The Maturation of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre Essays Bronte

The overriding theme of Jane Eyre, is Janes continual quest for fill in. Jane searches for love and acceptance through the five settings in which she lives Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, secure House, and Ferndean. Through these viewpoints, the ageing and self-recognition of Jane becomes evident, as well as traceable. It is not until Jane flees from Rochester and Thornfield, and spends time at Moor House, that her maturation to womanhood is complete. At this point, Jane is able to finally return to Rochester as an independent woman, fully aware of her desire to love, as well as to be loved. From the onset of the novel, we see the world through the eyes of Jane a strong character who wishes to overcome her birth rite as an deprive in Victorian times. From this viewpoint, we are able to trace how Jane progresses in her dispute for individuality, as well as for love. At Gateshead, it becomes apparent that Jane is terrifically wilful and possessive of a fiery temper. An example of this is when Jane stands up to her aunt saying, You turn over I have no feelings, and that I can do without nonpareil bit of love or kindness, but I cannot live so and you have no pity (Bronte, 68). Here, Jane makes her set-back declaration of independence, contending that she will no longer be a secondary member in the beating-reed instrument household. At Lowood, Jane is repulsed by Mr. Blocklehurst and his two-faced character and coarseness. However, while at Lowood, Jane finds her first true friend in the form of Helen Burns, another student at the school. Helen teaches Jane of love in the form of religion. By means of instruction as well as by example, Helen is able to convey this message. When Jane is punished in front of the whole school, she tries to accept it as though it has some high purpose. However, Jane still desires human affection and is deeply hurt when she is scorned. Jane goes as far-off as to say, If others dont love me, I would rather die than live. Hele ns response, You think excessively much of the love of human beings, is a testament to her devout credit (Bronte, 101). When Helen is dying of Typhus later on in the story, she reminds Jane, I look at I have faith I am going to idol (Bronte, 113). Jane is able to draw strength from Helens faith, ultimately making her (Jane) stronger.