Answer: Jane Eyre, a novel by Charlotte Bronte, provides insight into the cultural beliefs and societal values of England in the 1800s. The novel is set in a time when social class was a significant determinant of one’s opportunities and treatment in society. The novel’s protagonist, Jane, is an orphan who is raised by her cruel aunt and cousins. She later becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester.
Gender roles were strictly defined in the 19th century, and women were expected to be submissive and obedient to men. Women were considered physically weaker yet morally superior to men, which meant that they were best suited to the domestic sphere. Jane’s social mobility lets Bronte create a vast social landscape in her novel in which she examines the sources and consequences of class boundaries. For instance, class differences cause many problems in the love between Jane and Rochester. Jane must break through class prejudices about her standing and make people recognize and respect her personal qualities.
Social status was another significant determinant of one’s opportunities and treatment in society. People typically stayed in the class into which they were born. Both as an orphan at Gateshead and as a governess at Thornfield, Jane holds a position that is between classes, and interacts with people of every level, from working-class servants to aristocrats. Wealth also played a significant role in determining one’s opportunities and treatment in society. For instance, Bertha Mason’s wealth allowed her to be treated differently than other women.
Health was another factor that affected a person’s treatment and opportunities in society. In the novel, Bertha Mason is locked up in the attic because she is deemed insane. Her mental health condition leads to her being treated as an outcast by society.
In conclusion, Jane Eyre provides insight into the cultural beliefs and societal values of England in the 1800s. The novel highlights how gender, social status, wealth, and health affected a person’s treatment and opportunities in that society. Through specific examples from the text, we can see how these factors played a significant role in shaping people’s lives.