Marriage, Sex, and Economic Exchange in Jane Eyre

Marriage, Sex, and Economic Exchange in Jane Eyre

In this essay by Kate Washington, it is argued that in Victorian culture, namely in Jane Eyre, economics are tied to sexuality. The essay argues that prostitution and marrying for money are similar. However, Bronte seems to counter this in Jane Eyre, as Jane does not marry until after she has gained an inheritance, and therefore her financial independence. Also in the essay, is the discussion of the ambiguous word "mistress" that could refer to the woman of the house or to a hired mistress, like Mr. Rochester's Celine. Because the essay claims that through a Victorian perspective, mistresshood was prostitution, Jane sees becoming Mr. Rochester's mistress as an impossibility not only because it would mean that she would be financially dependent and subordinate to him (like a slave), but that it also would be similar to her selling herself for money. Overall the essay is interesting in its treatment of the ties between economics and sexuality and because it shows how Jane's choices could have played out in different ways, had she not acted in the way she did.

Michigan Feminist Studies

1847

Emmalee Baker