Here's why:
* Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to refer to something it isn't literally, but shares a similarity.
* In this case: "Flowers and faded feathers" are used to symbolize something else entirely. They are most likely representing the fleeting beauty and eventual decay of life, possibly even alluding to the loss of love and youth.
It's important to note that the exact meaning of this phrase within the context of Jane Eyre is open to interpretation. However, the use of these objects, rather than more direct descriptions, points strongly towards their metaphorical nature.