Jane Eyre Quotes and Analysis

‘‘i am no bird, and no net ensnares me’’ (chapter 23 which is when mr rochester proposes)

This quote from Jane Eyre expresses the protagonist's desire for freedom and independence, rejecting the constraints imposed by Victorian society and relationships.

The metaphor of a bird is important as women of the time were seen as very fragile creatures needing protection similarly to birds. Birds are also kept in cages showing a lack of freedom. She is also saying she does not need to be protected and is free

‘‘I am a free human being, with an independent will’’

(same sentence as previous quote)

The adjective free shows that jane sees herself as an autonomous woman and believes she deserves the same freedom and power as a man

The word independent hints that contrary to how people felt that women were helpless and needed protection of men, she took pride in her independence

"I don't think, sir, you have a right to command me, merely because you are older than I’’ (at thornfield)

declarative sentence showing that she is strong willed. shows that despite being polite she is still strong willed

‘‘he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine’’ (when blanche wasat the house)

This quote reflects Jane's deep emotional connection to Mr. Rochester, suggesting that she feels a sense of belonging and understanding with him that transcends societal expectations. It emphasizes her belief in the equality of their spirits, despite their differing social standings.

believes that he does not have the same ideas that of other upper class people have and he is much more free spirited

the possessive pronoun mine shows that despite being an orphan and working class woman she believes she has the same social status as Mr Rochester in terms of intellect and she appreciates Mr Rochester

‘‘When we were struck at without reason, we strike back again very hard’’ (to helen burns)

contrast to how she learns it is really important to forgive due to Christian values of forgiveness

repetition of collective pronoun we and the violent verb struck shows how jane used to be very strong willed, vengeful and even violent when defending herself

‘‘wherever you are is my home… my only home’’

repetition of home shows how authentic her love is for Mr Rochester, despite losing Thornfield and a lot of his money but she still sees them as tied together