Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte Theme

November 1, 2018 Religion

Longing for Love Charlotte Bronte created the novel “Jane Eyre,” withan overriding theme of love. The emotional agony that the main characterexperiences throughout the novel stem from the treatment received as a child,loss of loved ones, and economic hardships. To fill these voids, Jane longs forlove. Ironically, Jane rejects affection at some point throughout the novelthough it is that which she seeks. Her painful childhood experiences create anemotional center derived from this pain. Thus, she views love as consuming andit is not a high priority in Jane’s life. She accepts the fact that she willprobably live her life in loneliness. From the onset of the novel we view theworld through the eyes of Jane, a young, penniless, orphan. At the beginning ofthe story she is under the care of her widowed aunt, Mrs. Reed. At the Reedhousehold, Jane is neglected and mistreated with favoritism being given only tothe three obnoxious Reed children. Jane begins her struggle for love here atGateshead. Her temper and self-will become apparent there. She stands up forherself not only to her cousins, but to Mrs. Reed as well. “You think IBurkhart 2 have no feelings, and that I can do without one bit of love orkindness, but I cannot live so: and you have no pity” (Bronte, 45). Herearly life at Gateshead proved to be a rather traumatic period in Jane’s life.

Jane “dared commit no fault: [she] strove to fulfill every duty; [she] wastermed naughty and tiresome, sullen and sneaky, from morning to noon, and fromnoon to night” (Bronte, 22). Trying to act in accordance with Mrs. Reed andthe Reed children, never purposely committing a fault, Jane was continuously”naughty” in Mrs. Reed’s eye. Living a childhood such as Jane’s, onewould expect a self-willed and rebellious personality to emerge. “I was adiscord at Gateshead Hall; I was like nobody there…If they did not love me, infact, as little did I love them” (Bronte 23). Treated with disrespect andlack of love Jane began her journey, her quest for love. Her rebellion towardsthe family that hated her fueled an inner subconscious conflict dealing withlove and trust. Mrs. Reed eventually sends Jane to a boarding school calledLowood Institution. Lowood is a charitable school and has the worst conditionsimaginable. It is here, where Jane meets her first true friend Helen Burns. Atthe orphanage, Jane forms a passionate attachment to Helen. Burkhart 3 Helenassumes a sisterly like role and teaches Jane love in the form of religion.

“Read the New Testament,” Helen instructed Jane, “love yourenemies” (Bronte 69). “Then I should love Mrs. Reed, which I cannotdo; I should bless her son John, which is impossible”(Bronte 69). Jane doesnot comprehend the act of loving thy enemies. Her lack of comprehension stemsfrom her childhood and the lack of love she received. Never in her childhood didshe get the attention and love that a child deserves. How could anyone expectsomeone to be able to love when she has had no example to follow? In Jane’s eyesher self-worth would severely diminish if she were to love someone who did notlove her. Helen explains to Jane how Miss Scatcherd dislikes Helen’s “castof character” (Bronte 65) and the deep impression the injustice of an enemymakes on your heart. Jane is able to gain strength from Helen’s faith. It isthis faith that she attains that guides Jane through her life and ultimatelyleads to her happiness. Another character that has a significant influence inJane’s life at Lowood is Miss Evans, the superintendent. Miss Evans is primarilythe first person in Jane’s life that treats Jane with justice and confidence inher ability to “make good.” In her dealings with Miss Evans and theBurkhart 4 scolding she receives from Miss Evans, Jane puts Helen’s lessons touse. She tries to accept her scolding as if it had some higher purpose, thoughshe is hurt inside when she is scolded. Her experiences at Lowood make her amuch stronger self-willed person, though they also contribute to her decrease inrebelliousness. Jane eventually leaves Lowood and ventures to Thornfield Manorwhere she gains the position of governess under Mr. Edward Rochester, hermaster. Meeting Mr. Rochester completely changes Jane’s life. The attention shereceives, the interest, and the affection all fill voids in Jane’s life. Foronce a person

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