“I broke from St. John, who had followed, and would have detained me. It was my turn to assume ascendency…I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me; I must, and would be alone…I mounted to my chamber, locked myself in, fell on my knees, and prayed in my way—a different way to St. John’s—but effective in its own fashion. I seemed to penetrate very near a Mighty Spirit, and my soul rushed out in gratitude at His feet.”

I chose this quote because it shows the strength and independence that Jane has shown the capability of having throughout the novel. Jane is fully capable of being more than just a regular Victorian woman, and housewife that is dependent on the livelihood of a man. This quote shows how Jane is finally able to see that St. John has stalled her and she is better off without him and makes it well known, and decides that she will start to do things her own way from now on. This quote further validates Jane Eyre as what seems to be a feminsist nod by Bronte. Showing the ability that women of the time don’t need a man to pray, which was commonly led by literate men of power, brings the distinction that women are capable of being without the presence of men. 

Was this novel written to inspire women to get more from their lives, rather than just being a housewife, and mother? How would you have ended the novel?