Abstract: This paper, from the perspective of feminist, analyses Jane Eyre, the best known literary production of Charlotte Brontës. Jane Eyre as a work of literature in the middle-Victoria Age strongly reflects the feminist thoughts. This paper is divided into three parts: for the first part is rebellious personality of Jane which has significant influence on raising self-awareness in women at that time and encouraging to break through the narrow life experience. The second part is Jane’s pursuit for independence, discussing from economic and spiritual independence respectively, which can achieve the liberation of women completely. And the last part is Jane’s pursuit for the equality . It encourages women in Victoria Age to keep their self-respect in relationship, defend the right on choosing life freely, and take actions to improve their low social status, also it sets an brilliant example for contemporary women to seek an independent and happy life. Without doubt, Jane Eyre is a great work shining the glory of feminist, having not only the synchronic importance but also a complex diachronic value. Through it readers are able to have a clear knowledge about the feminist and full understand of Jane Eyre, also a deep and overall feeling of Jane’s difficulties in chasing independence and happiness according to this paper. Meanwhile, it sets a bright model for the contemporary women to seek an independent and happy life.  

Key words: Feminist, Rebellion, Independence, Equality

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter 1: Rebellious Personality-3

1.1 Jane Eyre ’s passive rebellion-3

1.2 Jane Eyre ’s active rezbellion-4

Chapter 2: Pursuit for Independence-6

2.1 Keeping spiritual self-reliance-6

2.2 Keeping economic independence in relationship-7

Chapter 3: Pursuit for equality-8

3.1 Pursuing equality in love-9

3.2 Pursuing equality in choices of life-11

Conclusion-14

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgement-18