Jane Eyre

Why do you think Brontë gave her novel the full title, Jane Eyre: An Autobiography? Does the subtitle make the content weightier? Go against the fact that novels are intended to be fiction? Make the reader trust more in the truth of what Jane is describing? Why or why not?

In her preface, Brontë writes: “Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last” (6). How does Brontë’s novel critique “conventionality” and “self-righteous” hypocrisy while upholding “morality” and “religion”? 

Jane Eyre is depicted as a strong-minded woman, speaking her mind, challenging opinions she disagrees with, and insisting on equality in her relationships with men. Jane is also plagued by insecurity and self-doubt. Is Jane a feminist character—meaning, she seeks equality for all women—or an individual example of coming into one’s own? Why?