Alienation In Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

Exile— being cast away from your home and from all family, friends, and relations; having to start a whole new life alone. As terrible as exile may seem, this is what Jane Eyre, protagonist of Charlotte Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre had to experience several times throughout her life. Although exile can be a degrading experience for anyone, Jane Eyre shows to her readers that it is also enriching.The motif of exile in Jane Eyre teaches that although feelings of alienation may arise at the start of the exile, you are still able to make companions throughout the new journey. The companions can be enriching and teach life-lasting lessons, but only if one is willing to explore new territories and exile themselves. Jane’s first exile pulled her away from her aunt and cousins at Gateshead. After experiencing her first exile, Jane thought that her life at Lowood would be far better than the abuse she experienced at Gateshead. Contrary to her belief, Jane Eyre was alienated by Mr. Brocklehurst. He called her a liar,
She “desired liberty” (102) and decided to advertise for a new servitude. She received a response to work as a governess at Mr. Rochester’s house in Thornfield for his ward Adéle. This exile is alienating at first. Her feeling of alienation grew strong when Mr. Rochester invited his wealthy friends over for a few days. Jane felt as if she could not fit in with the extravagant people being that she lacks money and beauty, unlike the other women who were present. When Mrs. Fairfax first told Jane that she was invited to join the others by Mr. Rochester Jane resisted but Mrs. Fairfax insisted. Jane agreed to go “if no better may be but [she didn’t] like it” (197). Jane’s reluctance to go depicts how out of place she felt amongst Mr. Rochester’s esteemed colleagues. Mr. Rochester turned out to be Jane Eyre’s most valued companion. Not only did he marry her, he also taught her to express