Intertextual

The character of Jane Eyre somewhat resembles the character of Jo from Little Women. Both are very strange for the women of their time; smart girls with an attitude uncontrolled by the restraints of society. Like Jo, Jane seems to be falling for an older man, and the attraction has become mutual. They are alike in the way that they both have a close, familial affection for a younger girl. Jo loved her younger sister Beth, a sickly young woman. Jane loves Adéle, a girl who is not family. Jane decides to, "cling closer to her than ever before" (Bronte 137) because of her pitiable family background and current situation. Jane and Jo both took a long time to fall in love. Jo was the objection of affection for Laurie, her next door neighbor. He was her brother figure, which kept her from ever reciprocating his feelings. Jane grew up for eight years surrounded by other girls. Love has never touched her heart, and she does not quite recognize it as it begins to enter. Thinking Mr. Rochester could be gone from Thornfield, she thinks, "how joyless sunshine and fine days will seem!" (139). This love has bloomed in her, but she sees it as an admiration, confused by its presence and unsure how to deal with it. Jo was also unsure how to deal with love, and she had to change her ways to feel comfortable with accepting it.