This varied and intense personality that is in conflict with itself has great authenticity. The idea that outwardly decorous young women would think rebellious thoughts, although widely accepted as a fact, was considered scandalous in its written form. I feel, in terms of 19th century literature, Jane is a revolutionary character. She becomes independent of her caretakers at a young age so is free to develop under the influence of a young friend and a strict religious teacher. These opposing strengths combined with her already powerful passions created an outwardly quiet girl with hidden inner desires that would subtly seep through into her everyday life and decisions. Jane's anger and resentment toward those that have harmed her, causes her to be distant and wary of new places and people. However she is also impulsive, spirited, and has a great desire to be loved. For those who treat her well, she rewards them by opening up and they become of great significance to her. Although she is willful she is not rash, she spends time reflecting rationally on her future, debating different options within her mind.
Charlotte Bronte demonstrates Jane's strength of character in her spirited disagreement with the treatment of the girls at Lowood School, in the name of discipline, yet later she hides her feelings she sits quietly when the ladies and gentlemen of high society come to visit Thornfield Hall, feeling as she does that it is not her place to push herself forward.
"He invited me out of sheer politeness, I need not go.".
Jane is the narrator of her own story. As a result, we are party to her conflicting thoughts and feelings. As her mind is in conflict so are her actions. We understand something of her turmoil. She loves Mr. Rochester and it pains her to be away from him but she resolves to leave him before his marriage to Miss Ingram. Jane does not want the heartache that would come with seeing him married too someone else.
