Jane's first display of independence is shown while she is living with her aunt and cousins at Gateshead. Although only ten years old, Jane finds the strength to speak boldly and forcefully to her imposing aunt, Mrs. Reed. When her aunt declares to Mr. Brocklehurst that deceit is Jane's worst fault, Jane feels she must take steps to vindicate herself. When Jane and her aunt are alone, Jane speaks her mind: "I am not deceitful; if I were, I should say I love you, but i declare I do not love you: I dislike you the worst of anybody in the world except John Reed; and this book about the liar, you may give to your girl, Georgiana, for it is she who tells lies, and not I." Given Jane's situation of dependency, speaking up to her aunt is no simple task. Most children wo
...I will keep the law given by God: sanction by man...Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation; they are for such moments as this." The next morning Jane quietly leaves Thornfield, her independence forcing her to ignore the wishes of her heart and the man she loves.
The next example of Jane's take-charge attitude occurs while she is a teacher at Lowood. This time, though, she is not forced to defend her character. Here her independent spirit rebels not against injustice, but against the stagnation of her life. After residing at Lowood for eight years, six as a student and two as a teacher her friend and mentor, Miss Temple, marries and moves away. Without the inspiration and companionship of her friend, Jane realizes that she longs
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