Jane Eyre

The major themes and ideas of Jane Eyre are evident in the plot, but unsolved mysteries still exist in the story. Additionally, the novel’s form as a bildungsroman, or coming of age story, is seen clearly through Jane’s growth and development. There are many different apparent themes in the novel. The appropriateness of names is significant to the story. Jane Eyre’s name, the people in Jane’s life, and place names are key elements to the story.
Firstly, the name “Jane Eyre” has few interpretations. Jane’s first name is associated with plainness when compared to the other women in the novel of a higher social class. “She would not be burdened with her society for any consideration. Georgiana should take her own course; and she, Eliza, would take hers” (245). Georgiana and Eliza both have elegant names and this shows that they are both of a higher class than Jane. This highlights Jane’s lack of status and also shows her lack of pretense. Jane’s last name also has many interpretations. “Eyre” sounds like “air,” and in the novel, Jane is described as being wind-like, drifting from one place to the other. “Eyre” also sounds like “heir” which is very meaningful. Jane’s uncle writes Mrs. Reed asking her about Jane because he wishes to share his fortune with Jane. "Madam,--Will you have the goodness to send me the address of my niece, Jane Eyre, and to tell me how she is? … I wish to adopt her during my life, and bequeath her at my death whatever I may have to leave” (250). Mrs. Reed kept this from Jane because she was jealous.
Secondly, the people in Jane’s life have symbolic meaning. For example, Jane’s superintendant, Miss Temple, not only plays a significant role in Jane’s life but her name also has meaning.   Miss Temple’s name signifies Jane’s worshipful feeling for Lowood’s superintendant. Not only is Miss Temple’s name a positive one, she also has a positive influence on Jane’s life. “Miss Temple, through all changes … she had stood me in the stead of mother,...