How the setting of Jane Eyre affected the plot:

          The setting of Jane Eyre is particularly interesting and greatly enhances the plot as it continually changes throughout her life. Jane’s early childhood is spent at Gateshead Hall, the home of her aunt, Mrs. Reed, and late uncle. This setting serves as an introduction to Jane’s outspoken nature and allows the reader to express their sympathy for the ill treatment of Jane Eyre. Gateshead is a place that seemed dark and gloomy, adding a depressing tone to Jane’s already unfortunate situation that is, having no parents and feeling unloved and unwanted. From Gateshead, Jane travels to Lowood School, an institution for girls whose financial situation presents an unhopeful prospect for their future, set in a new, far off land, Lowood is spacious and its’ classrooms have traditional and simple furnishings. Its’ atmosphere sparks a passion within Jane for learning and where she finally feels accepted by her peers. After realizing her need for change, Jane accepts a position at Thornfield Hall as the governess of Adele. Here, Jane’s prospect find true happiness and love seem quite possible. The estate of Thornfield is beautiful and grand revealing the enormous wealth of the owner, Mr. Rochester. There are many rooms and hallways, staircases and lavish furnishings. Although Jane is not allowed to enter the room on the upper floor, there are continual noises made throughout the halls of Thornfield. Thornfield serves as a point of suspense and superstition as it is unclear as to whether the place is haunted. When she could no longer live at Thornfield, Jane runs away and gains some independence at Moor House. The particular landscape of Moor House, presents a place where solitude can easily be found, allowing Jane the ability to gaze upon the fields while questioning her future. Moor House is small, simple and peaceful to Jane.
         Upon the conclusion of the novel, Jane returns to Mr. Rochester finding Thornfield in ruins after an enormous fire. They settle at his old hunting-lodge, Ferndean Manor nestled in the woods and far from any civilization; Jane Eyre and Mr.Rochester rekindle their relationship after being separated for so long. The variety of settings throughout the novel allows Jane to escape from her life instead of dealing with the problems at hand; she becomes dependent on the fact that if something goes wrong, she can always find her place in a new setting.


Gateshead Hall


 

Lowood School


 

Thornfield Hall


 

Moor House


 

Ferndean Manor