Inferior Treatment Of Women Jane Eyre And The Good Earth

The Inferior Treatment of Women in Literature: Jane Eyre and The Good Earth Throughout history and literature, men have been trying to make decisions for women and have also treated women as inferiors. Two books that do a superb job of demonstrating this theme are Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontà « and The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. Jane Eyre, set in the 1800’s, is the story of an orphan girl growing up and becoming a governess. All does not go smoothly when Jane falls in love with the master of the house. Drama ensues in this gothic classic as Jane decides how to handle her situation. The Good Earth, on the other hand, follows the life of Wang Lung from a young adult to a grandfather. Along the way, Wang Lung marries O-lan and together they†¦show more content†¦God directed me to a correct choice† ( Brontà « 306-307). Jane would never have been truly content had she stayed with Mr. Rochester at that time, because she would be ashamed to be a mistress. Jane does go back to Mr. Rochester after his wife has died and decides to marry him sin ce they can be equals. The last man that Jane stands up to is St. John, the man who takes her in after she runs away from Mr. Rochester. St. John asks Jane to marry him so that they can go on a missionary trip in India. Jane refuses his proposal and when asked why she will not marry him Jane answers, â€Å" ‘ because you did not love me; now, I reply, because you almost hate me. If I were to marry you, you would kill me. You are killing me now’† (Brontà « 351). Jane would have been so miserable had she married John especial after refusing him once, since he would also harbor bad feelings against her. Also, since Jane does not marry John, she is free to marry Mr. Rochester, the man she truly loves. Jane gets her happy ending, however the females in The Good Earth do not. Pearl Buck shows the theme of women being treated as inferiors in The Good Earth, by having O-lan give birth to multiple children and seeing how each child s life turns out. Buck shows that women from birth are harder lives and cannot do anything to change that. The first child O-lan has shortly after she marriesShow MoreRelatedJane Eyre Essay1852 Words   |  8 Pagesbesides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth. Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do †¦ It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex. (Bronte 112-13) Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte, was an excellent fusion of the pious moralRead MoreEssay on Comparison of Jane Eyre + The Color Purple2211 Words   |  9 PagesComparison of Jane Eyre + The Color Purple ========================================== Both novels are variations of the same theme: the spiritual and emotional growth of the heroine. Is this a fair assessment? Both novels convey important, political messages exploring the idea of feminism and women ´s emancipation. Bronte uses Jane as a figure of female independence, while Walker demonstrates her views on civil rights and commitment to feminism through Celie. In this essay I will be examiningRead MoreMorality in Victorian and Neo-Victorian Novels Essay4239 Words   |  17 PagesMorality in Victorian and Neo-Victorian Novels An essay on Jane Eyre, The Mill on the Floss, The French Lieutenants Woman, Possession and The Dress Lodger The Victorian era is one bound to morality. Morality is also defined through the traditional and religious standards that structure the way of life for many Victorians. Morality is defined as the proper principles and standards, in respect to right and wrong, which are to be practiced by all humanity. Ideally, these include obtainingRead More How do Jane’s experiences at Lowood contribute to her development?1756 Words   |  8 Pagesexperiences at Lowood contribute to her development? Before arriving at Lowood Jane lived at Gateshead, with her aunt and three cousins. She was unloved and treated badly, and had already developed a determination to stand up for herself and fight for her independence. The young Jane had baffled Mrs Reed, who could obviously not understand â€Å"how for nine years you could be patient and quiescent under any treatment, and in the tenth break out all fire and violence†. At Gateshead she is unhappy