Jane Eyre Thematic

Jane Eyre

Bronte's Jane Eyre is about love: a strong affection for or devotion to a person or persons (Webster 1070). For instance a dog will at first fall in love with you, and then it will hate you and again fall in love and live happily ever after. Love is a process and you must go through all the steps of this process in order to reach your ultimate goal of happiness. Love is something that we all must endure and desire. For some of us this can even be more of a challenge and perfection may never seem in reach.

During her time at Gateshed and Lowood Jane learns that love will always be there, even if it is hidden to an extreme. While at Gateshed Bessie had been there for Jane and was Jane's backbone during the hardships. "I daren't for my life be alone with that poor child to-night: she might die" (19). Bessie's statement shows how she did care for her and how she strived for Jane's survival. When Jane was a child she had owned a doll, it was all she had ever owned. She needed to show love for Jane states, "human beings must love something" (28). Even at such a young age Jane is able to see that in order for her to live she must love something, even if that something was only a piece of fabric that resembled a doll. While in despair at Lowood and with Helen in her death bed, Helen teaches Jane God is always there. Helen states "You will come to the same region of happiness: be received by the same mighty, universal parent" (78). Helen is talking about god and Jane now realizes God will always love you. Jane has now endured one step in

the process and her faith has been renewed, she at last realizes that she is always loved by God and that she will never be alone.

Love will crush you, deceive you, destroy you, hate you, and like you. It is everything we as man feel all in one emotion; the bad parts are the worst. When she first meets Mr. Rochester she has to deal with him being a complete nuisance. Especially when he states things like "I don't wish to treat you as an inferior" (126). His ridiculous comments and horrible manners teach Jane love won't start as a fairy tale. He does though begin to announce his love but she is oblivious. Mr. Rochester tells her "Good night my-" (172). He wants to show her he loves her but he can not because of certain circumstances that will come to hurt Jane in the future. Jane also learns about rival-ship jealousy with Blanche Ingram. Jane feels "There was nothing to cool or banish love in these circumstances" (176). Jane is able to overcome jealousy easily but not the love for Rochester. She has love do everything bad to her and does not even realize what is happening to her.

Jane learns her hardest lesson in love and that is it can be a cruel mistress that betrays you in a second. Jane and Rochester are to be married but before committing

to it, a horrible thruth is revealed. Briggs, a lawyer states "I would remind you of your lady's existence" (272). Jane is shocked he is married and is crushed. She sees her love cannot overcome God or the law. She wants there after to avoid the hardship of love. She wishes to "Leave Thornfield at once" (279). She wants to get as far away as possible and not learn any more hardships. The mistress unreails her horrible head once again when Rochester threatens to kill himself. He asks Jane "Is it better to drive a fellow-creatur to

despair" (296). She loves him so dearly and does not want him to hurt himself but she must face the mistress and follow God and not disobey him. She endures a great trial of love and law, mind and soul, and body and heart. Her logical side wins and she avoids any more torment by the mistress.

At Moore house Jane learns that marriage