Jane Eyre- Themes

Question #3

One of the most important themes explored in Jane Eyre is the prejudice and inequality of social classes. Jane’s underprivileged class as a poor governess has a profound impact on her life. Although she grows up in an aristocratic family, she is shunned and does not truly belong. Taking on the post of governess at eighteen, Jane begins to make a humble way for herself, but is still surrounded by society of a higher class than she. When Mr. Rochester proposes, Jane feels her disadvantaged position even more acutely. As Mr. Rochester shops for Jane’s new aristocratic position as his wife, Jane reflects, “the more he bought me, the more my cheek burned with a sense of annoyance and degradation.” (page 161) Aware that she could never purchase the finery with her own meager salary, Jane only wishes to marry him and be his equal wife.

                After the wedding is called off, Jane runs away and finds a family of her own. Mary and Diana, her adopted sisters, share her tastes and love for learning. When among equals, Jane is content, but she cannot be truly happy without Mr. Rochester. Charlotte Bronte writes this to illustrate the confinements of social class and how they impede Jane’s happiness. Towards the end of the novel, Jane comes into an inheritance. Finally able to live as Mr. Rochester’s equal, she marries them and experiences true, content happiness. She tells him after he proposes, “I love you better now, when I can really be useful to you, than I did in your state of proud independence.” (pace 269) Charlotte Bronte understands that it is in human nature to wish to be loved, but we must sometimes conform to the harsh restrictions that society places on us.

Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print