The Binary Opposition Of Master And Servant In Jane Eyre

The binary opposition of master/servant is present throughout the novel. An evident example of rejection of the master/servant theme can be seen in the relationship between John Reed and Jane. Although Jane is an apparent member of John’s foster family, she is often treated of a lower class because of her orphaned status and low wealth. John Reed shows a strong inferiority as he claims himself ‘master’ when he is yet a child of the household. This is best portrayed by a scene in chapter 1 when Jane asks John, â€Å"’What do you want?’†, whereupon John replies, â€Å"’Say, ‘What do you want master Reed?’’† Jane evidently shows a rejection to the claim remarking, â€Å"’Master! How is he my master? Am I a servant?’† (Bronte, 1847). The title of ‘master’†¦show more content†¦John. Throughout the novel, Jane experiences and struggles against different forms of dependence , however, her actions and conduct of provoking society make her stand out from the traditional idea of women’s dependency. Jane’s actions are more so expressed from a male’s expectation of independence rather than a woman, as her behaviour is not accepted in women yet encouraged for men. Therefore, this pride and passion is what causes Jane to transgress the binary oppositions; she leaves the expected role of a dependent woman and challenges the societal normalities. Throughout the novel, Jane struggles to reach independence, as she talks back, leaves people that treat her poorly and only accepts situations which are self beneficial. By turning down the situations that she believes would hold her back Jane moves towards independence. The proposal from her cousin St. John is an example of this. Jane discovers that his marriage would be a disadvantage and would hold her back from her struggle of independence, thus finding that she would be â€Å"chained for life to a man who regards one but as a useful tool† (Bronte, 1847). The different forms of dependence Jane experiences in the novel are gradually overcome and Jane changes from being dependent to independent, therefore challenging her social hierarchy and dominating female societal labels. The binary opposition of rich/poor might traditionally be connected more so to social status than to gender, however, there