Some of the universal themes in, Jane Eyre , by Charlotte Bronte consist of social class, independence, and love. Jane Eyre's social status changes throughout the book and she is put in situations where she both experiences as well as sees the many levels of social class. Some of these include: living with her aunt, getting education at such a poor school in Lowood, being a governess in the wealthy, elaborate Thornfield Hall, being homeless and struggling to simply survive the night, teaching the poor children, and eventually inheriting a huge fortune of 20,000 pounds. She's really seen it all. Independence is another universal theme used. From her harsh and bitter childhood, to her physical act of freedom of running away from Thornfield, Jane gains both independence and strength. "Through that I departed: it, too, I shut; and now I was out of Thornfield" (Bronte, page 390, paragraph 2). The major universal theme used in this book is love. This is also the most powerful theme, I believe. Jane not only longs for romantic love throughout the book, but simply to be loved in general. She really rarely felt loved and valued during her entire childhood until her late teens. This is something she struggles with through most of the book. In the end though, she reunites with her true love, Mr.Rochester, and also finally experiences the love of a family.
Bronte, Charlotte. The Illustrated Jane Eyre. New York: Viking Studio, 2006. Print.
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