In the novel, a major motif is division in social classes and its affect on relationships. The setting is in Victorian England, and key points in the story involve contrasts and uncertainties in the social classes of this setting. The entirety of Jane Eyre questions the role of a governess, and goes to further show that those that ignore the divisions in class will in turn be looked at as having less class than they used to. A great example of this is Rochester's acceptance of Jane. The fact that he wants to marry a much poorer girl, and an orphan at that, lowers Rochester's own position in the sociological hierarchy of Victorian England. Along with his love for Jane, Rochester also had a tough early life, even though born to a well off family. All of these things puts Rochester social stance in a very awkward position, which helps to show that the social classes present in the story are flawed. The flawed portrayal social classes suggests that Bronte herself viewed classes as unnecessary and detrimental to a society, which is one of the main beliefs of Marxism. Not only that, but she makes Rochester out to be the byronic hero in the novel, which goes to show that by the end of the book, she reveals her Marxist views.
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Elliott ElderProcrastinator by day, world-renowned blogger by night. What are Chives? |