1

Participants:

Yashal Noor:173

Farzana Khalid :135

Section : E.B

Department : English

Submitted to: Mam Saira Akhtar

Session :2020-20204

Government College Women University Faisalabad

“Analyzing feminism in ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘pride and prejudice ’ through a

comparative lens involves deconstructing the portrayal of women’s roles in both novels.”

Abstract:

This research paper delves into the theme of female empowerment in literature by

comparing Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” with Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane

Eyre.” It analyzes the main female characters in each book, focusing on their

agency, independence, and the societal influences on their experiences. By

examining both novels, it highlights the similarities and differences in Austen’s and

Brontë’s approaches and discusses the implications for understanding female

empowerment in both literature and society. The paper argues that both authors

critique patriarchal norms and emphasize the importance of women’s solidarity for

achieving true empowerment, thus contributing to our comprehension of gender

dynamics in literature and society.

Introduction:

In the 19th century, societal norms confined women in English society to roles as

caregivers and wives. However, Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë challenged these

norms through their novels “Pride and Prejudice” and “Jane Eyre,” respectively.

Their works spotlight the strength of female empowerment during a period of

limited opportunities for women. Through protagonists like Elizabeth Bennet and

Jane Eyre, Austen and Brontë depicted women as resilient individuals who defied

societal expectations. This comparative analysis delves into how these authors

portrayed female empowerment, exploring similarities and differences in their

depiction of female protagonists and the obstacles they confront. Additionally, it

examines the cultural and societal influences on women’s experiences in 19 th

century England as reflected in the novels. By studying these works, we gain

insights into the changing role of women during this period and its relevance to

contemporary discussions on gender equality and female empowerment

Literary Review:
The examination of female empowerment as depicted in literature has long been a

subject of considerable scrutiny and examination. Particularly during the Georgian

and Victorian periods, there was a notable shift in the portrayal of women in

literature, with female authors challenging the prevailing gender norms that

confined women to domestic roles and marriage. Notable authors of this era, such

as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, explored the theme of female empowerment

in their respective works, “Pride and Prejudice” and “Jane Eyre”.

Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, published in 1813, narrates the journey of

Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who defies societal conventions by refusing to

marry solely for financial security. Through Elizabeth’s narrative, Austen

highlights the struggle for women to assert agency and achieve independence

within a patriarchal milieu. Conversely, Brontë’s “Jane Eyre”, published in 1847,

follows the story of its eponymous protagonist, a governess who challenges

societal expectations dictated by her social status and gender, ultimately attaining

self-realization and empowerment through her own endeavors. Previous scholarly

analyses have delineated the parallels and distinctions in Austen’s and Brontë’s

portrayals of female empowerment. Austen presents Elizabeth Bennet as a resolute

and self-reliant individual who challenges societal conventions and traditions,

while Brontë depicts Jane Eyre as a more radical figure who consistently rebels

against societal norms. Both novels delve into themes of love, marriage, class, and
gender, offering insights into the societal and cultural dynamics that shaped the

female experience in the 19th century. Numerous scholarly inquiries have delved

into the societal and cultural influences that shaped the depiction of women in

literature during the Georgian and Victorian eras. For instance, Showalter’s work

“A Literature of Their Own” highlights how women writers utilized literature as a

platform to articulate their discontent with societal constraints and to assert their

agency. Additionally, scholars such as Gilbert and Gubar have explored the

feminist undertones in 19th-century literature, contending that female authors of the

period employed their literary works to challenge patriarchal structures and

advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. In recent years, the study of

feminist literature has gained prominence, with scholars endeavoring to

contextualize women’s empowerment within historical frameworks and examine

literature’s role in effecting social change. The analysis of “Pride and Prejudice”

and “Jane Eyre” offers valuable insights into the evolving status of women in

English society during the 19th century, shedding light on contemporary discussions

surrounding gender equality and female empowerment.

Objective:

1) Examining how the female protagonists, Elizabeth Bennet and Jane

Eyre, pursue empowerment and independence through their experiences

and actions.
2) Analyzing the societal and cultural influences on women during the

Georgian and Victorian eras as reflected in the novels.

3) Comparing and contrasting Austen’s and Brontë’s portrayal of female

empowerment.

5) Offering insights into the relevance of these works in contemporary

discussions on gender equality and female empowerment.

Female Empowerment in ‘pride and prejudice’:

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” showcases two primary female

characters: Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane Bennet, each possessing

distinctive personalities and strengths. Jane, the elder sister, embodies

feminine grace and virtue, admired for her beauty, gentleness, and

kindness. However, her passive nature and inclination to see the good in

others leave her susceptible to manipulation, as seen in her unfortunate

romance with Mr. Bingley, influenced by Mr. Darcy’s interference.

Contrasting with Jane, Elizabeth is portrayed as independent and

assertive, unafraid to challenge societal norms. Intelligent, witty, and

self-assured, she boldly defends herself and her family, even against

societal expectations. This is evident in her rejection of Mr. Darcy’s

initial proposal, which she finds insulting, and later, her decision to

marry him despite initial objections. In “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth

Bennet emerges as a resilient figure, unafraid to voice her opinions and

defy societal norms. Rejecting the passive role expected of women, she

asserts her autonomy and pursuit of happiness, despite societal

pressures. This defiance is evident in her refusal of Mr. Collins’ marriage

proposal, which would have compromised her independence for

financial security. Similarly, her eventual marriage to Mr. Darcy, despite

initial obstacles, underscores her commitment to personal agency.

Likewise, in “Jane Eyre,” the titular character is depicted as fiercely

independent, refusing subjugation. She demands respect and rejects

traditional female roles, as seen in her interactions with abusive figures

like John Reed and Mr. Rochester. Jane’s resilience enables her to carve

out a fulfilling life beyond societal constraints. Set in a patriarchal

milieu, “Pride and Prejudice” illuminates the struggle for female

empowerment within societal confines. Social class emerges as a pivotal

factor, with upper-class women like Elizabeth afforded greater

educational and social opportunities, enabling them to challenge norms.

Conversely, lower-class women face heightened vulnerability to

oppression and exploitation, as depicted in the novel.

Female Empowerment in Jane Eyre:

Jane Eyre, the eponymous character of Charlotte Brontë’s novel, is a

complex and multifaceted Character who embodies many of the values

and ideals of the feminist movement. Throughout the novel, Jane is

portrayed as a strong-willed and independent individual who is

determined to assert her own Identity and values, and to resist the social

and cultural constraints that seek to limit her potential.

One of the key features of Jane’s character is her fierce independence

and autonomy. From a young age, She is determined to be her own

person, and refuses to be defined or limited by the expectations of

Others. This is evident in her interactions with her aunt and cousins at

Gateshead, where she refuses to Accept their abuse and oppression, and

in her decision to leave Lowood School and seek a new life for

Herself as a governess. Throughout the novel, Jane consistently asserts

her right to be treated with Respect and dignity, and refuses to be

subjugated or oppressed by anyone, no matter their social status

Or gender. Another key aspect of Jane’s character is her sense of moral

and ethical responsibility. She is deeply Committed to justice and One of

the key social factors that shape female empowerment in the novel is the

rigid gender roles and Expectations of Victorian society. During this era,

women were expected to be obedient and submissive, And their primary

role was considered to be that of a wife and mother.

However, Jane challenges these Expectations by refusing to accept the

limited role that society has assigned to her. Instead, she seeks

Her own path in life, and refuses to be defined or limited by the

expectations of others. A second key cultural factor that shapes female

empowerment in the novel is the class structure of Victorian society.

Jane is born into a lower class family, and faces discrimination and

oppression, Because of her social status, throughout the novel.

However, she refuses to be defined by her social Class, and seeks

opportunities to advance herself and to assert her own independence.

This is evident in Her decision to become a governess, which was seen

as a socially acceptable role for women of her Class, and which allows
her to assert her own identity and values. Religion is also a significant

cultural factor that shapes female empowerment in the novel. Victorian

Society is deeply religious, and religious beliefs play a significant role in

shaping gender roles and Expectations. However, Jane’s relationship

with religion is complex, and she often questions the rigid Morality and

judgmental attitudes of those around her. This allows her to develop a

more nuanced and Independent understanding of religion, and to use it

as a tool for personal growth and empowerment.fairness, and is willing

to speak out against injustice and oppression, even When it risks her

own safety and security. This is evident in her decision to leave

Thornfield Hall after Discovering Mr. Rochester’s dark secret, and in her

refusal to marry St. John Rivers, despite his Pressure and manipulation.

Jane Eyre is widely regarded as a groundbreaking work of feminist

literature, and one of the key Themes of the novel is the portrayal of

female agency, independence, and autonomy. Throughout the Novel,

Brontë explored the ways in which social and cultural constraints limit

the potential of women, And highlighted the ways in which women can

assert their own identity and values in the face of these Constraints. The
key way in which Brontë portrays female agency and independence is

through the character of Jane Eyre herself. From a young age, Jane is

determined to be her own person, and to assert her own Values and

beliefs, even when they conflict with the expectations of others. This is

evident in her Interactions with her aunt and cousins at Gateshead,

where she refuses to be subjugated or oppressed, And in her decision to

leave Lowood School and seek a new life for herself as a governess.

Throughout The novel, Jane consistently asserts her right to be treated

with respect and dignity, and refuses to be Defined or limited by the

expectations of others.

Cmparative Analysis:

Both “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane

Austen delve into feminist themes, portraying women’s struggles for

autonomy and self-expression amidst societal constraints. Despite

differing time periods and social contexts, both novels emphasize female

protagonists’ quests for independence, challenging traditional gender

roles and prioritizing personal fulfillment. Bronte and Austen underscore

the significance of education and intellectual prowess for women. Jane

Eyre’s pursuit of learning propels her into teaching, granting her

empowerment and financial autonomy. Similarly, Elizabeth Bennet’s

intelligence and humor in “Pride and Prejudice” defy stereotypes of

women’s intellectual inferiority, showcasing the capacity for women to

intellectually contribute to society. However, Austen and Brontë

approach female empowerment differently. Austen’s portrayal tends to

be subtle and nuanced, with Elizabeth Bennet constrained by societal

norms, navigating them to assert her independence. On the other hand,

Brontë’s approach is more direct, with Jane Eyre actively challenging

societal limitations. Another distinction lies in Austen’s focus on

individual agency, contrasted with Brontë’s emphasis on collective

action and solidarity among women. While Bennet works within societal

expectations, Eyre actively seeks to reshape them, often with the support

of other women. This comparative analysis of “Pride and Prejudice” and

“Jane Eyre” yields valuable insights into the representation of female

empowerment.

The examination of female empowerment as depicted in literature,

particularly in the works of Austen and Brontë, unveils significant

parallels despite differing time periods and authors. Both authors portray

strong, independent female characters who defy conventional gender

roles, asserting their agency and forming supportive relationships with

other women. Through their narratives, Austen and Brontë critique

societal influences on female empowerment, illustrating the potential for

women to succeed when afforded opportunities. They emphasize the

necessity of collective female solidarity in overcoming patriarchal

constraints and advocate for broader social and cultural changes to

facilitate women’s empowerment. This comparative analysis extends

beyond literary realms to address broader societal issues concerning

gender and empowerment, challenging traditional norms and advocating

for systemic change to foster women’s autonomy and advancement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the comparative analysis of “Pride and Prejudice” and

“Jane Eyre” enriches our comprehension of female empowerment in

both literature and society. Both novels present resilient female

protagonists challenging conventional gender roles and asserting their

autonomy. Austen and Brontë use these narratives to critique societal

influences on female empowerment and advocate for collective female

solidarity. Despite differences in authorship and time periods, the

similarities in their portrayal of female empowerment shed light on the

enduring struggle for gender equality and the impact of cultural norms.

Additionally, the comparison underscores the divergent approaches of

Austen and Brontë in depicting female characters and the societal forces

shaping their experiences.

References:

Alhaj, A. (2018). The concept of selfishness in Jane Austen’s Pride and

Prejudice.

Alquraidhy, K. (2022). Human relations in Jane Austen’s novel Pride

and Prejudice. International

Journal of Language and Literary Studies. 4. 314-337.

10.36892/ijlls.v4i4.1146.

www.schdink.org/ojs/index.php/sll

https://www.coursesidekick.com/arts-humanities/2562248

https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/a-comparison-of-ideas-in-pride-and-

prejudice-by-jane-austen-and-jane-eyre-by-charlotte-bronte-Dn0uMFWW