Although there are a lot of differences between these novels, the characters Jane Fairfax and Jane Eyre have a lot in common. First of all, both are orphans trying to manage their lives on their own. As orphans, they are more independent than others, as Adrienne Rich puts it: “mothers are dependent and powerless themselves and can only teach their daughters how to survive by the same means: marriage to a financially secure male.” (Thaden 63) Motherless children, on the other hand, had to find a way on their own to survive in this world.

Their Childhood

In early childhood both were sent away in order to get an established education. In Jane Eyre’s case, it is Mrs Reed who arranges boarding school and Jane Fairfax, on the other hand, was sent
“As yet I had spoken to no one, nor did anybody seem to take notice of me; I stood lonely enough, but to that feeling of isolation I was accustomed: it did not oppress me much.” (Bronte 51) Jane Eyre describes isolation as something she is familiar with and does therefore not complain about it. However, Jane Fairfax’s mysterious character does not allow her to make friends at Highbury which is the same for Jane Eyre after she leaves the boarding
Jane Eyre, on the other hand, is confronted with mother-like figures everywhere, although she is not accepted by her relatives. At Gateshead, Bessie is the only person who takes care of Jane when everyone else despises her. When she is put into the red room, Bessie is the only person who comes and talks to her. At Lowood, her teacher Miss Temple saves the children from the bad conditions at the school and becomes a good friend to Jane. While Mr Brocklehurst judges Jane for no reason, Miss Temple defends her and she is the only one who wants to learn the truth about Jane’s actions before judging her. Mrs Fairfax is the one who welcomes Jane to Thornfield. Mrs Fairfax introduces Jane to her new job and supports her through her stay at Thornfield, and it is important to mention that Jane values her opinion: “Mrs Fairfax, I saw, approved me: her anxiety on my account vanished; therefore I was certain I did well” (Bronte