The continuation of the slavery narrative

       In Jane Eyre from the very beginning there is a particular commentary at work , bringing to the forefront the recent upheaval  of the very core of the capitalist system of production – slavery. This economic and social phenomenon had received validation from the Vatican itself in the Dum Diversas Papal Bull of 1452, allowing Europeans to reduce “Saracens and pagans” in foreign lands to a condition of “perpetual slavery”, forsaking the Christian doctrines of universal equality. This evil was finally recognized in Britain in 1833 with the Abolition of Slavery Act, however the repercussions of this heinous crime against humanity remained very much within the British imagination. In the earlier chapters, Jane is referred to as a “bad animal” and as “less than a servant, as [she] does nothing for her keep”. Her position in the household is reinforced by Ms Abbott, who says that Jane “must not think [herself] on an equality with the Misses Reed and Master Reed, because missis kindly allows [her] to be brought up with them”. Jane refers to herself as the “rebel slave” and her cousin the “slave-driver”, because of the undue “habitual” obedience he inspires in her. She is at the mercy of his family, and with no relations or connections or money of her own, she is theirs to do with as they please much like the slaves in the colonies who had no means of defending themselves against the violence of their Imperialist masters. 

       Jane, however, in complete contrast to Fanny Price, was acutely aware of the wrong being done her way. The Red-room incident served as the final blow which freed her from the shackles of the gratitude that she was told she must bear to her Aunt and her cousins. She speaks up against the injustices dealt her way, claiming that her cousins are “not fit to associate” with her and declaring that her aunt is “bad, hard-hearted” and “deceitful”. Her insolence and ungratefulness is seen as a sign of treachery against the Reeds, with her being referred to as “a sort infantine Guy Fawkes”. This comparison made by Charlotte Bronte stretches this domestic trifle to the national realm, drawing a link between a child rebelling against her benefactors and a man plotting to assassinate the king (known in the public imagination as the Gunpowder Plot). The reference to this plot brings to light the particular opinion that the British aristocracy had towards the abolition of the Slave Trade that had taken place 14 years prior to the publication of this book. They viewed the quest for freedom as unnatural and an act of treachery on the part of their slaves, and the very measure of ungratefulness. The state pushed for the freedom of slaves and in return it had to pay British aristocrats, who were the major beneficiaries of slave trade and imperialism, exorbitant amounts of money for the loss of their “property”. Mrs. Reed was no less callous at the time Jane gained her freedom, telling her not to disturb herself or her cousins, and to forever be grateful to them for the kindness she was shown while she stayed there.