Fire and Water Imagery in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre"

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Recommended: Art of Characterization of Charlotte Bronte with reference to Jane Eyre

Fire is the process in which materials ignite and combine with oxygen to give off heat, light, and flames. Likewise, water is composed of H20 molecules and acts as a counter to fire by possessing the ability to extinguish it. However, in literary terms, fire is mostly related to passion while water usually represents reason and calmness. Both elements are considered unique because of the ability to destroy and give life. Water can be directly related to life since it is an essential element for survival and makes up most of a human’s body. Similarly, fire is energy and provides warmth and comfort. In her novel Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte constantly uses fire and water imagery throughout the novel to describe people and settings. Images of water and ice are constantly seen during her stay at Lowood and Marsh End. Also, fire destroys Thornfield and provides warmth for Jane during the winter days at Gateshead. Throughout the novel, Jane is constantly traveling back and forth between fire and ice. By experiencing different societies, she tries to find the perfect balance betwe...

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