ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
487
THE PORTRAYAL OF THE PROTAGONIST IN “JANE EYRE” BY SHARLOTTE
BRONTE
Kurbonova Nodira Rozikovna
1
Latipova Raykhon Fakhridinovna
2
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14869265
Abstract.
The following article briefly analyzes the description of human fate in one of the
most prominent romantic and real plays - the novel “Jane Eyre”” by Sharlotta Bronte. It also
provides a full insight into English literature in Victorian period, distinct styles, from introspective
realism to wild romanticism and social criticism. Their personal experiences, including isolated
upbringings and work as governesses, deeply influenced their writing, leaving an indelible mark
on literature.
Keywords:
Victorian period, Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë, Feminism, Moral Integrity,
realism, romanticism, fiction, novel, idea, human fate, destiny, author`s skills, character, symbol,
analysis antagonist, protagonist.
ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЕ ГЛАВНОГО ГЕРОЯ В «ДЖЕЙН ЭЙР» ШАРЛОТТЫ БРОНТЕ
Аннотация.
В следующей статье кратко анализируется описание человеческой
судьбы в одной из самых выдающихся романтических и реальных пьес — романе «Джейн
Эйр» Шарлотты Бронте. Она также дает полное представление об английской
литературе викторианского периода, отдельных стилях, от интроспективного реализма
до дикого романтизма и социальной критики. Их личный опыт, включая изолированное
воспитание и работу гувернантками, глубоко повлиял на их творчество, оставив
неизгладимый след в литературе.
Ключевые слова:
викторианский период, Джейн Эйр, Шарлотта Бронте,
феминизм, моральная целостность, реализм, романтизм, художественная литература,
роман, идея, человеческая судьба, предназначение, навыки автора, персонаж, символ,
анализ антагонист, главный герой.
INTRODUCTION
Jane Eyre is a novel by the English writer Sharlotte Bronte. It was published under her pen
name "Currer Bell" on 19 October 1847.
1
PhD, associate professor, Bukhara State University
2
Master`s student, Asia International University
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
488
The first American edition was published the following year by Harper and Brothers of
New York.
Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman that follows the experiences of its eponymous heroine,
including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr Rochester, the brooding master
of Thornfield Hall.
The novel revolutionized prose fiction, being the first to focus on the moral and spiritual
development of its protagonist through an intimate first-person narrative, where actions and events
are colored by a psychological intensity. Charlotte Brontë has been called the "first historian of
the private consciousness" and the literary ancestor of writers such as Marcel Proust and James
Joyce.
The book contains elements of social criticism with a strong sense of Christian morality at
its core, and it is considered by many to be ahead of its time because of Jane's individualistic
character and how the novel approaches the topics of class, sexuality, religion and feminism. Jane
Eyre, along with Jane Austen`s Pride and Prejudice, is one of the most famous romance novels. It
is considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, and in 2003 was ranked as the
tenth best-loved book in Britain by the BBC in The Big Read poll.
Portrayal of Jane Eyre
Characterization as a Strong Female Figure
Jane Eyre is presented as a strong female character through her independence and defiance
against the gender roles prevalent during the Victorian era. She asserts herself as equal to men in
her life, particularly in her relationship with Mr. Rochester. For instance, when she says to
Rochester during their engagement scene: "I am not talking to you now through the medium of
custom or conventionalities; it is my heart that speaks" (Chapter 23). This declaration underscores
her refusal to accept social hierarchies that would place him above her due to his wealth and status
[1].
3
Narrative Voice and Style
The novel's style is characterized by long sentences with elaborate word choice and biblical
allusions. This formal verbiage reflects Jane's educated background but also makes her appear
thoughtful as she meticulously details every aspect of her experiences. When describing her
marriage to Rochester after Bertha Mason's death, she uses biblical imagery: "ever more absolutely
bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh," echoing Genesis' description of Eve's relation to Adam.
3
Study.com - *The Characterization & Analysis*
ISSN:
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2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
489
This adds depth by emphasizing moral duty.
4
Personal Journey: Overcoming Adversity
Jane's journey from an orphaned childhood at Gateshead Hall to becoming a governess at
Thornfield Hall highlights resilience in the face of adversity. Her early life under Aunt Reed’s
cruelty shapes much of who she becomes—someone fiercely determined not just for survival but
for self-respect.
5
At Lowood School for Girls under Miss Temple’s care, Jane finds solace but also
witnesses hardship firsthand when Helen Burns dies in her arms—a poignant moment inspired by
Charlotte Brontë’s own loss.
6
The whole of the work is a critique of Victorian England`s social hierarchy and inequality
for woman. Jane struggles against social class and gender inequality, both of which she considers
great injustices. Jane Eyre is very much the story of a quest to be loved. Jane searches, not just for
romantic love, but also for a sense of being valued, of belonging. A theme is a key idea that runs
through the text. In Jane Eyre the main themes are love and hate, social class and personal
discovery.
From the beginning of the novel, Brontë describes Jane as a strong-willed, passionate and
outspoken young girl. Jane regularly speaks out against the cruel treatment of her cousin, John and
her aunt, Mrs Reed. Her protagonist Jane is placed in between economic classes and drifts among
the lower, middle and upper classes of Victorian England. The condition of women in Victorian
England was one of inequality and oppression.
Major Themes
1. Independence and Self-Respect – Jane is a strong-willed character who values her self-
respect above all, refusing to be dependent on others, whether in love or financial matters.
2. Love and Equality – The novel explores the idea of love based on mutual respect and
equality, rather than social status or wealth. Jane and Rochester’s relationship embodies this
struggle.
3. Gothic Elements – The novel includes classic Gothic tropes, such as Thornfield’s eerie
atmosphere, Bertha Mason as the "madwoman in the attic," and themes of mystery and fate.
4. Social Criticism – Jane Eyre critiques the rigid social hierarchy of Victorian England,
particularly in regard to women’s roles and the treatment of orphans and the lower class.
4
Spark Notes - *Style*
5
Inflibnet.ac.in - *Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre*
6
Laurellit.com - The Blurry Line Between Charlotte Bronte & Jane Eyre
ISSN:
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2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
490
5. Religion and Morality – The novel presents different religious perspectives through
characters like Helen Burns, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John Rivers, contrasting strict piety with
personal morality.
Jane Eyre as an Independent and Strong-Willed Heroine
From the outset, Jane Eyre is depicted as a determined and resilient young woman. As an
orphan raised by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, and later at the harsh Lowood School, Jane faces
hardship and injustice but refuses to submit passively. Unlike many 19th-century heroines who
conform to societal expectations, Jane asserts her independence and self-respect. Her famous
declaration “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent
will” captures her belief in personal freedom and dignity.
Jane’s Morality and Inner Strength
Throughout the novel, Jane demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her moral
principles. Her relationship with Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall, tests her
values. Even when deeply in love, Jane refuses to become his mistress upon discovering his
marriage to Bertha Mason. Rather than compromising her integrity, she chooses to leave
Thornfield, enduring loneliness and hardship. This act reinforces her belief that self-respect is more
valuable than passion.
Jane’s Search for Love and Equality
One of the most compelling aspects of Jane’s portrayal is her desire for love based on
mutual respect rather than social status or wealth. Unlike traditional romantic heroines who are
passive in their relationships, Jane insists on equality in her bond with Rochester. She does not
want to be dominated or treated as inferior, making her a revolutionary figure in Victorian
literature. Her eventual reunion with Rochester, after he has been humbled by fate, solidifies their
relationship as one of true companionship rather than dependence.
Jane Eyre as a Feminist Icon
While Jane Eyre was written long before modern feminist movements, the novel has often
been regarded as an early feminist work. Jane’s insistence on her own worth, her rejection of
societal constraints, and her pursuit of fulfillment on her own terms all challenge the restrictive
roles assigned to women in the 19th century. Brontë’s portrayal of Jane as a woman who demands
respect and autonomy continues to inspire readers today.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
491
Conclusion
Jane Eyre remains a timeless novel because of its powerful portrayal of a woman’s journey
to independence and love. Its blend of romance, social commentary, and Gothic elements makes
it a compelling and enduring classic. Brontë’s heroine, Jane, continues to inspire readers with her
strength, intelligence, and unwavering moral integrity. Charlotte Brontë skillfully portrays Jane
Eyre as an emblematic figure emdiving strength amidst adversity while navigating societal
constraints during Victorian England. Through narrative techniques like direct address (wherein
readers are drawn into intimate conversations), Brontë empowers women by highlighting their
capacity for self-determination despite oppressive circumstances.
REFERENCES
1.
Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Smith, Elder & Co., 1847.
2.
Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and
the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination. Yale University Press, 1979.
3.
A feminist analysis of Jane Eyre, exploring the themes of female independence and the role
of Bertha Mason, Eagleton, Terry. Myths of Power: A Marxist Study of the Brontës.
Macmillan, 1975.
4.
Examines Jane Eyre through a Marxist lens, analyzing issues of class and power. Shuttleworth,
Sally. Charlotte Brontë and Victorian Psychology. Cambridge University Press, 1996.
5.
Investigates Brontë’s understanding of psychology and how it influences Jane’s character
development. Hoeveler, Diane Long. Gothic Feminism: The Professionalization of Gender
from Charlotte Smith to the Brontës. Pennsylvania State University Press, 1998.
6.
Discusses Jane Eyre in the context of gothic literature and gender roles. Kaplan, Cora. Sea
Changes: Essays on Culture and Feminism. Verso, 1986.
7.
Contains essays on Jane Eyre, focusing on feminism and class struggle. Peterson, Linda H.
Victorian Autobiography: The Tradition of Self-Interpretation. Yale University Press, 1986.
8.
Analyzes Jane Eyre as a semi-autobiographical novel and its use of first-person narrative.
Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. "Three Women's Texts and a Critique of Imperialism." Critical
Inquiry, vol. 12, no. 1, 1985, pp. 243-261.
