Elemental Imagery in Jane Eyre

The use of elemental imagery in Jane Eyre, revealed throughout the novel both literally and metaphorically, is one of Charlotte Bronte’s key stylistic devices. The opposition of the two elements, fire and water, highlights the need for the characters to find equilibrium between the two. Fire can describe passion and warmth, but it can also burn. Water can describe coolness and comfort, but it can also chill. Because of Charlotte Bronte’s use of …

…Rivers, and Bertha Mason are feeling and thinking due to Bronte’s use of elemental imagery. As a result of this, the reader appreciates these characters even more. Without the use of fire and water imagery to show the characters feelings, comprehending what the characters are thinking would be difficult. Basically, Bronte’s use of fire and water imagery signifies her relentless pursuit to show the reader what her characters in Jane Eyre are feeling.