Similarities Between Jane Eyre And The Yellow Wallpaper
Explain the ways in which Jane Eyre and The Yellow Wallpaper are linked in relation to the ways in which women were treated in the 16th century.
This essay discusses the containment, confinement and oppression of women in 16th century Britain; specifically the roles of Jane Eyre and Bertha, and the protagonist in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’. At this time men held more power over women, partly because of women’s financial and social dependence on them. It was customary for women to submit to their husbands and to keep what was seen as their social place.
At the beginning of Jane Eyre, Jane is living with her Aunt and three cousins, who do not appreciate her being there. Her cousins Eliza, Georgiana and John Reed are particularly horrible to …show more content…
This also relates to oppression of women, John is essentially lying to the protagonist in The Yellow Wallpaper and being quite patronising by doing so. The way he refers to her illness as a ‘fancy’ also gives the impression that he is patronising towards her in the sense that her problems aren’t really important because she is a woman. He is ‘caring for her’ as though she is a child, preventing her from achieving anything above the role of the woman.
Eliza and Georgiana Reed interestingly relate to Jane’s other cousins, Diana and Mary, who Jane meets by chance when running away from Thornfield years later. It could be argued that the pairs are polar opposites in terms of personality; Eliza and Georgiana are selfish and conceited, whereas Diana and Mary are portrayed more as ‘ideal women’ with good morals. Whilst Eliza and Georgiana have had everything provided for them by their wealthy family, Diana and Mary have worked as governesses in order to provide for themselves. As independent women they become Jane’s role
This essay discusses the containment, confinement and oppression of women in 16th century Britain; specifically the roles of Jane Eyre and Bertha, and the protagonist in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’. At this time men held more power over women, partly because of women’s financial and social dependence on them. It was customary for women to submit to their husbands and to keep what was seen as their social place.
At the beginning of Jane Eyre, Jane is living with her Aunt and three cousins, who do not appreciate her being there. Her cousins Eliza, Georgiana and John Reed are particularly horrible to …show more content…
This also relates to oppression of women, John is essentially lying to the protagonist in The Yellow Wallpaper and being quite patronising by doing so. The way he refers to her illness as a ‘fancy’ also gives the impression that he is patronising towards her in the sense that her problems aren’t really important because she is a woman. He is ‘caring for her’ as though she is a child, preventing her from achieving anything above the role of the woman.
Eliza and Georgiana Reed interestingly relate to Jane’s other cousins, Diana and Mary, who Jane meets by chance when running away from Thornfield years later. It could be argued that the pairs are polar opposites in terms of personality; Eliza and Georgiana are selfish and conceited, whereas Diana and Mary are portrayed more as ‘ideal women’ with good morals. Whilst Eliza and Georgiana have had everything provided for them by their wealthy family, Diana and Mary have worked as governesses in order to provide for themselves. As independent women they become Jane’s role