In my AP English Literature class this past spring, I had the privilege of reading two amazing novels, “Pride and Prejudice” and “Jane Eyre.” For my assignment, I wrote a paper exploring how each piece resonates with the other. Below, I share this paper. I hope it convinces you to delve into these novels if you have yet to. I hope it serves as a valuable resource for comparing them if you have. Or, I hope it simply offers helpful insights into the universal gender roles addressed in each work- regardless if you read the novels or not…
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre share striking parallels. Both novels are set against the backdrop of 19th-century England. Both follow the endeavors of young women grappling with rigid social structures. And both feature main characters equipped with independence and integrity. Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates courtship and marriage. In doing so, she refuses to compromise her integrity for the sake of her family’s or society’s approval. Brontë’s work introduces readers to Jane Eyre, a resilient and principled governess. Orphaned at a young age and subjected to a harsh childhood, Jane emerges with strength that she carries with her from Lowood School to Thornfield Hall to her relationship with Mr. Rochester. As Elizabeth and Jane navigate the expectations and constraints of their respective worlds, a common theme resonates in both narratives: the importance of maintaining one’s integrity in the face of gender norms. However, Pride and Prejudice offers a more idealized version of this argument to suggest it is possible to completely defy these norms. Conversely, Jane Eyre offers a more nuanced perspective. Brontë acknowledges the difficulty of challenging deeply entrenched gender discriminations, specifically within interpersonal relationships.
Jane Austen clearly establishes the expectations imposed on women during the Regency era. Particularly, her narrative focuses heavily on the expectations for women to marry for financial security and social status. This norm is exemplified in the character of Mr. Collins- who stands to inherit the Longbourn estate upon the death of Mr. Bennet. Preceding his visit to the Bennets, Mr. Collins reflects:
“Having now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended to marry… he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by the common report. This was his plan of amends- of atonement- for inheriting their father’s estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part” (Austen 70-71).
The exceptionally ironic tone of this passage stands out. Mr. Collins congratulates himself for the “excessively generous” act of choosing to marry one of the daughters whose inheritance he is about to enjoy. The juxtaposition of Mr. Collins’ well-devised “plan of amends” to his self-proclaimed “disinterest” highlights the lack of self-awareness and narcissism he exhibits. The irony of this passage- and the character of Mr. Collins as a whole- works to establish the gender norms permeating society. Mr. Collins’ belief that he is bestowing a favor upon the Bennet sisters by considering them as potential wives reflects the patriarchal values of the Regency era. Women are viewed as commodities to be traded in marriage for financial gain. In turn, a woman’s worth is determined by her ability to secure a suitable match. Mr. Collins’ obliviousness to the inherent inequality underlying his intentions and his self-congratulatory tone underscores the deeply ingrained misogyny of the society in which he operates.
In the face of these gender expectations, Austen establishes an argument about the importance of maintaining one’s integrity. This prioritization of one’s agency and principles amidst these oppressive gender norms is best exemplified in the character of Elizabeth Bennet. In a conversation with her sister, Elizabeth reflects:
“The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense. I have met with two instances lately; one I will not mention; the other is Charlotte’s marriage. It is unaccountable!” ( Austen 133).
The use of the words “merit” and “sense” carry significant implications. “Merit” connotes one’s internal goodness and honesty. “Sense” represents a fundamental aspect of human nature that guides behavior and interactions. Despite the perception that these qualities are inherent and should therefore be reliable, Elizabeth implies the opposite: they can be easily distorted by societal expectations and biases. By acknowledging this distortion and critiquing it as “unaccountable,” Elizabeth reveals her commitment to authenticity. While Elizabeth articulates this commitment in the quote, she embodies integrity by upholding this commitment in her decision making. She refuses Mr. Collins’ proposal- despite the material gain and familial approval it would bring her. Later, she rejects Mr. Darcy’s offer- refusing to allow his rank and money to persuade her into what she deems a loveless marriage. Despite the ease in which “merit” and “sense” can be clouded by societal expectations, Elizabeth remains true to her values of authenticity laid out in the quote and goes on to exemplify this autonomy through her actions.
In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, the backdrop of gender norms is just as pronounced. However, Austen and Brontë diverge in the aspects of gender discrimination that they emphasize. While Pride and Prejudice focuses heavily on the societal pressures of women to marry, Jane Eyre expands on this to delve into the subordination demanded of women in society. Brontë depicts the power imbalances experienced by women through the dynamic between Rochester and Jane.
The language Rochester uses towards Jane exposes his perception of authority and control over her. For instance, after assigning Jane to watch over Mason when he is attacked, Rochester remarks, “I should have been a careless shepherd if I had left a lamb- my pet lamb- so near a wolf’s den” (Brontë 253). The metaphor of the lamb and the shepherd unveils a power imbalance between Jane and Rochester. Lambs are traditionally associated with innocence and gentleness. By likening Jane to a lamb, Rochester evokes the image of her as naive and weak. Furthermore, Rochester’s designation of Jane as “my pet lamb” illustrates his possessiveness. Not to mention, the term “pet” implies ownership and reinforces the notion that Jane is dependent on Rochester for guidance and protection. Given the context of Rochester’s constant assertion that Jane is his intellectual match, the contrast presented in this quote underscores the deeply ingrained power dynamics in society.
This contrast qualifies the portrayal of gender norms in Pride and Prejudice. Austen’s narrative focuses more on broader societal expectations regarding marriage while Jane Eyre delves into the intricacies of individual relationships and power dynamics. Elizabeth can easily critique relationships, like Charlotte’s with Collins, from an outsider’s perspective. Conversely, Jane struggles to recognize the imbalance in her own relationship with Rochester. Even in Elizabeth’s proposal refusals, she has a certain distance from both Collins and Darcy that allows her to reject them without deeply personal repercussions. However, Jane’s relationship with Rochester is deeply personal and makes it difficult for Jane to identify the inequalities present. Thus, this complexity in Jane Eyre modifies the portrayal of gender norms in Pride and Prejudice and highlights the often difficult-to-detect nature of gender imbalances in reality.
Similar to Pride and Prejudice, however, Brontë also emphasizes the importance of upholding one’s integrity in the face of these gender norms. Jane possesses a strong moral compass- and she makes it known to readers and the characters around her. This manifests most explicitly in her refusal of Mr. Rochester’s proposal after discovering his existing marriage. When Mr. Rochester implores her to “‘be still; don’t struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rendering its own plumage in its desperation,’” she courageously declares that, “‘I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you’” ( Brontë 297). The metaphor of the bird highlights the contrast between Mr. Rochester’s perspective and Jane’s convictions. Mr. Rochester interprets her refusal to marry him as succumbing to societal expectations- like a bird “ensnared” by the norms that would view the marriage as scandalous. The mention of the word “plumage” carries noteworthy implications as this part of the bird often features the vibrant colors and patterns that differentiate species. In using this term, Mr. Rochester essentially suggests that Jane is sacrificing her individuality in conforming to said societal demands. However, Jane’s response rejects this metaphor and asserts her humanity. Jane is not a puppet controlled by gender and social norms, but instead a woman driven by her own moral compass. She doesn’t refuse Mr. Rochester to please society, but instead to please herself. What Rochester did is unthinkable to her, and she chooses to leave him because of her own convictions. Just as Elizabeth faces the societal repercussions for rejecting her marriage proposals, Jane’s refusal leads to her own material and soul-wrecking detriment. Yet, she places nothing above her self-respect in this proclamation.
However, the conclusion of the novel contradicts Jane’s earlier assertion as she ultimately ends up with Rochester. Some readers may justify their relationship and argue that Jane and Rochester meet on more equal ground at the end of the novel. Jane’s newfound wealth contrasts with Rochester’s loss of property, and his disability juxtaposes her physical capability. While these imbalances shift, however, their distinct gender roles persist unchanged. This is best exemplified in the conversation between Rochester and Jane once they reunite, where Rochester asks “And you will stay with me?” and Jane responds “Certainly- unless you object. I will be your neighbor, your nurse, your housekeeper” (Brontë 508). Despite her newfound power over Rochester in terms of both wealth and physicality, Jane fails to acknowledge the power imbalances inherent in their relationship and stemming from gender. This is epitomized by her use of the words “nurse” and “housekeeper”- which are steeped in societal expectations for women. The word “nurse” evokes images of care and nurturing. Most importantly, within the context of the novel, it also symbolizes subordination. Nurses, despite their vital role in caregiving, are always positioned beneath doctors in the hierarchy of medical professions. Similarly, the term “housekeeper” carries connotations of domestic servitude and dependence. Like nurses, they are at the mercy of the household’s head. Thus, Jane’s compliance with these roles signifies her submission to gender norms of obedience and subjugation. Therefore, Brontë presents an argument about the complexities of discerning and challenging gender norms. Despite Jane’s repeated refusals to conform to societal expectations, her ultimate decision to remain in a relationship marked by power imbalances illustrates the difficulty of translating principles into action.
Therefore, Jane Eyre challenges Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth steadfastly maintains her integrity, whereas Jane’s journey is much less linear. Opponents to this view may argue that Elizabeth’s independence also falters- given both novels’ eventual adherence to the marriage plot. Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s proposal and Jane accepts Rochester. However, a significant distinction lies in the fact that Elizabeth’s relationship is rooted in mutual respect, while Jane’s is based on Rochester’s infatuation with her innocence. In Pride and Prejudice, Darcy values Elizabeth for her outspokenness and strength. After Elizabeth accepts his proposal, she questions, “‘Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?’ ‘For the liveliness of your mind, I did.’ ‘You may as well call it impertinence at once’” ( Austen 368). Essentially, Darcy falls for Elizabeth because she is rude to him. This carries profound implications given the context of the Regency era where women were expected to be reserved and submissive. Darcy, instead, admires Elizabeth for her defiance of these norms. This underscores the uniqueness of their relationship in that it transcends conventional gender expectations and power dynamics.
Conversely, Rochester’s affection for Jane stems from a different source. And he explicitly reveals so when they confront his deranged wife in the attic: “‘And this is what I wished to have’ (laying his hand on my shoulder): ‘this young girl, who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon” (Brontë 343). While Darcy falls for Elizabeth because of her vivacity, Rochester does so because of Jane’s “quiet.” While Darcy’s affection challenges traditional gender norms, Rochester’s preference stems from Jane’s youth (“young girl”) and innocence- which he emphasizes in the quote and time and time again throughout the novel. Moreover, the religious symbolism of the “mouth of hell” and “gambols of the demon” adds complexity to their relationship given the context of the novel. Christianity serves as a prevailing theme and is often employed to justify reprehensible actions. Brocklehurst uses religion as an excuse to abuse and starve the girls of his school. St. John manipulates religion to coerce Jane- his cousin- into marrying him and traveling to a foreign country where she is bound to die a tragic death. This recurring motif of religion being exploited to oppress women underscores the significance of its inclusion in Rochester’s declaration of love for Jane. Essentially, his admiration stems from her perceived submissiveness. Hence, while both novels comment on the presence of gender norms in society and the importance of maintaining one’s integrity in confronting them, they also offer contrasting perspectives. Pride and Prejudice presents a roadmap for challenging and ultimately rejecting these norms successfully. Jane Eyre complicates this narrative by emphasizing the formidable task of confronting deeply entrenched gender discriminations within society and interpersonal relationships.
The theme of integrity in the face of gender norms is also evident in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and through the character of Getrude. Although she lives in a society that demands compliance and naivety from women, Getrude stands apart. She defies her son, her religion, and her husband. Despite Hamlet’s reproach for her marriage to Claudius, she makes no attempt to deny his accusations. Despite the church’s condemnation of marrying one’s brother-in-law as incestuous, she does so anyway. Most significantly, despite Claudius’s warning to not drink the poisoned wine, she insists on it- which exposes Claudius’s plan and assures his death. Through her defiance, she brings down the corrupt order around her. While Gertrude’s rebellion is much more dramatic than rejecting marriage proposals, a similar lesson resonates with Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre: defying gender norms is morally imperative. Elizabeth’s integrity leads her to wait for a marriage founded on love and respect. Gertrude’s resilience results in the downfall of the man who murdered her husband and plotted against her son. It goes both ways for the ambiguous case of Jane: her defiance against St. John ensures her physical well-being, while her acceptance of Rochester leads her perpetually relegated to a position of inferiority and subordination.
These three characters, and their associated levels of integrity, resonate deeply with me as a woman on the brink of graduation. Each of their stories teaches me the importance of authenticity and self respect. As I step into college and beyond, I’ll inevitably encounter societal expectations: pressures to conform to traditional gender roles, expectations regarding career paths, societal standards for success, and more. However, each of these three women shed insight to the broader theme of integrity. As I’m off to new places and to meet new people, Elizabeth reminds me of the importance of cultivating relationships grounded in mutual respect. In facing the inevitable challenges ahead, Jane emphasizes that maintaining integrity is not an easy process- and that it is essential to align my actions with my principles. And as I assume greater responsibilities, Gertrude echoes that defiance against injustices can be a catalyst for positive societal change. Ultimately, the parallels between Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and even Hamlet, offer insights into the complexities of gender norms and the unwavering importance of integrity.