The Theme of Nature and the Supernatural

Examines the role of nature and supernatural elements in the novel, from the red-room ghost to the telepathic call.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Red-Room Ghost

A Child's Terror The Haunted Chamber Jane is locked in the room where Mr. Reed died. She imagines his ghost. The experience is traumatic. The Light A beam of light terrifies her, leading to a fit. The incident symbolizes the oppression she suffers. Psychological Impact The red-room haunts Jane's dreams. It represents the power of fear and the supernatural in her imagination.

The Chestnut Tree

A Symbolic Storm The Lightning Strike After Jane accepts Rochester's proposal, a storm splits the chestnut tree in the orchard. The tree is a symbol of their union and its impending destruction. The Omen The split tree foreshadows the revelation of Bertha and the separation of Jane and Rochester. The Ruin Later, the tree remains a ruin, like Rochester after the fire. It symbolizes the trials they endure.

The Telepathic Call

A Mysterious Connection The Voice Jane hears Rochester's voice calling her name. She responds. The call seems supernatural. The Explanation Rochester later reveals he called out to her at the same time. The novel leaves the phenomenon unexplained, suggesting a spiritual bond. The Significance The call confirms Jane's love and guides her back to Rochester. It is a moment of divine or natural intervention.

Jane's childhood

the night of the proposal

the night before St. John's departure