Fire Symbolism In Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë uses the four elements as symbolism for
Brontë uses fire to represent uncontrollable passion. This passion first manifests itself in Jane’s upbringing with the Reeds. Mrs. Reed looks on Jane “as a compound of virulent passions, mean spirit, and dangerous duplicity.” (22) Passion is reintroduced in the dreary setting of Lowood with Jane’s highly religious friend, Helen Burns. In the scene of her death, although Helen is described as “cold and thin,” she is burning with passionate faith in God. (96) Helen is the one to spark Jane’s interest in religion. Fire is again introduced—in the literal sense— after Jane’s arrival to Thornfield.
Even with Rochester, Jane does not behave as a traditional Victorian woman. She is strong-willed
Brontë uses fire to represent uncontrollable passion. This passion first manifests itself in Jane’s upbringing with the Reeds. Mrs. Reed looks on Jane “as a compound of virulent passions, mean spirit, and dangerous duplicity.” (22) Passion is reintroduced in the dreary setting of Lowood with Jane’s highly religious friend, Helen Burns. In the scene of her death, although Helen is described as “cold and thin,” she is burning with passionate faith in God. (96) Helen is the one to spark Jane’s interest in religion. Fire is again introduced—in the literal sense— after Jane’s arrival to Thornfield.
Even with Rochester, Jane does not behave as a traditional Victorian woman. She is strong-willed