The Evolution of Jane Eyre in Film Adaptation: from Classic Female Stereotype to Independent Woman

Abstract

Jane Eyre is one of the English novels that has been most adapted for the big screen. The recreation of the Victorian atmosphere by Charlotte Brontë, the female author of the novel, as well as the universe of its main character, an orphaned girl who manages to survive as a governess in a hostile environment have been specially interesting for the film world. Furthermore, Jane Eyre's markedly feminist character has converted her into a pioneering character in this medium, in addition to determining her timelessness. With the aim of gainning further insights into the representation of Jane Eyre in the film adaptations directed by Robert Stevenson (1944), Franco Zeffirelli (1996) and Cary Fukunaga (2011). This paper makes an an analysis on the character as a person and as a role model, according to the theories of Francesco Casetti and Federico Di Chio (2007). On the basis of these considerations, the intention is to highlight how the character and her feminist tenor have envolved from classic cinema up until the present day.