Post by aamornwichet on Nov 17, 2015 3:20:17 GMT
In the 19th Century Literature Article, the concept of the "fallen woman" was addressed. In the 19th Century, women were supposed to be innocent, selfless, and delicate. Under certain circumstances it was said that women could fall from this high pedestal into a "poor flower" who talked back, had sexual desires, and pursued their own personal goals. While poverty or ignorance could force a woman to fall, worst is the woman who "falls" out of her own free will.
In the concept of a Bildungsroman novel, this 'falling' does not make sense. As the protagonist grows up she is forced to learn about herself, her desires, and her strengths. In Bildungsroman is a 'building' novel, it is about growing up, not falling. Jane Eyre however is both a Billdungsroman protagonist and a Victorian woman. From what we know this should not be possible as Victorian woman should not have been able to grow in such a way.
According to Victorian standards, coming of age was falling. All of the traits listed in the article as characteristic of ideal Victorian women, were similarly all characteristics of ideal children. Women were treated much like children with little respect or authority over their lives. A coming of age novel only highlights a person's growth from adulthood, the less favored stage of Victorian life. Since childhood was preferred a woman who had to face the harsh realities of adulthood, was deemed too impure for society. Oddly, that works for Jane. Not having any social status of class, all her life, being a "fallen woman" suited her. Yet she did not become a fishmongerer or a whore, but rather an outspoken (or at least opinionated) independent woman. She is able to move from place to place, and slip away without judgment due to her lack or proper-ness, yet it is because of this mobility that she is truly able to grow as a person. A true Victorian woman could never have just slipped away from her fiance on a whim. Jane was never a true Victorian lady, and that is what made her story so interesting. Jane presents a contrasting view to the typical demonic portray of women in desperate situations. Jane's ability to get out of her poverty and be happy, while still remaining smart and independent is something, even people today fail to do. In the Victorian age Bronte provided a lovable character who was not idealistically pure, or noble of blood. She was just smart, kind and a little bit lucky and she got to be strong and a lady.
Note: The idea of falling actually shows up many times in Bildungsromans, like in A Seperate Peace, Finny falls twice. Finny who is symbolic of childhood falls while Gene moves up the Coming of Age ladder towards adulthood. Showing that in order to grow up, a person must sacrifice their childhood.
In the concept of a Bildungsroman novel, this 'falling' does not make sense. As the protagonist grows up she is forced to learn about herself, her desires, and her strengths. In Bildungsroman is a 'building' novel, it is about growing up, not falling. Jane Eyre however is both a Billdungsroman protagonist and a Victorian woman. From what we know this should not be possible as Victorian woman should not have been able to grow in such a way.
According to Victorian standards, coming of age was falling. All of the traits listed in the article as characteristic of ideal Victorian women, were similarly all characteristics of ideal children. Women were treated much like children with little respect or authority over their lives. A coming of age novel only highlights a person's growth from adulthood, the less favored stage of Victorian life. Since childhood was preferred a woman who had to face the harsh realities of adulthood, was deemed too impure for society. Oddly, that works for Jane. Not having any social status of class, all her life, being a "fallen woman" suited her. Yet she did not become a fishmongerer or a whore, but rather an outspoken (or at least opinionated) independent woman. She is able to move from place to place, and slip away without judgment due to her lack or proper-ness, yet it is because of this mobility that she is truly able to grow as a person. A true Victorian woman could never have just slipped away from her fiance on a whim. Jane was never a true Victorian lady, and that is what made her story so interesting. Jane presents a contrasting view to the typical demonic portray of women in desperate situations. Jane's ability to get out of her poverty and be happy, while still remaining smart and independent is something, even people today fail to do. In the Victorian age Bronte provided a lovable character who was not idealistically pure, or noble of blood. She was just smart, kind and a little bit lucky and she got to be strong and a lady.
Note: The idea of falling actually shows up many times in Bildungsromans, like in A Seperate Peace, Finny falls twice. Finny who is symbolic of childhood falls while Gene moves up the Coming of Age ladder towards adulthood. Showing that in order to grow up, a person must sacrifice their childhood.
