Oppression, Suffering, and Poverty of Men in Jane Eyre Essay

The novel Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontà «, depicts the coming of age of a woman who encounters great hardships, obstacles, and heartbreak. During the Victorian era women were subordinate to men and often times lacked the same opportunities and privileges that society and the family structure gave to men. Although society and the family structure of the Victorian era treated men and women differently, men were also oppressed, experienced suffering, and had to overcome poverty, but due to the masculinity that men were forced to portray during the era often times the hardships of men have been overlooked when analyzing the men in Jane Eyre. The characters John Reed, St. John Rivers, and Edward Rochester suffer various forms of lack and poverty†¦show more content†¦When explaining the outcome of John’s life to Jane Robert Leaven says: [John] could not do worse: he ruined his health and his estate amongst the worst men and the worst women. He got into debt and into jail: his mother helped him out twice, but as soon as he was free he returned to his old companions and habits. His head was not strong: the knaves he lived amongst fooled him beyond anything I ever heard. He came down to Gateshead about three weeks ago and wanted missis to give up all to him. Missis refused: her means have long been much reduced by his extravagance; so he went back again, and the next news was that he was dead†¦they say he killed himself. (255-256) John Reed’s social and family structure fails to serve him. Instead of creating an equal and stable life or a wealthier lifestyle with his inheritance he becomes a gambler and loses most of his families wealth and most importantly his life. Not only does he impact and ruin his life, but also he causes his mother to have a stroke and eventually her death. John Reed appeared to have power and wealth, but because the stress and constraints that society placed upon him he crumbled and fell victim to ruin. John Reeds lack of a fatherly figure to aid in his guidance and the structure of his social and family aspect of life helped lead to his suffering in the novel. Overall there exists a dominating moral suffering for the male characters in the story. Similar to JohnShow MoreRelatedCharlotte Bronte: The Social Critic1732 Words   |  7 Pagesworld. Charlotte Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Jane Eyre had a similar effect upon the mindset of Victorian society, as its publication ended the silence on social justice and set off an ‘eruption’, leading to sweeping reforms. The novel revolves around the moral and spiritual journey of Jane Eyre, an orphan who values freedom and struggles to break free of Victorian-era standards. Brontà « satirizes these standards through her portrayal of the lower classes, mental illness, and orphans. Jane is critical of Victorian EnglandRead MoreLiterature And Composition Of Jane Eyre2903 Words   |  12 PagesSummer Reading Assignment Name: Bunji Bayasgalan AP Literature and Composition Jane Eyre Before returning to school, you will need to read Jane Eyre and complete this organizer, which will guide your reading and prepare you for the quiz, discussions and related assignments. You may use this packet for the quiz. SECTION 1: Background Research The better you understand the Victorian era, the deeper your understanding of Jane’s experiences (and Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s themes) will be. Use the space below