* Limited opportunities: Jane's upbringing at Gateshead and Lowood School highlights the limited opportunities available to girls from poor families. They were expected to work, usually as domestic servants, with little chance of education or social advancement. This is emphasized by Jane's experiences at Lowood, where the harsh conditions and lack of resources reflect the realities of life for many poor girls.
* Subordination to men: Jane's society emphasizes a patriarchal structure, where women are expected to be subservient to men. This is evident in her treatment by her cruel aunt and the restrictive rules at Lowood. Her later experiences with Mr. Rochester also highlight this theme, as he initially tries to control and manipulate her.
* Dependence on men: The novel suggests that poor women often relied on men for financial security and protection. Jane's desire to marry Mr. Rochester, even with the knowledge of his flaws, reflects this societal pressure. Even her initial decision to become a governess is driven by the need to support herself and her independence from relying on her family or other men.
* Value of education and self-reliance: Despite the limitations placed upon her, Jane is portrayed as a strong and independent character who values education and self-reliance. Her experiences at Lowood and later with Mr. Rochester help her develop these qualities, which challenge the prevailing societal expectations of women at the time.
* Capacity for love and passion: Jane is not only a strong and intelligent woman but also capable of deep love and passion. This is seen in her relationships with Mr. Rochester and St. John Rivers. This assumption counters the Victorian stereotype of women as passive and emotionless.
It's important to note that these assumptions are based on Brontë's own observations and the social realities of the time. However, it's also crucial to remember that these assumptions were not universally true. There were many individual experiences that differed from these general trends.