Final answer:
Jane Eyre is a strong-willed character who often challenges the societal norms of Victorian England, emphasizing her quest for independence and equality in a time when women's roles were constrained.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Jane from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is one of the most well-known protagonists in English literature. Jane is portrayed as a strong-willed and intelligent woman who pursues her moral and spiritual beliefs. She often opposes the societal norms of Victorian England, specifically in her quest for independence and equal relationships. Despite her humble beginnings and the oppression she faces, Jane remains honest and adheres to her principles of justice and equality throughout the novel.
Jane Eyre reflects the Victorian values of morality, social hierarchy, and gender roles, yet she also challenges them. As an orphan, Jane is subject to the merciless conditions of a charity school and the harsh realities of being a governess. Yet, she defies the expectations of a woman of her status by speaking out against injustice and seeking autonomy—a stark contrast to the submissive and demure ideal of a Victorian woman.