The Maturing of Jane in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre Essays

The Maturing of Jane in Jane Eyre         When a big cat hatches from its mothers egg, it enters this world as an innocent, pure creature.  As time passes by, it unwraps its cocoon and goes through metamorphosis.   Once the caterpillar grows into a fully developed  butterfly, it has lost its innocence and purity forever. Jane was an inexperienced caterpillar but her stay at Lowood and her challenging time at Thornfield with Mr. Rochester has changed her into an independent, mature butterfly.         When Jane was young, she taught herself to be virtuous.  Her aunts criticisms and punishments has made Jane realize that she wasnt treated as part of the family.  Her development of determination and self-reliance have more superior each day she played out at Gateshead.  Jane states ...I hate to live here.  This quote proves that Jane hated Gateshead and she was determined to find a mend place.         The place Jane found was the Lowood Institution for orphans.  It was not a better place but it helped Jane stand on her own feet.  Through the help of Helen Burns, Jane has learned to love, forget hatred and live her life in happiness.  Helen states Life appears too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.  These words shows that Helen is more mature and experienced than Jane.  Jane observes Miss temple is full of goodness...  Miss Temple was another great influence in Janes life, she treated Jane as if she were her own daughter.  We realize now that Jane was no longer alone.  She had friends to love her and guide her to the next criterion in life.  Jane had not only gained more experience and confidence, she also achieved a great education during her eight years at Lowood.         Janes next destination was Thornfield where she was to become the governess o f Ad&232le, an orphan just like her.  Ad&232les presence reminded Jane of her old self and her awful childhood at Gateshead.  Jane taught Ad&232 le good virtues and the diversity of life.  She wanted Ad&232le to have a better childhood than she did.  Jane was happy at Thornfield mainly because of Mr. Rochesters love.  The following quotation states that Jane has fallen in love.