浅谈简爱的反抗精神

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Brief Comment on Jane Eyre’s Rebellion 浅谈简爱的反抗精神

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Abstract：“Jane Eyre” is one of the greatest masterpieces of the 19th century in the English literary world. Many people considered it as a wonderful works; because it formed an obvious comparison with the social value in British and furthermore it was written by the feminine, for the phenomenon of male superiority dominated the whole society at that time. Almost all persons thought literature was not the women?s career, and w omen could not regard it as their jobs, neither. So the birth of “Jane Eyre” was a shocking works. This paper aims at commenting briefly on Jane Eyre?s characteristics of rebellion. The heroine in the novel bore all different kinds of oppressions from the feudalistic society, but she was strong, with her intelligent, kind and pure getting respect, freedom and a piece of great love. Believing that most of readers especially women in untoward circumstance get much encouragement from this classic. This essay is accomplished with examples to state her rebellion in detail and combine with the practical cases to let people know what enlightenments we can get from.

Key words: Jane Eyre; rebellion; enlightenments

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION (4)

1. BACKGROUND (4)

2. IN THE GATESHEAD (RESOURCE OF REBELLION) (5)

2.1R EBELLION UNDER THE I LL-TREATMENT FROM J OHN R EAD (5)

2.2R EBELLION IN THE R ED R OOM (6)

2.3R EBELLION IN THE FRONT OF M RS.R EED (7)

2.3.1 Characteristics of Mrs. Reed (8)

2.3.2 Through Rebelling against Mrs. Reed to See Today (8)

3. IN THE LOWOOD (DEVELOPMENT OF REBELLION) (9)

3.1A NALYZING THE R EBELLION OF J ANE E YRE THROUGH B URNS (10)

3.2R EBELLING AGAINST M R.B ROCKLEHURST (11)

4. IN THE THORNFIELD (CLIMAX OF REBELLION) (11)

4.1L OVE REBELLION (12)

4.2V IEWS OF THEIR LOVE (12)

5. IN THE MOOR HOUSE (ANTI-CLIMAX OF REBELLION) (13)

CONCLUSION (14)

BIBLIOGRAPHY (15)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (16)

Introduction

Jane Eyre, a very classic heroine of a famous novel written by Charlotte Bronte, was a typical rebellious feminine in 19th century. She was a successful figure under the author?s works. In the novel, she was self-respect, independent and kind-hearted. Jane Eyre was a greatest masterpiece in the world not only shocked the whole literary at that time but also encouraged many persons who were on the lower rungs, especially for women. Since women had no opportunity, no right, no position at that time. This novel was born in 19th century which was a turbulent age and the Caste System was quite strict. Women in that British time had little independent voice. They had no choice but to bear all different kinds of oppressions from feudalism. In the Capitalists? eyes, they were on ly the tools for machines, let alone freedom and independent. People who have read this novel may have strongly felt that the author is the prototype of Jane Eyre. The story of this novel is fictional, but the heroine and many other figures? living environ ment, characteristics and other details are all from the author and her relative persons? experiences.(廖洪中2003:108)With a story about the life of an orphan, Charlotte showed us the miserable situation for British women at that time, reflecting women on how to get rid of the request from males oppressions and discriminations. It was the great pioneering creation in British literature, which resulted in a tremendous response. In this works, we can see the author?s silhouette everywhere. Just like what Charlotte Bronte said, Jane was not pretty, not rich, not pride, but she was intelligent, enthusiastic, humble, just like herself. After finishing this novel, the enlightenment from it is we should not yield to any evil forces. Everyone in this world is equal and we enjoy the same rights with other persons. Also we should not be timid; inversely we have to be brave to pursue the truth, honesty and beauty. Jane Eyre suffered from a great deal of insult and contemptuous look, especially in Gateshead. But she was not an ordinary girl. When bullied by them, she would hit it back powerfully. So from this novel, we can easy to see at the bottom of Jane?s heart how strong she was.

1. Background

Charlotte, one of three Bronte?s sisters who were all quite famous in Briti sh literature, was born in Yorkshire, England. Her father was a clergy but knowledgeable, and her mother died when she was five. After three years, Charlotte was sent to a boarding school together with her sisters. But unfortunately, her two sisters were infected the tuber and later they were dead. So they back home. Charlotte lived through a hard childhood that affects her future life greatly. She put her characteristics into Jane Eyre and let readers know what hardship not only she had suffered from but also the British women had lived through. In her novel, Jane Eyre was a poor girl. She was no money and not beautiful; nevertheless, Jane was pure, noble, self-respect and independent. When being a private teacher, she loved Rochester gradually who was once her master. The experience of Jane was the same with Charlotte. When Charlotte was studying French in Brussels built by Ella couple, she was also loved her French teacher. But the pity was that he had got married. There was little possibility for Charlotte to get married with him. So she hoped that Jane could finally come true her dream and be together with her lover. We are so happy to see that the final destiny of heroine under author?s writing had a good ending. For my eyes, it was only author?s fantasy and she hoped this fantasy could be realized on Jane Eyre.

Depressing sorrowful mood, Charlotte was back to her hometown and decided to prepare to establish the school, but at last she failed. However, she didn?t give up. In reverse, she was striving for herself. Just the same with Jane, though the road was full of thorns, she was always

insisting on. There was no vestige of backward. The spirits of independent, rebellion, self-respect showed up in every corner, especially the rebellion. Just because Jane wanted to be independent and free, she had no choice but to rebel. It was these spirits that Jane Eyre got the purest and noblest love.

2. in the Gateshead (Resource of Rebellion)

At this part, I will talk something about the rebellion spirit of Jane Eyre in Gateshead. Generally speaking, the purpose of any defiance is to get oneself freedom and equality. The reason why they have rebellions is that these people are under ill-treatment. In this classic novel, the rebellion is always companying with Jane that is formed by the complicated environments.

Jane Eyre was an orphan who lost her parents after her birth and lived with Family Reed in the Gateshead where she suffered from much imaginable ill-treatment. Jane Eyre had to depend on her aunt for support, but unluckily her aunt disliked her and looked up down her. (Cong Xiao2010:106)Also her brother and sisters distained her, thinking that she was just a poor girl and had nothing. Only a ten-year-old girl should bear such pain, it was really an amazing thing. However, what comforted our readers was that Jane held on it. She was so strong that nothing could be easy to strike her down. In the Gateshead, the characteristic of rebellion was gradually grown up.

Jane was a successful figure, because she dared to break through the traditional thoughts, never thinking of herself as a slave and always trying her best to escape from the constrained freedom. She was kind-hearted, humble and honest. Despite her shortness and plain-looking, she was often full of confident. But her relative, Mrs. Reed, was a rude and uneducated woman who had never treated Jane well. She was a snobby woman and never thought of others. In her eyes, there was only a word that was money. She did not like Jane and often abused her. But Jane was not easy to be bullied. When Mrs. Reed scolded Jane excessively, Jane would talk back to her powerfully. And if John, the son of Mrs. Reed, abused her, she would resist it crazily, either. The rebellion in front of Mrs. Reed was obvious. The days in the red room lit up the spark of Jane Eyre?s rebellion further. She thought if she didn?t have defiance, then she would be dead. As Matthew Arnold suspects that Jane Eyre is such a woman who yearns to escape entirely from drawing rooms and patriarchal mansions. (Li Zhou2010:163)From the rebellion in Gateshead, we can learn from that the respect was a mutual thing. If you want to get other?s respect, the first thing is that you should learn to respect others. No matter who are you.

2.1 Rebellion under the Ill-treatment from John Read

From the beginning of the first chapter, we can know that Jane Eyre?s living was unhappy, for the writer pointing out that a heart suddenly by the chidings of Bessie, the nurse, and humbled by the consciousness of my physical inferiority to Eliza, John, and Georgiana Reed. (Charlotte Bronte2008:1)Since Jane has lived with family Reed together, she did have a good life until her uncle died. From then on, everyone in Reed house started to bias her and bully her. Later, she was even abused by them. At Gateshead, the one who always abuse Jane Eyre was John Reed. John Reed, elder four years than Jane, was Mrs. Reed?s only darling son. So no matter what he had done, no one would scold him, instead, all of them would think that it must be the Jane?s fault. At the initial stage, maybe Jane had a little frightened to John when she was abused by him. For example, as Jane Eyre said:” every nerve I has feared him, and every morsel of flesh on my bones shrank when he came near. ” (Charlotte Bronte2008:6) However, Jane Eyre?s heart was strong, since she was not scared with any half step. On the contrary, the seeds of

the rebellion were gradually growing up. It is known to all that people who were only under the great oppression will break out their enormous power. That?s it. The tolerance of everybody is limited. When the tolerance reaches a certain point, of course, it will have a massive explosion. Just like what Luxun said:” to explore in silence, or to die in it. ” Seeing from that you can know it was full of the rebellion spirit in Jane Eyre?s heart, which was her own unconscious that hadn?t shown apparently.

Jane didn?t think that she should resign to such an uneducated and rude boy. She desired freedom and independent. Fair was also her inner calling. But it was impossible for her to get these things at that time. Gradually, the rebellion consciousness was much stronger than before. As for John, both of his intelligent quality and emotional quality were inferior to Jane. He had not much affection for his mother and sisters, let alone the sympathy to Jane Eyre. Furthermore, he always insulted Jane with fouled words that to the great extent hurt Jane?s respect. For instance, he once said: “you have no money, you ought to beg. I?ll teach you to rummage my bookshelves, for they are mine, all belongs to me, or will do in a few years.”(Charlotte Bronte2008:7)From this point we can see that the author gave a bright comparison between Jane her brother, John, because at the end of the story, Jane had got decent money which was left by her uncle Eyre, and she shared all her money with her family. The love of family was the best gift for her.

In our reader?s view, Jane was just like a straw, looking weak, (王红莉2010:52)but in fact, it was quite hardy. The more difficulties there were, the more she was strong. When John Reed lift and hurled the book to Jane, she shouted out without any hesitation: “wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murder----you are like a slave driver----you are like the roma n emperors! ” (Charlotte Bronte2008:7)Even she thought she would declare it aloud, although Jane once often thought of John as these evils. This point has been shown clearly that the tolerance limitation of Jane Eyre has saturated. But for the John?s continuously attack, the rebellion won?t break out. In our view, Jane Eyre?s choice was exactly right. At least, her defiance has our readers? hatred give a vent. Believing that as Jane shouting out to John, she must be very joyful. From then on, as long as John thrust his tongue in his cheek or even attempted abuse, Jane would instantly turn against him. We were so glade to see that there was mighty power in Jane?s heart.

2.2 Rebellion in the Red Room

Mrs. Reed hated to see Jane Eyre, because of Jane?s ceasele ssly rebellions. It seemed that Jane was challenging the power of Mrs. Reed. So finally she could not escape from the tragedy of being sent to the red room. The room was a spare chamber that was seldom used. Mr. Reed, the uncle of Jane Eyre on her mother?s side was dead in this room for about 9 years. Dear friends, you can imagine that how horrible the red room is. Everything in this room was guarded with a sense of dreary atmosphere, which made people stifling. So was Jane. She was so afraid that there wer e all the terrifying images that almost occupied her all mind. She said, “although there was a superstition with me at that moment, it was not yet her hour for complete victory: my blood was still warm, the mood of the revolted slave was still bracing me w ith its bitter vigor”(Charlotte Bronte2008:13) each time, as long as she though of John Reed?s violent tyrannies, Eliza and Georgiana Reed?s pride and Mrs. Reed?s merciless and hard-hearted, at that time, Jane would cause a feeling of hatred. There was only one word would come up her, that was the rebellion. Only through the rebellion, Jane could feel a sense of triumph; only through the rebellion, she would get the satisfactory. Only through the rebellion, she could have the chance to get freedom and independence. The days living in the red room was just like the days living in the hell. During that time, Jane thought lots of things. She deemed that it was not the life she

wanted. Everything around her was unfair. Locked in that gloomy and cold red room all afternoon, Jane?s mind was filled with terror, and all her heart was tumultuous.

Jane was a strong girl and never gave up striving and rebelling. At sometimes, she even thought of a new means to escape from these disgusting days. She knew it was pointless in pleasing them, s ince the family Reed didn?t like her from their heart. Each of them looked down on her, considered that she was poor and not pretty. So it was meaningless to integrate her into these persons. They were not worth getting any respect and sympathy from Jane. She thought it was she that did not fit to associate with them, but they had no qualifications to associate with her. The thinking of Jane Eyre was obviously contrary to the current of thought at that time. The ideological trend in the 19th century of British was male priority. Women had not the equal right to men. And the only thing which they could do was to obey, to yield and to resign them. In the terms of Jane?s rebellion, it was like a joke for women, even though someone having s uch idea, they could not put it into practice.

However, Jane, we have seen that, was a different girl. She dared to think and act. Persisting all the way, she was rather out of herself. She had conscious that now that, it was impossible to please them, th en she would rather to become rebel slave. The novel had pointed out that “they had got me by this time into the apartment indicated by Mrs. Reed, and had thrust me upon a stool: my impulse was to rise from it like a spring(Charlotte Bronte2008:9) ” you ca n imagine, at that time, if someone laid upon you, do you dare rebel? However, looking at Jane Eyre, she jumped up instinctively. So the consciousness of the rebellion in the red room was more and more strong.

2.3 Rebellion in the front of Mrs. Reed

From chapter 1 to chapter 4, the author described the Jane?s living in family Reed. And in Gateshead, the dialogue between Mrs. Reed and Jane Eyre could well display her rebellions. In Gateshead, Jane suffered from lots of difficulties. While when faced with so many different kinds of revilement, Jane had not shown any sign of fright. Instead, she gave the powerful words to hit back. Her reason told her that it was not the time that she would be yielded. As Jane cried out as leaning over the banister, “they are not fit to associate with me.” (Charlotte Bronte2008:33)Mrs. Reed was so angry when hearing it, and then dragged her into the nursery, pressed her on the edgy of the bed and said” dared me in an emphatic voice to rise from that place”(Charlotte Bronte2008:33)then, Jane talked it back immediately, “what would uncle Reed say to you, if he were live?”These words shocked Mrs. Reed; her eyes were tangled with terror. She did not think that such little girl had so great power and courage to speak to her. In Mr s. Reed?s heart, there was also a slight of fright, and also just like people living at that period.

People who dare to defiant are usually hardy and study. We should respect them. In the days of nursery, Jane was always striving. Often, she was thinking about how to say her inner thoughts out. She had been abused mercilessly for a long time. But unfortunately, there was no any good idea for her to escape from it. The only thing that she could do was to rebel, which was the best way that could protect her. If not do so, the rest of the world for her was only the death. When thought of this point, she would gather all her energy and gave Mrs. Reed a forceful hit-back. She said to Mrs. Reed” I am not deceitful: if I were you, I should say I love you: but I declare I do not love you: I dislike you the worst of anybody in the world except the John Reed: and this book about the liar, you may give your girl, Georgiana, for it is she tells lies, and not I” (Charlotte Bronte2008:46) how joyful and comfortable for Jane as she was saying these words. Afraid as she was, Jane still continued to say “I am glad you are no relation of mine, I will never call you aunt as long as I live, and I will never come to see you when I am grown up.” (Charlotte

Bronte2008:46)“How dare I? Mrs. Reed? It is the truth. You have no pity I shall remember”(Charlotte Bronte2008:46)she said it extremely excited. Jane busted all her bad emotions that bad been oppressed for a long time. No wonder even herself said when she had not finished the reply, her soul began to expand, with the strange feeling of freedom, of triumph. Upon this Jane gained a psychological victory over the gorgon aunt. ( 王姝，庄严2007:161) So dear readers, when you see this point of the novel. Don?t you think the rebellion of J ane at this time had extended to another degree? Only a ten-year-old girl had such kind of courage against the things that she thought unfair.

2.3.1 Characteristics of Mrs. Reed

Mrs. Reed…s attitude towards Jane was always aloof, and full of taut. In fac t, Mrs. Reed was a mean, snobby, selfish, merciless and indifferent woman. She thought Jane was a poor, short and not beautiful girl. Besides these, she still considered that Jane was a precious actress: and sincerely looked on her as a compound of virulent passions, mean spirit and dangerous duplicity. So no matter what Jane did, it was useless to make Mrs. Reed happy.

Additionally, she was a hard-stone woman. Just we have known Jane was cruelly put into the gloomy red-room by Mrs. Reed and she had to stand the horror that should not a ten-year-old girl could endure. No matter how she pleaded to Mrs. Reed, all the efforts were in vain. Mrs. Reed did not agree to release her, no matter how Jane cried loudly with all her efforts. But at last, the result she got was only a cold piece of words---let her alone. “It was just her naughty trick” (Charlotte Bronte2008:18)Mrs. Reed said. Readers who have read the novel know that even at the end of the story, Mrs. Reed did not want to apologize to her.

What?s more? Mrs. Reed was a woman who are soft afraid of hard. Those who had a little money often looked down upon the poor, which had formed a social atmosphere. And if there were a person who had a big power, she would respect him. However, Mrs. Reed was a right person that belonged to this kind. She disliked Jane very much, so later decided to send Jane to the school so that she could live a tranquil life. Of course, the school was not very generous or decent. Just like the charity. But in fact it was the half-charity school. Before sending Jane to the school, Mr. Brocklehurst, the founder of the Lowood, came to Gateshead to know about something about Jane. Mrs. Reed said many uncomfortable words about her. She told Mr. Brocklehurst that Jane was a liar. And no one could be naughtier than her. Jane was so sad to hear these slander words. She tried her best to repress her sorrow and wiped the tears harshly. At this moment, no one could help her. All of miserable things were put on the Jane?s shoulder. What a resolute girl is!

In our realistic life, many people are like Mrs. Reed who is a mean and snobbish person. They think they have money, so they have right to order people what they want them to do. Actually, everyone is equal. Everyone is a free man. They don?t belong to any person. So if you were in the Jane?s shoes, what will you do?

2.3.2 Through Rebelling against Mrs. Reed to See Today

We can borrow the example of rebelling against Mrs. Reed to see ourselves. Without doubt the defiance of Jane Eyre was shocking and surprising in the 19th century. Thus it explained that people at that time especially the feminine that on the behalf of Charlotte Bronte had a strong consciousness to rebel. But Charlotte had her own limitation because of the era. So the reason why she shaped a figure, Jane Eyre, was that Charlotte just wanted to pour her all feelings which were impossible to give out at that time upon Jane, through describing the strong defiance on Jane to shout out her voice. Such rebellion is like the old China. When foreigners opened

Chinese door by artilleries, the Chinese were still dreaming. But for some intellectuals who had been to foreign countries and received the western education, such as Lin Zexu, Weiyuan, the Chinese still had had no idea that what they should do. Mr. Luxun abandoned medical for literature. The only purpose was to wake up the all Chinese who were in the state of numb. Only with the rebellion could our country stand up. Only with the rebellion could our country keep her dignity. Only with the rebellion could we have freedom and independence and not bullied by imperialists any longer. Imaging that if at that time we did not stand up to rebel, and then our country would be divided into several parts and we would live under these evils domination. There were no rights that would really belong to us. We were even their slaves and were at the mercy of them. So horrible it was. Rebelling is definitely a best way to obtain your own benefits. Taking another case for example, the atmosphere of owing empl oyee?s money is common. Some bosses even delay to pay for money for many months. So in order to get what they should get, these workers begin to be united to rebel. Of course, they win at last.

Let?s back to look at Jane Eyre. If Jane was surrendered by M rs. Reed, then there was no doubt that she could have chance to get the love from Mr. Rochester and her life would be much more miserable than now.

3. in the Lowood (Development of Rebellion)

Jane left the Gateshead finally, the place in which brought her very painful memory. The life in Lowood was a new start for Jane. Lowood was a half-charity school founded by Mr. Brocklehurst. In fact, the living conditions of this school were so miserable that few people could endure them, let alone these weak children. Those who were lived here always suffering starvation and chill. What?s more? Mr. Brocklehurst was a mean man and didn?t willing to spend more money adding a bit of clothes and food. He often said that these children should be cultivated a kind of spirits, that was the hardship. Only experiencing this hardship, they would grow up and understand the meaning of treasure. However, for himself and his family, each of them wore luxurious clothes and had an extravagant life. Of course, in Jane Eyre?s opinion a ll of these were not fair. Nevertheless, she still thought the life in Lowood was much better than in Gateshead.

No one in Lowood liked Mr. Brocklehurst, so there was a piece of hope that Jane could depend on her own efforts to win respect and friends. So it was. She was quite lucky to meet with Helen Burns in Lowood, Burns was a well-learned girl, and she loved Jane. Always she would enlighten Jane to put down the things with a relaxed heart. Jane also learned many reasons from her. The rebellion in Lowood mainly reflects on the conversation between Jane and Burns. Through Burns we can know the apparent characteristic of rebellion on Jane Eyre. It means that Jane was different from these people who had been used to being oppressed by capitalists. Seeing from it, we know Burns was also in this kind, for she was a girl who did not know how to protect herself when facing with insult. Jane was quite amazing about this and even told her we shouldn?t be oppressed by these evils. On the contrary, we should rebel a gainst them so that our respect could not be insulted and obtain what we should have gotten. It was our rights to do so. But Burns thought anther way, she said it was just her destiny; we could not choose it and escaped from it. So from this point we could know Burns was a cowardly girl and was not as brave as Jane.

Except Burns Helen, not all people did Jane dislike in Lowood, such as Miss. Temple. Miss. Temple was Jane?s favorite teacher. She was a decent, well-learned and warm-hearted lady. She believed Jane was a good student and encouraged her all the way. Furthermore Miss. Temple

appreciated Burns? wisdom. Not only Jane but also Burns loved to stay with her, for they thought they could get warmth and inspiration from Miss. Temple. When Mr. Brocklehurst told everyone that Jane was a liar, almost each people chose to be silent though they knew maybe Jane was innocent, except Miss. Temple. Only Miss. Temple knew it was just an accident for Jane and counseled her gently that she wouldn?t be punished, enc ouraging Jane to tell her the truth that to the great extent comfort Jane?s heart. The story lifts the rebellion to the greatness.

3.1 Analyzing the Rebellion of Jane Eyre through Burns

The person, Helen Burns, under author?s written, played a very important role in Jane Eyre? s childhood. Either in the Lowood or in the Jane?s whole life, she could be undoubtedly considered as Jane?s friend. Burns was the first person to speak with Jane in the Lowood. And her well-learned knowledge, wisdom were attracted by Jane deeply. Jane respected and admired Burns, for she thought that Burns had a lot of experience and full of knowledge which could bring joy to her. Jane loved to be with Burns, for not only she was willing to tell many interesting things, but also the things she described were quite vivid that made Jane fascinate it very much. And what?s more? The things that Burns described were never heard by Jane, which caused her great interests. They were so mysterious to her.

Nevertheless, there existed the different characteristics between Jane and Burns. Very often, it was difficult for Jane to make it clear that why Burns would think so. For example, sometimes, she would suffer the insult by some teachers in Lowood, but why she did not s trike back. “If I we re you”, Jane said, “I would fight with them” (Charlotte Bronte2008:74)so seen from it, we learned that there was a kind of cowardice in Burns. She was not brave as much as Jane. One day, Burns was punished by Miss. Scatcheded and asked her to stand in the middle of the classroom. In Jane Eyre?s view, this punishment was simply a burning shame. However, what surprised Jane was after being subject to such punishment, Burns could be still so calm, having no complaining words. It seemed that nothing had happened, no crying, no shameful expression on her face. But Jane thought in another way. She thought if she had stood in the front of so many people, she would rather to dig a hole on the ground and jumped into it immediately.

Burns was always telling something about her belief to Jane. She believed in God, trusting that the destiny of everyone had been arranged. No one could change and escaped from it. Furthermore, she thought all of us should believe it. So when faced with the death, she was not afraid of it. “All of things were my fault”(Charlotte Bronte2008:80)she said, “I had no qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault.” (Charlotte Bronte2008:115) But Jane did not think so. She didn?t want to be contented with the things as they were. She was a girl born with strong rebellion. As long as any evil force came to her, a must thing she would do was to be in revolt against them. It was her persistence that made her get what she desired. This persistence was just the quality that Burns was lack of. When Miss. Scatcheded scolded her for not washing her nails, Burns just kept silence and didn?t account for any reasons. From this point, Jane could not understand why Burns did not explain. Why she didn?t say because of the freezing water, she had no idea to wash her nails. Jane really could not understand it. And then, after that, it was amazing for Jane to see Burns presented the cane to Miss. Scatcheded with a respectful curtsey and she was just at the mercy of Miss. Scatcheded. Readers, maybe you can guess what her face expressions were. Yes, there were not any sense of shame, no tear, and no pains.

Meanwhile, what did Jane think about in her mind? She thought only in the forceful way, could we protect ourselves. If not, death would be waiting for us. After that, Jane asked Burns why could that Miss. be so cruel to her, but the answer she got was Miss. Scatcheded was only

sever, and she hated Burns? deficits. “And if I were in your place I should dislike he r; I should resist her; if she struck me with that rod, I should get it from her hand; I should break it under her nose.” (Charlotte Bronte2008:75) That was the answer of Jane Eyre.

3.2 Rebelling against Mr. Brocklehurst

In this novel, the author described Mr. Brocklehurst not more than two chapters. But nevertheless, we cannot neglect the influence on Jane?s life. As we all know, Mr. Brocklehurst was not only a mean man, but also a snob man, though he was the founder of the Lowood. So at the Lowood School, he could enjoy the most favorable right. However, all Students in school hated him. He was not a person who was deserved to respect. Jane disliked him, either. When Mr. Brocklehurst had came to Gateshead for the first time, she regarded him as the same kind of people as Mrs. Reed. Especially, as Mrs. Reed told him that Jane was not a good girl, quite naughty and good at lying. Mr. Brocklehurst fully believed her. He said Mrs. Reed was pious and charitable. Jane should have thanked to her. But she didn?t. Later at Lowood, he scolded Jane that she was an ungrateful girl. This girl should have belonged to the God, but now she became one of us. As a matter of fact, she was alien from us. Apparently, she was an interloper. Everyone had better far away from her. Nothing she had done was wrong. Such caustic words hurt Jane deeply. She thought everything she had done was in vain.” Can I stand up again?” she asked herself many times. While as long as there was a piece of hope, she would have a sense of rebellion. She tried her best to study hard in order to get the respect and reorganization from other students and teachers. Jane would not reconciled herself to failure, and reluctant to resign to these sharp words that might ruin her future. When Mr. Brocklehurst wanted to cut the long hair of all students, Jane Eyre thought he was a stuffy man. What?s more? Mr. Brocklehurst punished Jane to stand on the chair in front of all persons. As Jane had said that she could not bear such insult, but now she was doing this awful thing.(李琳琳2008:234)The feelings of inward were beyond the description. While in her heart, a group of flaming fire was burning. She wanted to escape from it, but no any idea.

4. in the Thornfield (Climax of Rebellion)

The description of Thornfield?s days is the most important part of this novel. Meanwhile, it played a very significant role in Jane Eyre?s life. T his part is the climax of rebellion, for here, she experienced the most sensational love and found Mr. Rochester who became Jane?s husband lat er. But it was not so smooth when they were together. In this part, we can see the rebellion spirit of Jane Eyre move forward a further step. It seemed that this characteristic was more mature than before. The living in Lowood made Jane quite painful, particularly the leaving of Miss. Temple. So later, Jane decided to find a tutor job by advertising. Being a private tutor, at that time, was not a decent job. Sometimes it was even despised by people. But Jane did not think so. She was willing to do that, because she had felt that she would get a well-being life.

Then she came to the Thornfield. After seeing Fairfax, Jane thought her intuition was right. Readers who read the whole novel knew that the days in Thornfield can best show the rebellion spirit of Jane. Mr. Rochester, he was an indifferent and a stubborn man, but actually in his inner heart, there was full of wisdom. What is more? He was also a kind-hearted gentleman. Though he was nearly more than forty years, Jane was deeply attracted by him and could not extricate herself just because of these qualities.

4.1 Love rebellion

Jane loved Mr. Rochester very much, but in front of him, she was neither servile nor overbearing. And never felt self-abased because of the shortness, not beauty and poverty” we are equal in born”(Charlotte Bronte2008:11), thought Jane. It was just this kind of rare and commendable thinking that won Mr. Rochester?s heart. Seen from the dialogue from Jane and Mr. Rochester, we can easily find that in order to pursue the whole love from Mr. Rochester, Jane was fighting for the traditional idea all the time. She loved Mr. Rochester deeply, but when Jane had found herself had fallen in love with him, she tried everything to repress her affection. Knowing that when Mr. Rochester would get married to Miss. Ingram, Jane set her teeth and then said to him firmly” I must leave you and Thornfield, I must! ” (Charlotte Bronte2008:372)“no, you must s tay”(Charlotte Bronte2008:372)said Rochester. “I tell you I must go. Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automation? ---A machine without feelings? Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong. I have as much as you---and full as much heart!” (Charlotte Bronte2008:372)Jane Eyre retorted.

Thus it can be seen that the holding capacity of Jane?s mind was so great. She respected the Mr. Rochester?s decision. The house would welcome the new hostess, so it was meaningless for Jane to still stay here. She did n?t want to be painful again. While the surprising was that the wife that Mr. Rochester really wanted to marry was no other than Jane Eyre. Amazed and excited, Jane agreed to be his wife. The heaven was always fond of playing a joke on people. It was on Ja ne?s marrying day that she knew in fact Mr. Rochester had a legal wife and she lived in the Thornfield unexpectedly. Undoubtedly, it was a grief attack to Jane. What a piece of miserable news for her. But she was not glad to be status which the society assigned, (廖素清2007:23) and she desired a noble and pure love. Every time, when people can reach their happiness by a finger?s breadth, it always slipped from their hands. When wanted to kiss Jane Eyre, she just only turned over her face. Because she knew at this moment, Mr. Rochester did not belong to her any more. He had been not the person who was used to be. He had a wife though she was insane. No matter how Jane loved Mr. Rochester, she could not persuade herself to be married with him. For Jane, the every action and expression were so familiar to her. She had regarded him as herself. No matter what things happened on him, she would stand by him forever. All in all, Mr. Rochester was her all treasure. Even so, she still refused his ask and resolved to leave him, because she would not bend to the pressure of common customs. (刘莉2008:105)

4.2 Views of their love

As we know, at last, Jane returned to Mr. Rochester although at this time he was a disabled person. Also the majority of his prosperity was burned in a big fire. Jane didn?t care it, as far as she was concerned, she had a very happy life. Actually Jane challenged the traditional thoughts at that British time. For thousands years, affected by Christian, there was a deep-rooted traditional thoughts that feminine should belong to male. This idea dominated the whole society in the 19th century. However, Jane dared to defiant this unreasonable social atmosphere and the custom of stereotype. This part shows us a new idea that on marriage, man and woman is equal. Judged a man?s value cannot depend on his wealth and social status, and a woman, cannot depend on her appearance, charm and sex. On the contrary, we should look at her thoughts, intelligent and quality. (龚轶2010:91)Woman is not the commodity and man was not the buyer. So is the marriage. Only two persons have the common goals, they will be together and have a happy life. Just like Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. However, in today?s china, there are still many girls afraid to pursue their love and marriage. Many of them even think her boyfriend or her man should have house and lots of money so that their marriage will be last. It is not exactly, seeing from the love between Jane and Mr. Rochester. We should follow our heart and seize our own

happiness.

5. In the Moor House (Anti-climax of rebellion)

Jane resolutely left Thornfield, and reached a sparsely populated place by hardship. Luckily, she met with St. John and his sisters. Looking at the end of the story, we know as a matter of fact, they were Jane?s family. Don?t mention how joyful she was, because in her eyes, nothing can be more important than this kind of valuable domestic endearments. So Jane treasured it very much, since she thought that was the best thing in this world. Later, Jane got a large amount of money from her Uncle Eyre. All of a sudden, she became a rich girl. She was so happy because the words of poverty, misery were far away from her. She could use this money to help those who need help. What?s more? The thing that surprised people was Jane shared a large sum of money with her brother and sisters. It turned out to be that Jane was not only kind-hearted, but also generous.(汪正平2006:70)The rebellion spirits was also shown on this fine point. Compared with the worldly idea in the British of the 19th century, such act made a bright contract with it. Soon, Jane became a teacher and won all people?s respect on her own great effort. Days in the Moor House were a sweet experience. Diana and Marry were easy to get along with. These three girls had the same interesting and similar taste.

The atmosphere gave people a feeling of harmony which temporarily let Jane forget the miserable memory. St. John was Jane?s elder brother in father?s side. He was a minister and often helped the poor. But he was so crazy to preach the religion. St. John was too stubborn and had no courage to pursue his own happiness. As far as he was considered, marriage for happiness was just like making the crime. The reason why he wanted to be married with Jane was that Jane was the right person who could help him do missionary work. But Jane held the opposite attitude toward him. As we all know, happy life was very important for Jane. If there was no basis of love, she would never make a great concession. So when confronting the St. John?s proposal, Jane would refuse him purposefully. Just what she had said “as your sisters, I might accompany him---not as your wife: I will tell you so.”(Charlotte Bronte2008:613) Jane just regarded him as her brother. What she desired the love was pure not mingled with any religious element. If she accepted such marriage, then Jane would suffer from stringent yoke, and her heart and mind would not be free.” You are the person who I want” (Charlotte Bronte2008:606) said St. John. “I scorn your i dea of love,” (Charlotte Bronte2008:606) Jane retorted. St. John was very shocked that Jane would say so. He was disappointed because he met the resistance from Jane.

As a modern feminine, we should learn such kind of spirit. Marriage was built on the basic of the affection between two persons. One never can impose his or her idea on the other one. If you get a marriage with a person that you have no feelings, then your marriage was a filature. However, in today?s China, the viewpoints of the marriage have been changed a lot. People especially many Misses choose their marriage depending on whether the man has houses or cars and how much money was put into the banks.(易文琴2010:6)Of course, everyone is eager to have a pure piece of love. While facing of the money, they cannot resist such temptation. In China?s some rural area, parents usually take complete care of your marriage. From finding boyfriend to getting married, you just like an outsider. As a matter of fact, only a few of couples will get their happy l ife. So don?t you think it is a sad thing? If these feminine can take up their courage to rebel, just like Jane Eyre, their livings must be different.

Conclusion

What enlightenments can we get from Jane? First of all, you should have a bright aim, knowing that what kind of things you really desire. Living a happy and well-being life was the thing that Jane Eyre had been always pursuing. She was reluctant to be oppressed by religious. In her eyes, each of person was equal and has right to get her freedom that should have belonged to her.We cannot be afraid of any evils, learning to take up arms to protect ourselves from being hurt. Rebellion was the best weapon for Jane Eyre. Each time, when she was abused by Mrs. Reed and John Reed, she would try her best to fight with them, just like a spring, not easy to be stricken down. She was a girl who can be conciliatory as well as ruthless. Yes, that is the spirit which we should learn. In our daily life, sometimes we will meet with such situation that you are bullied by someone. But in order to make a harmonious atmosphere, you bear him again and again. However, things always go the reverse way. The more you want to bear him, the more he will trouble you. So at that time, choosing keeping silence was not a wise choice. It is time for you to have a rebellion, maybe it is not so serious, but you should learn to protect yourselves. Second, we should be independent. Jane Eyre is a good example for us no matter the age that she lived in and the times we are in. As a feminine, we should be much more independent than male, for even today?s society, the feudalism thought of male priority is deep-rooted in people?s mind. Jane Eyre was a miracle in such society. Thirdly, the novel tells us that we should learn to respect everyone. Whatever whether they are poor or rich, strong or weak, pretty or ugly, since each of them is equal. Each one has rights to obtain what they want to pursue. The most beautiful thing in our life is a person?s respect and love. After all, in our m odern society, people will think money is powerful, and even for this equivalence, you should use money to realize it. If you have money, you can do many things, such as charity. Lots of people pursue money crazily, choosing wealth between poor and rich. There are even a lot of people would like to choose the fortune rather than be together with their lover. However, Jane, we have seen that she preferred to throw away everything rather than give up the love of Rochester and her self-respect. She refused St. John?s proposal, the only reason was to get a real love. As a matter of fact, she was simple girl just want to have a whole love. Yes, marriage is not a game. We should have a right attitude towards it.

Bibliography

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[2] Li Zhou., “Bertha Jane Eyre?s darkest and truest double” Paragraph 6 (2010)

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Acknowledgement

This is in Mr. Li carefully guidance and strong support of my classmates. I would like to take this chance to thank heavily to those who have ever helped me complete this essay. Firstly, I am extremely grateful to Teacher Li, with strict and tireless attitude, helped me revise it and also gave me a lot of suggestions. Without these valuable help and generous encouragement, the present essay would not be completed smoothly. His vast knowledge made me broaden my eyes and open my minded. What?s more? I am so glad that I can benefit from his personality of diligent which will treasure my whole life.

Secondly, I want to thank to my friends and classmates who offered me many useful information, especially Xiao ting Chen and Liking Hua. They provided me with valuable advice in the course of preparing paper.

Thirdly, I should thank to myself. I always believe that there are no pains, no gains.

Besides, I would like to give my gratitude to all the other teachers that taught me in the past two years in Quanzhou Normal University.

Finally, I would like to thank to the bibliographies I referred and all those who spare their time to read my paper. My heart swells with gratitude to all these people

[摘要]

《简爱》是十九世纪英国文学史上一部伟大的作品。该作品对当时英国社会传统的价值观形成了鲜明对比，而且其出自于女性之手——夏洛蒂·勃朗特。在当时，男尊女卑现象占据着社会主导地位，在那时的社会，文学不是女人的事业，而女人也不应该以文学为事业。因此夏洛蒂·勃朗特所写的这部作品是极为震撼的，并且极具有挑战性。本文旨在简要概述简爱的反抗精神以及从中获得的感想。主人公忍受来自封建社会的各种压迫，但是她不屈不挠，以她的顽强，聪慧，善良，纯洁，让她赢得了自尊，获得了自由和一份伟大而又无私的爱情。相信许多读者特别是身处逆境的女性朋友们读完该作品后都会从中得到很大的鼓励。论文通过具体的例子来说明简爱的反抗特点，并阐述从中获得的启示。

[关键词]

简爱；反抗；启示