Why did Jane Eyre become a governess?
The remarkable story of Jane Eyre, one of literature's most famous and enduring characters, has been enchanting readers for nearly two centuries. In Charlotte Brontë's groundbreaking 1847 novel, Jane Eyre, the eponymous protagonist faces numerous challenges as a young, lower-middle-class woman in Victorian England. One of the key aspects of Jane's journey, and a reflection of the limited options available to women in that era, is her decision to become a governess. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind Jane Eyre's choice and how class and gender played into the role of a governess in 19th-century England.
Limited Options for Lower-Middle-Class Women
During the 19th century, the British class system was rigid, and social mobility was a distant dream for most. Women of lower-middle-class backgrounds like Jane Eyre often found themselves in a precarious situation when it came to making a living. As daughters of impoverished clergymen or tradesmen, they were educated enough to be considered above the working class but lacked the financial means or social connections to lead lives of leisure. Consequently, they were forced to seek employment to support themselves.
Governesses occupied a unique and somewhat uncomfortable position in Victorian society. They were not quite servants, but neither were they considered equals to the families they served. Their primary responsibility was to educate the children of the upper and middle classes, thus bridging the gap between the domestic sphere and the world of academia. This role allowed women like Jane Eyre to earn a living while still maintaining a semblance of respectability.
Class and Gender Dynamics
The role of a governess was fraught with challenges, many of which arose from the complex class and gender dynamics at play in Victorian England. Governesses were expected to be highly educated, as their primary function was to impart knowledge to their charges. However, their social standing was ambiguous, often leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
As women, they were subject to the rigid gender norms of the time, which dictated that their primary purpose was to marry and have children. A governess's position within a household could be precarious, as they were sometimes seen as potential threats to the marital stability of their employers. In Jane Eyre's case, her romantic relationship with her employer, Mr. Rochester, challenges the social norms of the time and further underscores the complicated dynamics at play.
Economic Necessity and Female Empowerment
For many women like Jane Eyre, becoming a governess was an economic necessity, but it also provided them with a certain level of independence and agency. By working as a governess, Jane is able to escape her difficult upbringing and forge her own path in life. The role enables her to use her intellect and education to her advantage, providing her with a sense of purpose and self-worth that was often denied to women in that era.
Furthermore, through her relationship with Mr. Rochester, Jane ultimately asserts her own desires and needs, refusing to settle for anything less than what she deserves. This was a bold and revolutionary stance for a Victorian heroine, as it went against the prevailing notion that women should be submissive and self-sacrificing.
