Here's why:
* Gothic elements: The novel features dark and mysterious settings (Thornfield Hall), supernatural elements (the "ghost" of Bertha Mason), and themes of madness and the supernatural.
* Romance: The story revolves around the passionate love affair between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, though it's complicated by social conventions and secrets.
* Social Commentary: The novel also explores themes of social class, gender roles, and women's independence, which are common in 19th-century literature.
While some argue it's a Bildungsroman (a novel about the protagonist's moral and psychological development), the strong Gothic and romantic elements make it primarily a Gothic Romance.