Independence

The ability to make and act on one's own decisions. In Jane Eyre, emotional and moral independence are related to, but distinct from, financial independence.

The ability to make decisions and direct one’s own life. In Jane Eyre, independence includes freedom of thought, moral choice and financial security.

Independence means directing her own life; equality means having her human worth recognised; having a voice means being able to express her experience and challenge other people’s judgements. Jane possesses an independent spirit long before she has the money or position to act freely.

Keep gender and independence at the centre of your argument: discuss money or love when they affect Jane’s power to choose.

Connect the extract to relevant moments elsewhere in the novel, showing how Jane’s independence develops rather than simply listing quotations.

Part (b): distinguish Jane’s independence of will from her financial independence. She claims equality before she inherits money.

In Jane Eyre, independence is the freedom to think, speak and choose for oneself. Financial security helps make that freedom possible, but Jane’s struggle begins long before she has money. Brontë explores whether a woman can love another person without surrendering her judgement or identity.

Jane wants affection and belonging, but also the freedom to think, speak and choose for herself. Her struggle involves several connected kinds of independence: earning a living, defending her moral judgement, expressing her feelings and refusing to become another person's possession.

Definition

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AQA GCSE English Literature · 8702

Edexcel GCSE English Literature · 1ET0

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Eduqas GCSE English Literature · C720