1. Love vs. Duty:
* Love: Jane's passionate and deeply felt love for Mr. Rochester is a major driving force in the novel.
* Duty: Jane is constantly wrestling with her sense of duty, particularly towards her social obligations and her desire to be independent. She sacrifices love and personal happiness to care for her family and to avoid scandal.
* Examples: Her initial rejection of Rochester due to his prior marriage, her commitment to supporting her family, her acceptance of the "unconventional" relationship with St. John Rivers.
2. Independence vs. Dependence:
* Independence: Jane is a fiercely independent woman, determined to make her own way in the world. She values self-reliance and seeks to be free from societal pressures.
* Dependence: Jane also struggles with her desire for love and connection, which can lead to dependence on others.
* Examples: Jane's pursuit of education, her determination to escape Thornfield, her eventual acceptance of Rochester's love despite his flaws.
3. Passion vs. Reason:
* Passion: Jane is driven by passionate emotions, especially her love for Rochester.
* Reason: She also relies on her reason and intellect to guide her decisions, often forcing her to choose practicality over passion.
* Examples: Her initial attraction to Rochester, her decision to leave Thornfield after discovering his secret marriage, her ultimate decision to return to him.
4. Social Class vs. Individual Worth:
* Social Class: Jane's experiences highlight the strict social hierarchy of Victorian England, and the prejudices that limit her opportunities.
* Individual Worth: The novel emphasizes the importance of inner worth and personal qualities over social standing. Jane ultimately finds happiness not through wealth or social status, but through her own strength and moral compass.
* Examples: Jane's initial position as a poor orphan, her struggles to gain an education, her relationship with Rochester who is from a higher social class.
5. Supernatural vs. Rational:
* Supernatural: The novel includes elements of the supernatural, such as the presence of Bertha Mason and the "ghost" of the previous Mrs. Rochester.
* Rational: Jane's own perspective is primarily grounded in reason and logic, prompting her to question the supernatural elements and seek rational explanations.
* Examples: Jane's skepticism towards the supernatural events at Thornfield, her desire to understand the truth behind the events, her eventual acceptance of the supernatural elements as a part of Rochester's past.
6. Light vs. Dark:
* Light: Jane is associated with themes of light, hope, and innocence.
* Dark: Rochester and the events at Thornfield represent darkness, secrets, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
* Examples: The contrast between Jane's upbringing at Gateshead and her time at Thornfield, the symbolic use of fire and light in the novel.
These dual themes intertwine throughout the novel, creating a complex and engaging narrative that explores the challenges of love, identity, and social justice in Victorian England.