Symbolism in Charlotte Bronte´s Jane Eyre

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Dialectical Journal: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Moon

Bronte uses the moon as a metaphor to symbolize change in the novel. It is a representation of foreshadowing, because it is cuing that a change is about to occur before it actually does. Bronte mentions the moon when a new change is about to occur, such as when Jane first meets Rochester. I believe that the fact that the moon is waxing in the sky, rather than waning, is a metaphorical foreshadow that there is about to be a good change in her life. When the moon waxes it gets bigger and brighter, symbolizing that the change ahead of her will be big and bright.

Moon

Again, the moon is used as a metaphor to symbolize change. It is a representation of foreshadowing. After Rochester proposes to Jane, it states that the moon is not yet set in the sky. Although we are led to believe that this proposal will lead to the change of the two of them becoming a married couple, the positioning of the moon is a spoiler that unfortunately there will be no change. I think that it is foreshadowing the problem with the wedding and how they do not actually marry.

Food

Food is used in this novel as a metaphor for want and need. It is representing the want for personal growth. When Jane is at Lowood school the food supply is very minimal and she and the other girls often go hungry. When she begins accomplishing things at the school and making friends, she focuses less on her hunger. My opinion on this is that shortly after arriving to Lowood school, Jane is still striving to grow, personally just as she is craving food. But as she begins to make friends and do good in her classes, she finds herself thinking less of her appetite.

Food

Again, food is used as a metaphor f...

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... Victorian women did not have it easy and they deserved equality.

Religion

As the novel progresses we meet three different characters of religion: Helen, St. John, and Mr. Brucklehurst. Jane dismisses all three of the religious views shown by these three. Throughout the novel Jane questions her faith and idea of religion, until after a while she comes to her own conclusion and creates her own beliefs. Helen does not fear her death and shows little care about her life on earth because she believes heaven is more important. Mr. Brucklehurst is cruel and strict because of his religious beliefs. St. John chooses to deny the love of his life and attempt to marry a women he does not love because he feels that he must stay faithful to his God. Unlike the three religious people in her life, Jane learns to balance her faith in God and her love for the mortal world.

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