The Quest for Inner Beauty in Charlotte Brontes Jane...

The Quest for Inner Beauty in Jane Erye The beauty of a woman is usually classified into two categories: superficial, or physical, beauty and inner, or intellectual, beauty. In the Charlotte Brontes Jane Erye, the protagonist rejects her own physical beauty in favor of her intelligence and morality. This choice allows her to win the hand of the man she desires. Jane values her knowledge and thinking before any of her physical appearances because of her desire as a child to read, the lessons she is taught and the reinforcements of the idea appearing in her adulthood. During the course of the novel she lives at five homes. In each of these places, the idea of inner beauty conquering exterior appearance becomes a lesson, and in†¦show more content†¦Jane Eryes next home emerges as the Lowood Institution where she spends six years of her life learning to become intelligent and morally stringent, while remaining visibly plain. Her lesson of physical and mental humility comes at the hands of Mr. Brocklehurst, the institu tions main benefactor. Upon seeing a girl with natural curls in her hair, he proclaims: My mission is to mortify in these girls the lusts of the flesh, to teach them to clothe themselves with shamefacedness and sobriety (pg. 96). Such a strong influence on Jane, at such an early age, greatly persuades her opinion of her own physical image. She feels her status in life always remains as a humble and inconspicuous servant with a sharp mind and strict morals. In spending six years of her most impressionable years of her life at such a repressive institution, she learns a great deal of humility. Lowood also teaches Jane a great deal by giving her one of the greatest benefits to her life: a good education. Jane spends eight years of her life at Lowood where she, had the means of an excellent education placed within my reach; a fondness for some of my studies, and a desire to excel in all (pg. 115). Her education means more to her than her simple appearance. She had the option of just sliding by in her studies and leaving Lowood as soon as possible. Instead, she remains in a school that stifles any sign of beauty, but gives her a chance toShow MoreRelated Jane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women Essay2450 Words   |  10 PagesJane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women      Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1837 critic Robert Southey wrote to Charlotte Bronte, Literature cannot be the business of a womans life, and it ought not to be.   The more she is engaged in her proper duties, the less leisure will she have for it, even as an accomplishment and a recreation, (Gaskell 102).   This opinion was not held by only one person, but by many.   Indeed, it is this attitude, one that debases women and their abilities, toRead MorePainting Analysis in Jane Eyre3436 Words   |  14 PagesDrawing a Breath of Fresh Eyre From the opening chapter of Charlotte Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Jane Eyre the reader becomes aware of the powerful role that art plays. There is something extraordinary about the pictures Jane admires from other artists, as well as the work she creates herself. Her solitary pastime often operates as an outlet of pain, either past or present, and offers her the opportunity to deal with unpleasant emotions and memories. Jane’s art transcends her isolation by bringing her into contact