The self as object in Jane Eyre

The Self as Object in Critical Readings of Jane Eyre

Introduction to Selfhood in Literature

  • Helen von Schmidt's Assertion: "To tell one’s story is to present one’s self."

  • Both Jane Eyre and Great Expectations are about creating one's identity.

Key Ideas:

  • Authors create identities through their storytelling choices.

  • The self is identifiable and can be presented in writing.

  • Writing helps shape a self, including unconscious aspects of the text.

The Product-Oriented View of Self

  • Problems with the Self-as-Product Idea:

    • Assumes self is like a product that can be made.

    • Questions arise: Is the self complete or not?

  • von Schmidt compares self-formation in both novels, offering different templates.

Evaluating the Works in Context

  • Critique of Evaluative Reading:

    • Judging texts without considering their social and political backgrounds can be misleading.

    • It creates a false hierarchy of texts based on an unrealistic ideal self.

Comparison of Jane and Pip

  • In the Beginning: Both characters are orphans with 'wicked stepmothers.'

    • Pip:

      • Seeks relationships and imagines parents; his identity grows through others.

    • Jane:

      • Does not seek connections; focuses on asserting her own identity.

      • Faces challenges in connecting with society, causing feelings of failure.

Definitions of the Self

  • Evaluating Selfhood:

    • von Schmidt critiques Jane's inability to connect with others.

    • Ideally, a self should engage with society, unlike Jane who feels isolated.

Auerbach's Dynamic Self Representation

  • Nina Auerbach's View:

    • The self arises from conflicts between opposing emotions (ice and fire).

    • Jane embodies both repression (ice) and emotion (fire).

    • The struggle symbolizes her internal conflicts.

Critiques of Auerbach's View

  • Limitations:

    • Auerbach simplifies Jane's character as just emotional or cold, ignoring her complexity.

    • Assumes external factors shape only internal struggles.

Critique of Idealized Selfhood

  • Gilbert and Gubar's Analysis:

    • Jane's identity is fractured and influenced by societal constraints.

    • Bertha Mason represents parts of Jane's suppressed self and her anger.

    • They argue Jane's rebellion is shaped by society, not just emotion.

Final Thoughts on Selfhood in Jane Eyre

  • Seeking a complete self is a complicated issue.

  • Judging Jane's identity using traditional ideals may overlook real struggles.

  • Viewing self as a product can ignore different experiences toward self-acceptance.

Works Cited

  1. Auerbach, Nina. "Charlotte Bronte: The Two Countries."

  2. Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre.

  3. Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. Madwoman in the Attic.

  4. Schweickart, Patricinio P. "Reading Ourselves."

  5. Von Schmidt, Helen. "The Dark Abyss, the Broad Expanse."

  6. Yuen, Maria. "Two Crises of Decision in Jane Eyre."