Jane Eyre

Themes
Themes are pervasive ideas presented in a literary work. It presents
the dilemma of a family and shows class discrimination and cruelty in human
nature.

Role of the Family

Jane is in search of love that only a family can give. A family gives a sense of
belonging and relationships. However, this search for a family does not
dampen her desire for independence. Jane learns to love and taking care of
relationships from Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax. She also learns about
wicked relatives like Mrs. Reed and St. John, who is selfish. However, Jane
returns love and care of Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax by taking care of Adele
and other school children. She finally decides to get married to Mr. Rochester.
She remains independent and yet believes in the institution of a loving family.

Religion

Religion plays an important role in the life of a person and in society. It is an

important part of the society in which Jane Eyre grows up. First, she comes
across evangelicalism of Mr. Brocklehurst, but she finds him hypocritical and
abusive. On the other side, Helen Burns, also a Christian, stands apart from
that of Mr. Brocklehurst. She is a firm believer and patient, who believes in
turning the other cheek. St. Johns is also a strong Christian who wants to go
on a  mission to the third world. Jane agrees to go with him as a sister instead
of a wife. However, St. John disagrees. Eventually, Jane looks toward God for
help. She marries Mr. Rochester and restores his health.
Social Status

Charlotte Bronte has consistently shown how poor are treated according to
their financial status. Mr. Reed takes Jane as she is his niece. However, the
maltreatment she meets at Thorn field makes her bitter toward religious ideas
as well as social norms. This happens to her because of her lowly position.
Mr. Rochester marries Bertha Mason because she is from the same social
class. Jane rejects the proposal of Mr. Rochester because she thinks that she
would be insulted more than considered his equal partner. St. John’s
treatment against Jane is a reminder that the poor are either hated or shown
pity. Jane has learned that good financial position leads to self-esteem and
confidence that Jane, by the end, when she has gained a good social status.

Class Struggle

Class struggle is an underlying theme of Jane Eyre. Jane belongs to the poor

class. However, Mr. Reed, his wife, and children belong to the upper class.
So, she is treated as a servant girl in their house. In spite of Mrs. Reed’s
promise to her husband that she would treat her as her own child. The reason
for her loneliness, her isolation, and maltreatment at home and school are the
results of her being from the poor class. In the end, Jane overcomes many
obstacles. Mr. Rochester is dependent on Jane.