Themes in Jane Eyre

Themes are an important key element of every novel. A novel’s theme is the main idea that the writer expresses. Theme can also be defined as the underlying meaning of the story. It is not the action of the story, but rather the reader's interpretation of the purpose of the action. Themes are arguably the most important aspect of a novel because they are the reason for the author's writing the novel. Themes found in Jane Eyre include the supernatural, visions, and dreams that Jane encounters.
Firstly, the supernatural play an important role throughout the novel. Great coincidences suggest a greater force is at work. An example of this is in the very beginning of the novel; Jane is unfairly convicted of attacking her cousin John Reed. Her punishment is that she be locked in the red-room. The red-room, being the place where Jane's uncle Mr. Reed passed away, is a room that even the adults in the house avoid at all costs. It is said to be haunted. Jane, only ten years old at the time, is locked in the ominous room without so much as a candle to comfort her. Jane suddenly thinks she sees Mr. Reed’s ghost and she cries out for help. Since Jane is so terrified, she passes out.”I suppose I had a species of fit: unconsciousness closed the scene” (13). This supernatural occurrence gives Jane enough courage to finally stand up to her aunt and assert her authority.”I will say the very thought of you makes me sick, and that you treated me with miserable cruelty” (33). From that moment on, Jane is no longer afraid to stand up to anyone who does not treat her with the respect she deserves.
Secondly, visions also have their place in the novel. In certain instances, they seem to guide Jane as she embarks upon her journey. Despite her distaste for fantasies and inefficiency, Jane, is a frequent day-dreamer. While Jane was talking with St. John, she suddenly hears Mr. Rochester calling for her. "I might have said, ‘Where is it?’ for it did not seem in the room"(449). She does not