Topic > Postcolonial Critique of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

Extensive attention to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre reveals multiple perspectives in which postcolonial critique might be framed. For the most part, this study will explore the representation of a selection of foreign cultures as a contrast to the supposed magnificence of Europe. Furthermore, attention will be focused on gender relations as an indicator of patriarchal colonialism. On this second point the study will attempt to illustrate the various ways in which the character of Jane Eyre is deliberately constructed to counter the male colonialist ego. We will look for further examples regarding the relationship between classes as a further appendage of postcolonial relations. The thesis underlying this discussion is that the struggle between cultures, gender and classes is the triple evaluation that illustrates the postcolonial discourse in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. The construction of Jane Eyre as a seemingly flawless and strong character serves two purposes in the text. The main purpose is to show the Victorian struggle of women against patriarchal domination. The patriarchal systems of domination and control within Victorian society were the only mechanism that advanced the colonial interests of the male gender against the female gender. In Jane Eyre, the female gender is described as particularly weak and lacking the strength necessary to pursue their own interests. Jane Eyre becomes a rebel within the system by articulating an open and coherent challenge against the status quo. Her travails, challenges, successes, and final triumph indicate the author's decided shift in portraying women as diverse beings other than the weak and fragile characters that were consistent with the meta-…half of the Victorian card. ... .. self-esteem versus material domination in society. Characters like Mr. Rochester and Sarah Reed are who they are because they represent the wealthy class of society. The postcolonial discourse in Jane Eyre is primarily anchored in the active representation of British culture as essentially superior to Eastern cultures and French culture. To bring out the salient features of this speech, the author has used themes and characterizations effectively. Works Cited Bronte, chap. &Greene, J. (2010). Jane Eyre. London: Saddleback Educational Publ..Lewis, R. &Mills, S. (2003). Feminist postcolonial theory: A reader. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.Moran, M. (2006). Victorian literature and culture. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group.O'Reilly, chap. (2004). Postcolonial literature. London: Cambridge: Klett.