Jane Eyre Independence Quotes

In the novel, Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte uses symbolism and characterization to show the theme of independence.
One of the main themes in Jane Eyre is independence. Jane Eyre is a very independent woman. Near the middle of the book where Jane leaves rochester she says: “”I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert you to leave’” (Brontë 169). This quote proves my theme of independence because of the phrase “‘I am a free human being with an independent will…’” (Brontë 169). She plainly states that she is independent and she doesn't need Rochester to satisfy her. One thing I thought that was interesting about this quote was when she said “‘I am no bird; and no net ensnares me…’” because a bird can be free but they can also be caged so I liked how she made it clear that she wasn’t a trapped human being, that she is free and independent. Which is why this quote demonstrates the theme very well because it shows her independence in a deeper way.

In Jane Eyre there is one specific theme, but there are also minor themes in the book like love for example.

Jane has been dealt a rough hand of cards, she hasn’t felt love or care from anyone, she doesn’t know what love feels like. She has owned very little, and throughout the book she refers to herself as dull and plain. “ ‘Did you expect a present, Miss Eyre? Are you fond of presents?’ and he searched my face with eyes that I saw were dark, irate and piercing. ‘I hardly know, sir; I have little experience of them: they are generally thought pleasant things’” (Brontë 81). Now that Jane left Lowood it seems to be as if she wants more independence. She doesnt like being bossed around. She wants to do her own

thing.
In Jane Eyre there are many areas that symbolize Janes independence. One of the symbols that Jane keeps going back to is the Red-Room. The Red-Room represents the obstacles of Jane's freedom and happiness. She is trapped in the room feels overtaken by her struggles. When she ends up escaping she still feels the lack of happiness, freedom and independence. The Red-Room also represents Hell. While in the red-room jane gets very traumatized: “My heart beat thick, my head grew hot; a sound filled my ears, which I deemed the rushing wings; something seemed near me; I was oppressed, suffocated: endurance broke down; I rushed to the door and shook the lock in desperate effort” (Brontë 11,12). Now throughout the book whenever Jane endures suffering she always has flashbacks of the Red-Room. Another symbol is the old-chestnut tree. This is the place where Rochester asks for Jane's hand in marriage. That night Adele tells Jane that lightning struck the tree and split it right in half. This is a hint of what will happen later with Rochester and Jane on their wedding day. At the end of the book when Jane seeks Rochester again she repeats herself that she is now financially independent. As they go on, rochester refers back to the chestnut tree: “‘I am no better than the old lightning-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard,’ he remarked ere long. ‘And what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?’” (Brontë 296).