In Discussion Post 5, we return to marriage and examine its role in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. As we have learned in the module, economics, politics, culture, and law all influenced who was allowed to marry and own property in Bronte’s 18th and 19th century England.

For this discussion, we will look at the ending of Jane Eyre in the context of what we have learned about love during the nineteenth century and in our own time. What do you think of Jane’s decision at the end of Jane Eyre? Do you agree or disagree with her decision? Explain. If you were in Jane’s shoes, knowing what you do of marriage in the nineteenth century, what decision would you have made and why?