Exploring Social and Economic Class in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

05.16.2023 // By Tome Tailor

“And so they lived together in a dear little cottage, not very grand or beautiful, but full of comfort and happiness.” This is the line for which Jane Eyre tells a tale of her life, dreams, and love. The remarkable author, Charlotte Bronte, uses her classic 1847 novel, Jane Eyre, to examine the intersection of social and economic class in the 19th century England. From the mistreatment of her at her wealthy aunt’s house to her time at Lowood charity school, and eventually to her employment as a governess, Jane faces challenges that force her to acknowledge the sharp divisions in society. These divisions affect an individual in various aspects, including marriage, morality, and self-esteem.

Throughout the novel, one of the main concerns affecting Jane is her social class. Jane, an orphan, is raised by her rich aunt, Mrs. Reed. Jane’s low social standing guides her to face torment and misery when living with the Reed family. She is often abused, denigrated, and reminded that she is a dependent with no prospects. “You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us.”

While Jane attends the charity school of Lowood, her social rank continues to confine her. At Lowood, she engages with a variety of people, from the hypocrite Mr. Brocklehurst to the selfless Helen Burns. Mr. Brocklehurst, the school’s headmaster, emphasizes the need for humility and self-denial. He upholds a rigid hierarchy and promotes the belief that the poor must remain inferior to justify charity from the upper social classes. To maintain an image of purity and moral superiority, Brocklehurst’s harsh treatment of women from lower classes reflects the broader Victorian society’s tendency to idealize the upper class, despite their moral shortcomings.

Jane’s relationship with Edward Fairfax Rochester, the wealthy master of Thornfield Hall, intensifies the conflict between social standing and personal fulfillment. Although Jane and Mr. Rochester fall in love, their union is prohibited by society due to their difference in social class. Furthermore, Mr. Rochester’s previous marriage to a mentally ill woman, Bertha Mason, adds another layer of complication to their potential union. The novel, therefore, illustrates how the disparities in social and economic class hinder Jane’s pursuit of happiness.

However, Jane’s character development highlights the notion that one is not wholly defined by their status. Jane’s independent nature, intelligence, and moral compass enable her to rise above societal expectations. While Jane Eyre displays a keen awareness of the social and economic class distinctions, she steadily maintains her belief in the righteousness and equality of all individuals. It is through this unwavering conviction that Jane is able to marry Mr. Rochester, despite the numerous obstacles presented by their social and economic differences.

While romance sets a significant portion of the novel’s storyline, Jane Eyre is, in its essence, an examination of the social and economic class. As Jane navigates the harsh realities of the class system, she gradually develops her own sense of self-worth and remains steadfast in her belief in equality. The novel serves as a powerful reminder that one’s social status does not determine one’s worth and that an individual’s character, intellect, and capacity for love transcend the societal constructs of wealth and dignity.

If you’re interested in exploring the societal divisions in 19th century England through the lens of Jane Eyre, consider buying the book or listening to the audiobook here.

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