Romantic Love The most prominent representation is the romantic love between Jane and Rochester. Their relationship evolves from friendship and mutual respect to deep romantic affection. Their love is intense, passionate, and tested by numerous challenges, including class differences, societal expectations, and dark secrets.
Platonic Love Jane’s relationship with Helen Burns at Lowood School epitomizes platonic love. Helen offers Jane companionship, wisdom, and emotional support during their time at the school. Their bond is deep, and Helen’s death leaves a lasting impact on Jane.
Familial Love Initially, Jane experiences the lack of familial love at Gateshead, where she’s treated cruelly by her aunt and cousins. However, later in the novel, she discovers the warmth of kinship when she learns of her relationship with the Rivers siblings, especially Diana and Mary, who welcome her as one of their own.
Paternal Love Throughout the novel, Jane seeks a father figure, given the early loss of her parents. Mr. Brocklehurst’s false piety and hypocrisy are contrasted with the genuine kindness of characters like Mr. Lloyd, the apothecary, and even elements of Rochester’s protective nature towards Jane.
Spiritual Love Helen Burns introduces Jane to a form of spiritual love rooted in Christian forgiveness and acceptance. While Jane struggles with some of the religious doctrines presented to her, especially by St. John Rivers, her spirituality is deeply personal and is intertwined with her understanding of love and morality.
Obsessive Love Mr. Rochester’s relationship with Bertha Mason can be seen as a representation of a more obsessive, damaging form of love. Initially driven by passion, their relationship deteriorates due to Bertha’s mental health issues and Rochester’s inability to cope with them. This love contrasts sharply with the more balanced relationship between Jane and Rochester.
Self-love Jane’s journey is not just about seeking love from others but also about cultivating love for herself. By valuing her self-worth and maintaining her principles, even when it means leaving Rochester, Jane demonstrates a strong sense of self-love and self-respect.
Unrequited Love St. John Rivers’ proposal to Jane represents a dutiful, almost clinical form of love, one that lacks genuine passion. Though he professes to love Jane, his feelings are more about companionship in his missionary work than a heartfelt romantic connection.
Sacrificial Love Throughout the novel, love often comes with sacrifice. From Helen Burns’ acceptance of her ill-treatment at Lowood to Jane’s decision to leave Rochester despite her deep love for him, the narrative underscores the idea that true love sometimes requires personal sacrifice.