator in Charlotte Brontës Jane Eyre, it explores how Jane to a certain extent both represents and challenges the norms set by the Victorian society since it was during this time that the novel was published. By taking a closer look at the novel in relation to Victorian society’s norms and ideals the essay will show that the conflict that Jane faces in the novel is between love, feeling and passion versus religious norms and principles. By highlighting these conflicts, the essay presents evidence that the protagonist Jane often shows a feminist sentiment. However, her actions often contradict these sentiments which creates a complexity that I hope this essay will explore.