英语论文网

A comparison between Jane and Shirley

Abstract|This paper first point out the backgrounds and the main ideals of the two novels (Jane Eyre and Shirley), include the different backgrounds and the general portraits of Jane and Shirley. Then expatiates their completely different social background, these two heroines have different social class and their prejudices in social class are completely different. And then, it comes to their attitudes; this paper compares the two heroine’s different attitudes toward their best friend, poor people, cruel people and their choice of love. Finally, it’s about their vantage points on the life, and pointing at their pursuits through their words and writer’s intention to show her opinions of life.

Key words: Jane, Shirley, different, background, attitude, vantage points

A comparison between Jane and Shirley

Ⅰ、Introduction

As we know, Charlotte Brontё was one of the English women writers who broke the male monopoly in the literary circle in 19th-Century and also one of the famous Brontё sisters who wrote about a world that explored the inner heart of women. Her four published novels, which are in part autobiographical, are still widely read today.   Jane Eyre and Shirley are two heroines in Charlotte Brontё’s novels. The two ladies grow up in different surroundings; but both of them pursue independence, freedom and self-determination. They have totally different social positions, but they both have many common points in the attitude towards friends, love and life. This paper ventures to make a comparison between Jane Eyre and Shirley to get to know the pursuits of women.

Ⅱ 、The Backgrounds and the Main Ideas of the Two Novels

(一） About the Different Backgrounds of Two Novels

Jane Eyre, published in 1847, is Charlotte Brontё’s second novel, which earns her great success. It is considered as the masterpiece of the writer’s. Its popularity has never waned with the dramatic romance between Jane Eyre and Rochester. Also the heroine –Jane Eyre becomes the representative of the independent women who are in pursuit of women’s liberation at that time. While Shirley, written between 1848 and 1849 at a time of great social and political unrest in England and throughout continental Europe, has direct connection with the Industrial Revolution.

“Rich in historical detail, it is a human as well as a social novel with aperpetual relevance in its exploration of humanity’s efforts to reconcile personal and economic aspirations with social justice and harmony.”

And for its background of the industrial upheaval at a textile mill in Yorkshire in 1812, “It is also one of the earliest regional novels in English literature.”

  （二） About the General Portraits of the Two Heroines

 The general portraits of the two heroines are as follow: Jane is an orphan who is raised by her aunt, Mrs. Reed and later is sent to Lowood School. Jane is plain, independent, self-esteem lady and she enjoys living a simple and free life. When she goes to Thorn field Hall and is engaged to Mr. Rochester. She still does not want to give up her industrious, simple life. When Rochester suggests that they go off together even though they cannot be married, Jane turns to God and finds the strength to leave him. She becomes the mistress of a school in Morton, and friend to the Rivers family. When she receives an inheritance from her uncle, Jane sha本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。