Author: Charlotte Brontë Published: October 16, 1847
Era: The Victorian Period (1837 - 1901) This era of literature is characterized by the need for social advancement, models of "proper" and "improper" behavior, and acts of rebellion.
Biographical Info for Charlotte Brontë: Several events in Bronte’s life can be connected to scenes in her novel. In 1824, Bronte and her sisters were enrolled in the Clergy Daughters School, where two of her sisters became ill and died soon after. This explains the inclusion of Jane’s experiences at Lowood, in which several girls become sick and die at the school, including the student she is closest to.
Brontë, after leaving this school, even became a governess for a family, just as Jane did. She left a little while after, only to become a governess to another family and leave a second time after a few months. Jane also left Rochester’s estate after a period of time, then lived with St.John, finally leaving him in the end as well. Later on, Bronte turned down an invitation of marriage because she did not love them, similar to Jane refusing St.John.
Brontë died of pneumonia while expecting her first child, which reveals the irony in the ending of the book-- Jane and Rochester having their first child.
Setting: Jane Eyre takes place during the Victorian Period, between 1837 and 1901. Since the novel is set in England, the fact that this was an era of imperialistic expansion plays a large role in the surroundings, characters, and morals involved in the plotline. Since the middle and upper classes were also expanding during this time, their power and “proper” nature had a widespread effect on the country, especially those below them in social status. An individual’s role and place on the social spectrum was what defined them the most. These facts are strongly highlighted through Jane’s living conditions and struggles.