1. Freedom and Escape: Air often represents Jane's desire for freedom and escape from oppressive situations. For instance, when Jane is at Lowood School, she longs to be outdoors, in the open air, away from the constraints and harsh conditions of the institution.
2. Exploration and Adventure: Air is linked to Jane's spirit of exploration and adventure. When she leaves Thornfield Hall after discovering Mr. Rochester's secret, she embarks on a journey into the unknown, carried by the winds of change.
3. Breath of Life: Air is essential for life, and it is often associated with Jane's resilience and strength. Despite facing numerous hardships, Jane continues to persevere and find hope, drawing sustenance from the breath of life.
4. Renewal and Transformation: Air can symbolize renewal and transformation. After Jane's difficult experiences at Thornfield and her time with St. John Rivers, she returns to Thornfield, which has been partly destroyed by fire. The surrounding landscape is described as "wild and tenantless," but there is a sense of renewal as Jane embarks on her restored relationship with Mr. Rochester.
5. Divine Inspiration: In the Christian symbolism of the novel, air can represent divine inspiration and the presence of God. Jane often finds comfort and guidance in her prayers and spiritual contemplations, seeking strength from a higher power.
6. Communication: Air is a medium for communication. Jane exchanges letters with her loved ones, and these acts of correspondence and the circulation of messages become important in her journey and understanding of the past and present.
Overall, air in "Jane Eyre" represents freedom, exploration, life force, renewal, divine inspiration, and communication, all of which contribute to Jane's growth and the development of the story.