The theme of isolation is one that is prevalent in Jane Eyre. Charlotte Bronte uses the character of Jane to illustrate the effects of isolation, and how it can lead to loneliness and despair. Jane is orphaned at a young age, and she is subsequently sent to live with her aunt and cousins.
Jane feels out of place in her new home, and she eventually leaves to live with Mr. Rochester. However, Jane is again isolated from the people around her, and she eventually finds herself alone in the world. The theme of isolation is important because it highlights the need for connection and human interaction. It also underscores the importance of relationships in our lives.
Mental and physical isolation are two forms of isolation. Physical isolation is defined as being separated from a group of people, whereas mental separation implies that someone feels alone even if others are present. Isolation can lead to loneliness (Isolation). The motif of physical and mental confinement appears throughout Jane Eyre. This pattern of seclusion had a detrimental influence on Jane Eyre, who began experiencing it at a young age and continued through her marriage at Ferndean until she experienced community and love in her relationship
Jane Eyre was isolated from her family at an early age. She was sent away to a boarding school, Lowood, at the age of six. Jane had no control over this decision and she was taken away from her family. Jane felt alone at Lowood because she was not only separated from her family, but she was also the only child in the school who was not wealthy. Jane felt like she did not belong at Lowood and she longed to be back with her family. The isolation that Jane experienced at Lowood led to her being emotionally scarred.
After Jane left Lowood, she became a governess for Mr. Rochester. Once again, Jane was isolated from a group of people. This time, she was isolated because she was a governess and she was not part of Mr. Rochester’s social class. Jane did not have any friends at Thornfield Hall and she felt like an outsider. Jane was also physically isolated because she was not allowed to leave Thornfield Hall unless she had Mr. Rochester’s permission. The isolation that Jane experienced at Thornfield Hall led to her being emotionally scarred.
Jane’s isolation continued when she left Thornfield Hall and went to live with Mrs. Reed. Jane was isolated from her family again, and this time, she was isolated from the rest of the world because Mrs. Reed would not let Jane leave Gateshead Hall. Jane was also isolated from Mrs. Reed and her siblings because they did not like Jane and they treated her poorly. The isolation that Jane experienced at Gateshead Hall led to her being emotionally scarred.
Jane’s final experience of isolation was when she lived with Mr. Rochester at Ferndean. Jane was isolated from the rest of the world because she was living in the countryside and she did not have any friends or family nearby. Jane was also isolated from Mr. Rochester because he was often away on business. The isolation that Jane experienced at Ferndean led to her being emotionally scarred.
The theme of isolation is important in “Jane Eyre” because it shows how Jane’s experiences of isolation had a negative effect on her. Jane was isolated from her family, from social groups, and from the rest of the world. These experiences of isolation led to Jane feeling alone and isolated. Jane’s experiences of isolation were a major factor in her emotional development.
At a young age, Jane loses her parents. Her uncle first brought her to the Reed home after she lost her parents. However, when her uncle died, his sister promised to raise Jane as one of her own children. Aunt Reed breaks this promise shortly afterward and makes Jane feel more like a burden than a child by separating her from the rest of the group in the drawing room “because [Jane] really must delete [her] from benefits intended only for happy, satisfied youngsters” (Bronte 63).
Jane doesn’t have any friends to play with and she is not allowed to participate in family activities. Jane spends most of her time in the nursery, alone. After Jane is eventually sent to Lowood School, she makes a few friends there but they all eventually leave or die. Jane feels very isolated at Lowood School because she is one of the youngest students and she is different from the other girls because she is not wealthy. Jane also starts working at Lowood School as a teacher and she feels very isolated from her students because she is their teacher.
When Jane leaves Lowood School, she becomes governess for Mr. Rochester’s ward, Adele. But Jane quickly realizes that she is isolated from Mr. Rochester and the rest of the household. Jane feels very alone in her position as governess.
Jane eventually gets married to Mr. Rochester but she still feels isolated from him because he is often away on business and she is left at home, alone. Jane also feels isolated from the other residents at Thornfield Hall.
Near the end of the novel, Jane discovers that Mr. Rochester has been keeping a secret wife in the attic. Jane runs away from Thornfield Hall and she feels completely isolated from everyone. Jane spends a few weeks wandering around England, completely alone and friendless.
Finally, Jane returns to Thornfield Hall after hearing that Mr. Rochester is injured. Jane takes care of Mr. Rochester and they eventually get married. Jane no longer feels isolated from Mr. Rochester because she is now his wife. Jane also feels less isolated from the other residents at Thornfield Hall.
The theme of isolation is prevalent throughout Jane Eyre. Jane experiences isolation from her family, friends, students, and employers. Jane feels alone and lost in the world. However, Jane eventually learns to cope with her feelings of isolation and she finds happiness with Mr. Rochester.