Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre

1. "Something of vengeance I had tasted for the first time; as aromatic wine it seemed , on swallowing, warm and racy: its after-flavour, metallic and corroding, gave me a sensation as if I had been poisoned." (Chapter 4, page 31)

As a rule, children are not to argue with their elders. Early in Jane Eyre, Jane does just that, and enjoys it initially. She confesses that her soul "began to expand" and she attained feelings of freedom and triumph. This quarrel is the first time Jane’s fiery individuality is vocalized, and the audience cheers for her spirited success. Naturally, she regrets the act of quarreling later, but never regrets what she said.

2. "It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it." (Chapter 12, page 101)

Restlessness is perhaps Jane Eyre’s greatest shortcoming while attending Thornfield Hall. The above quote, a gem of reality, provides a keen insight on Jane’s true attitude towards how life should be lived: to its fullest. Boredom is common in Jane’s life at Thornfield, and she longs for excitement.

3. "One does not jump, and spring, and shout hurrah! at hearing one has got a fortune, one begins to consider responsibilities, and to ponder business; on a base of steady satisfaction rise certain grave cares, and we contain ourselves, and brood over our bliss with a solemn brow." (Chapter 33, page 365)

Jane inevitably matures throughout the course of the novel, and this is probably most obviously revealed when she inherits twenty thousand pounds. As a child and young adult, Jane Eyre constantly looked away to the future; waiting for things to happen and making things happen. A woman of action, Jane is characterized by a deep longing for a life of happiness and excitement. When she learns of her inheritance from her late uncle, however, a practical and calm side of Jane shines through. While she is happy and excited at the news, she is also patient and never reverts to eccentricity; rather, she shares her inheritance completely willingly with her new-found distant relatives.