Jane Eyre: Themes

Family: This theme explores Jane’s quest for a true sense of belonging, as she navigates her strained relationship with the Reed family, her adopted kinship with the Rivers, and finally her union with Mr. Rochester.
Marriage: The prospect and consequences of marriage are explored through Jane’s relationships with Mr. Rochester and St. John Rivers, addressing concepts of passion, power dynamics, independence, and compromise.
Morality: The theme of morality is seen through Jane’s inner moral compass, guiding her decisions and highlighting the clash between societal norms and individual conscience.
Religion: Religion is presented as both oppressive and liberating forces in Jane’s life, ranging from the cruel religiosity of Mr. Brocklehurst to the humane Christianity of Helen Burns and St. John Rivers.
Secrecy and Lies: The theme of secrecy and deception focuses on Mr. Rochester’s hidden past, representative of Victorian society’s clash between appearance and reality.
Gender: Jane Eyre explores themes of gender inequality and the struggle for women’s independence and authenticity in a male-dominated Victorian society.
Outsiders: This theme delves into the experiences and perspectives of characters like Jane who feel marginalised and exiled from society due to their class, gender, or perceived eccentricities.
The Supernatural: The supernatural elements, including visions, dreams, and the “madwoman in the attic,” contribute to the Gothic atmosphere of the novel, highlighting Jane’s intuition and resilience.