The Red Room

· The red room in which young Jane Eyre is locked unfairly for her passionate defense
against John Reed is the first noteworthy use of space in the novel. It has a profound
significance due to its being the first instance of the appearance of Gothic elements in the
novel as well as the symbolic function it plays within the novel.

· Charlotte Bronte introduces the room as "one of the stateliest chambers in the mansion"
to her readers. One would need little effort to understand why this room is called "the red
room" inside the room are various shades of the red color and some other dark colors.

· The room has;

a. A bed supported on "massive pillars of mahogany'
b. Curtains with "deep red damask"
c. A table at the foot of the bed "covered with a crimson cloth"
d. A toilet-table and chairs made of "darkly polished mahogany"
e. Red carpets.
f. Two large windows "half shrouded in festoons of similar drapery"
g. Walls of "soft fawn color with a blush of pink"
i. White matresses and pillows which rose high
j. An ample cushioned white chair that looked less prominent.

· The demise of its former owner, Mr. Reed, and the chilly, remote, quiet and "seldom
entered" adds upto its gloomy, mysterious and horrific atmosphere. It also reflects on the
isolation Jane experiences at Gateshead hall.

· Through the use of Gothic elements (haunting images) Bronte effectively gives an insight
into the troubled mind of Jane Eyre.

· The little existence of white in the red room could be a metaphor for Jane Eyre who
 suffers the cruel treatment of the Reeds. Moreover, it could also be a metaphor for what
happens whithin her mind; the confusion she experiences between her childish innocence
and her increasing anger.

· Jane perceives herself in the mirror to be a spirit "half fairy" (which is a metaphor for
how she sees herself ) and "half imp" (which is a metaphor for how she was considered
a troublesome child by others

· The red room also resembles the feelings of fear and inscurities of the heroine not only
within the chapter but also through later events in the story.

· It is a prison of her independence and identity formed by both the external hardships the
society puts upon her and also her negative feelings like anger. only after breaking all
such restraints can Jane achieve her complete confidence.