Jane Eyre was notably controversial upon its publication in 1847 primarily because of its radical challenge to the subordinate roles traditionally expected of women during the Victorian era. Contemporary reviewers found the novel provocative for its unconventional protagonist, deeming it immoral, featuring passionate exchanges, and exhibiting anti-authoritative and anti-Christian tendencies, alongside certain improbabilities within the storyline.
The Driving Forces Behind Jane Eyre's Controversy
Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece, published under the masculine pseudonym Currer Bell, broke many literary and social norms of its time. The novel's boldness in exploring themes of independence, morality, and social critique generated significant debate among critics and the reading public.
1. Unconventional Protagonist and Themes
Jane Eyre herself was a stark departure from the typical heroines of Victorian fiction. She was depicted as plain, intelligent, self-respecting, and possessing a powerful inner conviction. Her refusal to passively accept her social standing or traditional gender roles was revolutionary.
- Assertion of Individuality: Jane consistently prioritizes her personal integrity and moral autonomy over societal expectations and financial security. Her famous declaration, "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will," encapsulated the spirit that shocked many.
- Quest for Independence: The narrative follows Jane's journey to achieve both intellectual and financial independence, diverging sharply from the common trope of a woman's sole purpose being marriage.
2. Perceived Immorality and Passionate Exchanges
The intensity of emotion and the forbidden nature of Jane's love for Mr. Rochester were considered scandalous. The novel did not shy away from depicting strong passions and morally ambiguous situations.
- Unbridled Emotion: Jane's expressions of desire, anger, and fierce independence were seen as "unfeminine" and a threat to the demure ideal of Victorian womanhood.
- The Rochester Affair: The revelation of Rochester's existing marriage and his attempt to commit bigamy with Jane was deeply shocking. The book's sympathetic portrayal of Jane's moral struggle rather than outright condemnation of her feelings for Rochester was highly contentious.
3. Anti-Authoritative and Anti-Christian Tendencies
Brontë's novel offered a subtle yet potent critique of the social structures and religious hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society.
- Critique of Institutions: Jane's experiences at Lowood Institution, under the guise of Christian charity, exposed harsh conditions and hypocritical moralizing. This was seen as an anti-authoritative stance, challenging the sanctity of such establishments.
- Individual Morality vs. Dogma: Jane's personal spiritual journey emphasizes conscience and genuine feeling over rigid religious dogma. Her rejection of St. John Rivers's cold, duty-bound proposal, based on a lack of love, was interpreted by some as anti-Christian, suggesting a prioritization of human emotion over divine calling.
4. Improbabilities Within the Storyline
Some critics dismissed elements of the plot as unrealistic or sensationalist, arguing they undermined the novel's artistic credibility.
- The "Madwoman in the Attic": The character of Bertha Mason, Rochester's first wife, confined to the attic, was viewed by some as a melodramatic and implausible device.
- Convenient Plot Twists: Accusations of "improbabilities" often referred to the opportune appearance of Jane's wealthy relatives, the Rivers family, and her sudden inheritance, which provided her with financial independence.
Key Criticisms Summarized
Aspect of Criticism | Description & Impact |
---|---|
Unconventionalism | Jane's strong will, intelligence, and quest for independence challenged prevailing Victorian norms for female behavior and roles. |
Immorality | The depiction of passionate love, an attempted bigamous marriage, and Jane's sympathetic struggle with temptation were deemed scandalous. |
Passionate Exchanges | The raw and intense emotional expressions of the protagonist, seen as unfeminine, broke from conventions of reserved female characters. |
Anti-Authoritative | The novel's critical portrayal of rigid social structures, educational institutions (like Lowood), and class distinctions suggested a rebellious spirit. |
Anti-Christian | Jane's preference for personal conscience and genuine feeling over dogmatic religious adherence was interpreted as a challenge to established Christian piety. |
Improbabilities | Plot elements such as the madwoman in the attic (Bertha Mason) and the convenient discovery of Jane's wealthy relatives and inheritance were criticized as unrealistic or overly sensational. |
Despite the initial controversy, Jane Eyre endures as a powerful and influential novel, celebrated for its exploration of a woman's journey towards self-fulfillment and its profound impact on subsequent literature.