论文：简爱人物性格分析-The-Analysis-of-Jane-Eyres-Characters.doc

The Analysis of Jane Eyres CharactersAcknowledgementsI would like to express my sincere thanks to all the people who supported me during the process of writing this thesis in the last few months. First of all, I am greatly indebted to my teacher Wang Kai, for his patience and helpful advice that come all along during the period of time of writing the thesis. He has helped me through all the stages of the writing of this thesis. Without his help, I could not complete this thesis in the present form. Secondly, Hearty thanks should also be given to all my teachers and professors in Nanjing Normal University. During the four years, they have instructed and helped me a lot in acquiring knowledge. I could not know how to search for relevant materials and organize them without their patient guidance.Thirdly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my friends and family for their spiritual supports. My friends are sincerely thanked, who have always been helping me out of difficulties and supporting without a word of complain. My family members who support me all the time and made me believe that I can accomplish the tough task should also be given the appreciation. Finally, I hope that my thesis will be of value to those who continue to do researches in the novel Jane Eyre, which will be a great honor for me and a reward for all that have helped me during the thesis writing process.摘要英国著名女作家夏洛蒂勃朗特的小说简爱写于19世纪，这部小说在英国文学史上占有重要的地位。小说中,作者成功地塑造了一个在那个时代具有独立,叛逆,明智和坚强精神的伟大女性形象简爱。简爱作为那个时代独特的女性,她灿烂的女主人公形象给许多国内外读者留下了深刻的印象。简虽然贫穷但有抱负；身材矮小但精神强大；外表一般但心灵美好。在小说中,不同时期我们看到不同的简爱。在盖茨黑德府,我们看见一个小的、勇敢的和自我尊重简爱;在劳渥德慈善学校,我们看到一个聪明,正直和诚实的简爱;在桑菲尔德府,我们看到一个冷静的,独立的和有才的简爱;在泽庄,我们看到一个成熟的、自由的、经验丰富的简。我们可以说,简爱是一个为了追求幸福生活而坚持和不幸、不公命运抗争的女英雄。本论文主要侧重于分析简爱中女人公的积极性格。在简爱这个故事的基础上,本文首先呈现给读者简爱的主要性格特征,以及作者夏洛蒂勃朗特和小说简爱的简介。接下来,本文主要描述简爱的每个性格特征,如简爱的独立,反叛和自尊。在每个性格特征中,本文将更加注重描写简爱的成长以及她逐渐显示出的性格特点。这也包括了简爱性格形成的原因。除此以外,人们也应该学习简爱的每一个性格特点。最后,总结简爱的主要性格特征。本文将帮助人们更加深层次的理解简爱性格并给人们带来更多的现实意义。关键词：简爱；性格；独立；叛逆AbstractThe novel Jane Eyre which was written by the famous author Charlotte Bronte in 19th century occupies an important status in English literature. In the novel, the author successfully portrayed a great female image-Jane Eyre, who was an independent, rebellious, wise and recalcitrant in that era. As Jane Eyre is a unique woman on that time, the brilliant female protagonist in the novel gives many readers home and abroad a deep impression. Jane was poor but aspiring; small in body but huge in spirit; unlovely in appearance but pure in soul. In the novel, different periods we see different Janes. At Gateshead, we see a little, brave and self-respected Jane; in Lowood Orphanage, we see a smart, just and honorable Jane; in Thornfield Hall, we see a silent, independent and brilliant Jane; at Gates head, we see a mature, free and experienced Jane. We may say that Jane Eyre is a heroine who struggles with misfortune and unfairness to seek a happy life.This present thesis mainly focuses on the positive character of the female leading role in the novel Jane Eyre. Based on the novel Jane Eyre, the paper first gives readers the summary of Jane Eyres main character, the brief introductions of the author Charlotte Bronte and her novel Jane Eyre. Next, it mainly describes the respective character of Jane Eyre, such as independence, rebellion and self-respecting. On each character, the present thesis will pay more attention to the growth of Jane Eyre and the character that is showed by her gradually. This also includes the reasons of Jane Eyres development of her character. Besides, people should learn something from the respective character of Jane Eyre. Finally, the conclusion of Janes main character will be given. This paper will help people understand Jane Eyres character deeper and give people more realistic significance.Key Words：Jane Eyre; character; independence; rebellionContentsAcknowledgements.1摘要.2Abstract.3Contents.51.Introduction.62.The Introduction of the Author and Jane Eyre.72.1 The Introduction of the Author.72.2 The Introduction of the Jane Eyre.83.Jane Eyres Character.93.1 Jane Eyres Independence.103.2 Jane Eyres Rebel.113.3 Jane Eyres firm will.123.4 Jane Eyres Self-Respect.133.5 Jane Eyres Pursuit of Equality and Liberty.143.6 Jane Eyres Spirit of Pursuing True Love.164.Conclusion.17Bibliography.181. IntroductionIt is no doubt that the heroine Jane is the most attractive to readers in the book Jane Eyre. The unique woman, whose independent personality and the spirit of rebellion is beneath emaciated figure and ordinary appearance, is one of the most attractive and conquering images in the world literature. When she is in dependent situation, she is unafraid to face all kinds of sarcastic remarks and tries hard to get equitable treatment; When she is in Lowood Orphanage, she fights with dark and unfair things; when she comes to Thornfield Hall, she is quiet and natural in front of Mr. Rochester, and she feels neither aggressive nor conciliatory in the presence of upper-class ladies. Even when she becomes Rochesters fiance, she still keeps steady and sober. It is so despairing that Rochester has already married. Thought Jane loves Rochester deeply, she cant tolerate that she wouldnt have a legal marriage and leaves Rochester determinedly.It is so wise for her to realize that she should struggle for her own independence of spirit and equal rights on many aspects in the social life. She is independent, self-respected and resistant. She is a woman who dare to deal with troubles and problems with calmly and frankly mentality. Facing with unequal treatment, she shows her strong spirit of revolt and keeps her dignity; facing with bumpy fate, she never complains and keeps struggling for happy life; facing with marriage and wealth, she is silent and thoughtful.Jane has so many individual traits of character that is well worth learning by us. In that society, it was uneasy for a woman to own such advanced views and independent spirit. We should pay more attention to her beautiful character and considerate profoundly of our own attitude toward life. 2. The Introduction to the Author and Jane Eyre2.1 The Introduction to the AuthorCharlotte Bronte was born in a poor country priests family at Haworth, Yorkshire, in northern England on April 21, 1816. Her mother was a housewife. Charlotte Bronte was the third child of the family. Her sisters Emily Bronte and Anne Bronte were also famous writers. In the history of English literature, they had been called Bronte Sisters.Charlotte Bronte had an unfortunate childhood. In 1821, when she was only 5, her mother died of cancer. Her Father had very little income, so they had hard lives. In 1824, Charlottes sisters Maria and Elizabeth were sent to Cowan Bridge, a school for clergymens daughters. Its really hard for girls to live in that school. They were not only treated badly, but also didnt have enough food to eat. Soon, Charlotte and her younger sister Emily were sent to Cowan Bridge too. Unlike Charlotte and Emily, Maria and Elizabeth were died of an outbreak of tuberculosis. Charlotte and Emily were brought home and werent sent to that school again. When Charlotte came back home, she learnt and played with her sisters. Fortunately, her father was a graduate of St Johns College, Cambridge. He was knowledgeable and used to teaching his children to read. This brought Charlotte and her two sisters the initial impact and made them develop interest in literature. In 1842 she went with her sister Emily to study languages at a school in Brussels, where during 1843 she was employed as a teacher. The Professor, Charlottes first novel, was rejected by different publishers, and it was not published till after her death. She didnt feel despair and went to write another novel, Jane Eyre, which was published in 1847 and achieved immediate success. In the 19th century, with the rapid development of the industrial revolution，the thought of democracy and the progress of science had gradually affected the British Culture. As a result, a batch of great women writers sprang up in English literature. Charlotte Bronte was one of the representatives. She was a famous realistic female writer for her representative work Jane Eyre. The novel Jane Eyre is the substantial description of Charlotte Brontes life experience. The author used many thoughts of reality to describe a new female character Jane-one of the most attractive and conquering images in the world literature.Charlotte Bronte also wrote many other books, such as Shirley and Villette. In 1854 she married her fathers curate Arthur Bell Nicholls, but she died at the age of only 38.2.2 The Introduction of the Jane EyreJane is an orphan who knows little about her family and lodges at her aunts house. Her aunt, who is her only relative, resents her and her cousins bully her. She is treated with less consideration than the servants. When she rebels against her unfair treatment, her aunt is ruthless in sending her to an orphanage school. Since Janes education in Lowood Orphanage begins, she doesnt get what she has expected. She is simply regarded as a common person, just the same as the other girls around. Life is hard in Lowood, she meets all kinds of cruel things, but Jane tries her best to survive. She also meets her first and the best friend Helen Burns in Lowood Orphanage and Helens death makes her rethink life profoundly. As Jane grows up, she succeeds in becoming a teacher in Lowood Orphanage. After teaching for two years at Lowood, Jane gets a chance to be a tutor for lovely Adele in Thornfield Hall. At that time, she is acquainted with the Halls owner, Mr. Rochester, a man with warm heart despites a cold face outside. They get to know each other, fall in love and get ready to get married, however, Rochester has already had a legal wife. Though Jane knows how much Rochester loves her and it is not Rochesters fault, she decisively leaves the Thornfield Hall on knowing that she cant get married with Rochesters. Jane begs in the endless desert a few days later, she finally is taken in and cared for by the Rivers family, who helps her get a job as teacher in a village school. A year later, Jane inherits a large number of legacies from her uncle and coincidently know that the Rivers families are her cousins. Jane shares the heritage with her cousins, and then she refuses her cousin St. John Rivers proposal. Meanwhile, Mr. Rochester loses his sight during a fire set by his mad wife. When hearing that Mr. Rochester was penniless and disabled, Jane hurries to him and becomes his wife at last. 3.Jane Eyres Character 3.1 Jane Eyres IndependenceAs we all known, Jane is a poor orphan of ten and is not a pretty girl who attracts peoples attention. She cant depend on her family, let alone her aunt and cousins. Having enough of her aunts unfair treatment and cousins tease and violence especially her cousin John Reeds maltreatment, Jane despises them and devotes herself on reading books. But continually, Jane realizes that it is not a way to tolerate them all the time and she begins to fight for her own freedom and equality. It is the first time for her to deeply understand the importance of independence when she is shut up in a horrible house. She begins to clear that dependence and incompetence invites nothing but scornThe cost for Janes pursuit of independence is being sent to the Lowood Orphanage. What she experiences in the Lowood Orphanage carved her into a more strong-mined girl. At Lowood Institution, Mr. Brocklehurst, the cruel, intolerant, overzealous and money-pinching master of Lowood Institution, a pastor, who humiliates Jane in public, when she comes to Lowood Orphanage. He also tells Miss Maria Temple and all the students that Jane is a liar. But Miss Maria Temple gives a chance to Jane to defend herself. She believes what Jane says and it gives her great consolation. In the Lowood Orphanage, Jane is luckily consoled by the kindness of a teacher Miss Maria Temple and the friendship of Helen Burns. Miss Maria Temple often encourages her students by precept and examples to keep their spirits and behaviors move forward like stalwart soldiers. Jane learns the value of independence from her. After Janes 10 years being in the Lowood Institution, she is not only skilled at French, but also has attainments to music and painting. Jane completely realizes the importance of independence.If we say that the first two periods of Janes independence is the independent from her so-called family, we can say that Janes independence at Thornfield Hall is the independent in the aspects of money and marriage. Jane chooses to leave the Lowood Orphanage and finds a job of governess to support herself. It means that Jane has the ability of living on her own. However, on that time, it is hard for a humble tutor to realize that she can poses herself as an independent worker. Jane is silence, graceful and bright. Even when she is in front of aristocrat, she still keeps her consistent style. She wants to be herself and independent. Though Jane is from humbler backgrounds, her distinct, strong-willed, independent and extraordinary character attracts Mr. Rochester and gives him a very big impact. It is Janes special personality that makes the owner of the Thornfield Hall be well disposed towards her. When Jane falls in love with Mr. Rochester, her personality shows obviously. She treats Mr. Rochester as equal as herself and never cares more about his wealth, status and appearance but his freedom and independence of spirit. Though Jane loves Mr. Rochester so deeply, she still keeps her own independent and keeps fighting with different thoughts. Jane is in pursuit of happiness, but all the endeavor to happy life is not based on attachment. On the contrary of losing herself in love, she finds her own dignity and confidence. When they are ready to getting married, Jane finds Rochester has already had a wife. It is a big suffering for her to face the truth. Her inner heart is filled with contradictions. If she stays and becomes Rochesters mistress, she will still enjoy the splendor; if she leaves and breaks Rochesters heart, she will still keep her dignity. It is hard for her to choose. When Mr. Rochester refers to sending her to Ireland, Jane is angry and says, “Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! I have as much soul as you and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at Gods feet, equal as we are!”3（chapter 23 P244-245）Jane is impervious to money. After drastic ideological struggles, she leaves Thornfield Hall in order to refusing unfair love. From that time on, Janes character becomes more independent and she begins to be the true master of herself. At Gates head, Janes rejection to StJohns offer of marriage also shows her spirit of independence. She doesnt want to live as a tool to serve God or become St. Johns nominal wife. She has the strong awareness of independence. Later John proposes repeatedly but Jane gives the firm rejection, because she can not accept the marriage which doesnt have love to be used as the basis. She is also not willing to live with him without happiness, equality and freedom for a lifetimeOf course, the real and final independence owes to Janes uncle. After inheriting a large number of legacies from her uncle, she is rich. Its more important that she is her own mistress. At last she marries Rochester and lives a happy life.3.2 Jane Eyres RebellionAs a saying goes, wherever there is oppression, there is resistance. Janes character of rebellion for equality goes through the novel from the beginning to the endJane is not born with rebel. At Gateshead, she knows her own position and tires hard to let Mrs. Reed and her children accept her. Besides pleasing her aunt and cousins, she does her best to bear their discrimination and obstacles. However, she only gets the opposite of what she wants. Mrs. Reed still cant accept Jane and goes out of her way to embarrass Jane. It is Janes first time to resist her cousins savage treatment when her cousin John beats her. She gets thrills from pain and fulminates against her cousin,