Jane Eyre Themes

Society & Class

Context:

• 19th-century British society = class-based, limited social mobility - people remained in class they were born into

• Marriage influenced by social class - often arranged based on financial benefits like dowries

• Brontë explores impact of class on individuals and uses it to drive the plot

Application:

• Brontë criticises class system - portrays wealth-focused characters like Mrs. Reed & Blanche Ingram as morally flawed

• St. John, chooses poverty = mocked by Brontë - poverty only admirable when part of self-improvement

• Jane’s lower status is constantly highlighted - forced to call her cousin "Master Reed" due to his wealth

• Jane only gains social respectability after inheriting money -reinforces Victorian belief that people earn wealth they deserve

Love & Family

• Love and family - explored through Jane’s relationships

• Reed family - mistreats & abuses Jane - lack of familial love

• At Lowood School, Jane forms a deep platonic bond with Helen, showcasing a pure and supportive friendship

• The theme of romantic love is most prominent in Jane’s relationship with Mr. Rochester, who ultimately gives her the affection she longs for

Gender Roles

• Gender roles in 19th-century Britain were restrictive - women often viewed as intellectually inferior

• Marriage was frequently based on social or financial gain, not love, and wives were often considered the property of their husbands

• Brontë critiques imbalance of power in marriage, using Bertha Mason as a symbol of female oppression within wedlock

• Jane resists traditional female roles, showing defiance from a young age

  • As a child, she uses physical violence against John Reed

  • As she matures, she shifts to verbal assertiveness to defend her autonomy

Religion & Spirituality

• Religion and spirituality shape character development

• Brontë, the daughter of a minister, was deeply familiar with Christian beliefs

• Mr. Brocklehurst & St. John Rivers represent rigid, patriarchal religion, portrayed as oppressive and destructive

• Jane’s moral growth is tied to Christianity — she learns to resist temptation and follow a personal, balanced faith

• Helen Burns introduces Jane to the New Testament, which becomes a lifelong moral guide

• Brontë presents varied religious perspectives:

  • Helen: gentle, salvation-based faith

  • Eliza Reed: strict Catholic devotion

  • St. John: harsh, Calvinist doctrine

• Jane embodies a faith that blends self-respect with spirituality, balancing religious principles with emotional independence.