Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Queer theory is a field of critical theory which emerged from the alliance between gay and lesbian theories. It aims to disrupt the presumed relations between and among sexuality, gender and desire. A deconstruction of the hetero/ homo hierarchy is one of the major components of queer theory. Michael Foucault’s The History of Sexuality is one of the important and influential critical works which informs the Queer theoretical movement. Queer theory includes both queer reading of text and the theorisation of queerness itself. Queer reading of texts explores characters who in some manner defy predisposed notions of explicit heteronormativity and binary gender norms. Jane Eyre is one of the seminal works of Charlotte Bronte in which there are strong undertones of queerness. The aim of this paper is to explore a queer reading of the novel. This paper intends to explore the homoerotic character of female friendships concealed behind the much-touted heterosexual romance of the novel. It illustrates the currents of lesbian desire in the relationship between Jane Eyre and Helen Burns through key episodes. Emphasis is also given upon portrayal of superiority of homosexual relationship over heterosexual relationship in terms of intimacy and emotional fulfilment. The paper also explores Jane as a queer character whose journey attempts to defy predisposed notions of explicit heteronormativity and binary gender norms.