Answer:
"I am not an angel,' I asserted; 'and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself."
Quote taken from the book "Jane Eyre" written by Charlotte Brontë.
Step-by-step explanation:
The above sentence was written by Charlotte Brontë in 1847, but its meaning has managed to pass through time and be very current. This sentence has several layers of meaning and it would be impossible to list them all here, as they depend a lot on the interpretation of each reader. However, we can discuss two more common meanings that come to most readers' minds after reading this statement.
The phrase represents non-compliance with the standards imposed by society. Jane Eyre lived in a very sexist and sexist society where women were expected to follow a certain pattern of behavior and assume a role within the society that Jane did not want to occupy. When the character speaks this sentence, she states that she will not give in to the standards that are imposed on her, if those standards do not value her and everyone should be aware of it.
We can also interpret this phrase with the character's fidelity to his own nature and personality, where he states that he will not change who he is to please any other individual. She will not adopt an angelic behavior, because she knows that she is a human being with defects and flaws, like any other and therefore should be treated equally.
This quote serves as an inspiration to all of us, just as Jane herself is a great example in the literature.