Fire/Ice

"Man and horse were down; they had slipped on the sheet of ice which glazed the causeway." (181)

A key symbol in Jane Eyre is fire vs. ice. There are many ways to analyze this theme. Some say that ice stands for tradition while fire represents rebellion. Others say that fire is a symbol for vitality while ice stands for isolation.

Charlotte Bronte has Jane connected with fire. She has her own opinions, goes against others opinions and disagrees with society. Jane is a strong feminist stuck in a "mans world." She burns with passion for equality. Society, Mr. Brocklehurst and Edward Rochester represent ice. They are traditional and believe that women are the best when they are not speaking. Their "icy" ways try to cool Jane's "burning" thoughts. Although each element or belief is strong and powerful, everyone knows it is hard to contain a fire that is already out of control - meaning that as hard as the men try to make Jane a soft-spoken and submissive women, she has developed her own thoughts and stands by what she believes in.

Biterman, Aaron. "Ice and Fire in Jane Eyre." Web.