No Place Like Home

     Throughout the novel Jane Eyre, Jane finds herself living in a number of different residences from her time as a young girl, to when she settles down. Each new house, or location represents a significant theme associated with the events of that time in Jane's life. 


     A large section of the novel takes place in Gateshead, where Jane lives with her Aunt and cousins. Gateshead is described as very dark and gloomy, matching that of Jane's attitude and devastating situation. Orphaned, Jane finds her self the victim of neglect in this building that she cannot call home.


     Secondly, Jane finds herself being sent to an all-girls boarding school named "Lowood". At first, Jane's bitterness lingers and seeps into her school experience, until she finds favour with a young teacher and a girl named Helen. The feeling of acceptance and the hope for a brighter future ignites a flame inside of Jane, and she develops a passion for teaching. This is the first positive change that the reader can detect in Jane, and it is a catalyst for events to come.


      Thornfield is the third destination in Jane Eyre where she becomes a governess for a young girl named Adele. The descriptions of Thornfield are brighter and more lively, expressing that Jane is pleased by her current arrangements. However, things quickly turn awry when Jane discovers Rochester's wife is living in the attic. Suspense and superstition cause Jane to flea from Thornfield, only to return later to find that it has been burned down, along with all the secrets of Rochesters's past. It is this realization that causes Jane to return to Rochester, where they live quietly in peace at a Ferndead Manor.


      The variations of setting throughout the novel force Jane to adapt to new settings. It seems that until the end, when she decides to marry Rochester and settle down, Jane has never had a "home sweet home" experience, yet she still seems to find the good in every situation.