Theme: Love and Marriage

Equally as prevalent, yet completely opposite, as the theme of death and loss is the theme of love and marriage. Throughout the novel there are many instances of love and marriage. Jane experiences very little love in her childhood. Without her parents, or even a close adult figure, she feels very alone and outcast. It is not until she grows older that she begins to bond with people and develop feelings of affection towards those around her. 

In terms of a romantic love, Jane has one true love: Mr. Rochester. Jane develops feelings for Rochester yet she sees it as hopeless due to his interactions with Blanche Ingram. It is not until Rochester confronts a crying Jane that she feels mutual emotion. He almost speaks to far as he bids her "Good-night, my--" (184). He stops himself prior, but the reader is able to infer a sense of endearment in his words. It is not until the walk in the garden that the two truly express their feelings for each other, but they are observed before this.

After hearing about his wife, Bertha Mason, Jane flees Thornfield and lives with the Rivers for a time. Though separated for a significant portion of time, Jane ends up returning to Rochester and marrying him after hearing his voice in the night. This was Jane's one and only true romantic relationship, even if at times it seemed as if it weren't going to last.