Jane Eyre- Hero

I think that Jane is the romantic hero in Jane Eyre. A romantic hero, who is usually the protagonist, is described as being turned down from society; the emphasis is placed on his or her thoughts instead of actions, he or she avoids social conversations, is downhearted, and has a regret for his or her actions which keeps the character from having a tragic ending (Romantic Hero). Jane, the protagonist in the story, was made to go to an institution by her aunt who hated her (Brontë 38) and throughout most of the story she did not seem completely happy. While at Thornfield Hall, she would be to herself most of the time by restraining from talking too much. At the parties, Jane would sit in the back and not talk to anyone except Adele unless she needed to (Brontë 150). In addition, most of the passages in the book were to tell about Jane’s views of a certain matter. Finally, when Jane had left Thornfield Hall (and even while she was still leaving) she kept thinking about Mr. Rochester and how she should go back (Brontë 288). When she eventually returns, she and Mr. Rochester get married and are happy together (Brontë 404). Whereas is Jane had stayed at Whitcross, she probably would have either married St. John Rivers or stayed to be the school teacher. Either way she would not have been content (Brontë 371, 322). What Jane accomplishes is finally letting her heart decide what path she should take in life. She is portrayed as a young woman who is ignorant about making the best choices concerning herself. Jane represents the abstract idea of goodness because she would not go against her conscience and would only do what she felt was right.

Romantic Hero." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 20 June 2011. Web. 20 June 2011. .

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Reader's Digest, 1984. Print.