What is the significance of the opening and closing scenes of Jane Eyre?

Answer 1

Jane Eyre as a title is both simple yet very significant. It is significant because the book really is about Jane finding out who she is - becoming Jane Eyre, you could say. During the beginning of her life, she was lost. She had no family who loved her, and the family she did have (Mrs. Reed and her three children) despised her. She developed into a quiet, humble child who was scarred from the demons of her past. She never really believed that she could or should be anything other than subservient and unassuming.

This is reinforced during the time she spends in Lowood School, where she is forced into a conforming academy where everybody is like everyone else, from the way they dress to the way the speak. There is no individuality. Jane again learns to be quiet, simple.

But the adventure she has at Thornfield (Mr. Rochester's house) totally transforms her. She finds people like Mrs. Fairfax and Adele, who immediately treat her nicely and with respect, who want to be her friend; and people like Mr. Rochester, who understands her better than anyone and who loves what he sees. Jane feels more comfortable with this environment, more herself.

And when she removes herself from Thornfield after hearing of Mr. Rochester's wife, she becomes independent. She struggles with the loss of Mr. Rochester, but ultimately learns how self-reliant she can be; Jane Eyre, though she loves him, is not defined by Edward Rochester. She finds she is her own person, with thoughts and firm beliefs that are unyielding (which is why she refuses her half-cousin's marriage proposal because she didn't love him.) Receiving her uncle's inheritance furthers this feeling of self-worth.

Once she returns to Edward, at the end of the story, she is finally his equal. Jane knows who she is, what she believes in, and is not ashamed of it. She is not ashamed to speak her mind and be something other than humble and submissive. Jane marries Mr. Rochester in the end not as the quiet, harassed person from her childhood - but as the new, greatly improved, strong Jane Eyre that she was always meant to be.

Answer 2

The opening scene of Jane Eyre sets the tone for the entire novel, introducing Jane as a character who is determined to assert her independence and overcome adversity despite her difficult circumstances. The closing scenes of the novel show Jane achieving personal fulfillment and happiness, emphasizing her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Ultimately, the opening and closing scenes highlight Jane's resilience and growth throughout the narrative.

Answer 3

Of course, the title is significant. Jane is protagonist as well as narrator of her story.