A FEMINIST READING OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S " JANE EYRE"

This study explores Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre through the lens of feminist literary criticism, focusing on the novel’s representation of female identity, independence, and resistance to patriarchal authority. As one of the most influential novels of the Victorian era, Jane Eyre presents a heroine who challenges traditional gender roles and seeks personal freedom, self-respect, and equality. The research examines the social and cultural conditions that shaped women’s lives in nineteenth-century England and analyzes how Bronte critiques these limitations through the experiences of Jane Eyre. Particular attention is given to the themes of education, economic independence, moral autonomy, and equality in relationships. The study also discusses the significance of feminist literary theory in interpreting the novel and highlights the contributions of major feminist critics to the understanding of Bronte’s work. The findings reveal that Jane Eyre not only reflects the struggles faced by women in Victorian society but also promotes values associated with feminist thought, including self-determination, dignity, and gender equality.