An Analysis of Jane EyreThe novel is rich in poetry, symbolism and metaphor. It does not fit easily into a defined pattern, being neither a novel of "manners" in the tradition of Austen, nor a simple gothic romance in the style of Mrs. Radcliffe. What Charlotte Brontë did was create a work that skillfully mixes elements of both styles, and at the same time remains unique and independent of them, because it addresses issues that were at the time rather controversial. The novel is written in the first person. , and thus magnifies the central character - the reader enters the world of Jane Eyre and is transported through her first-hand experiences. This makes the work subjective, especially since we know that Charlotte Brontë's life and experiences were so closely intertwined with those of the heroine. Furthermore, we only learn at the end of the novel that the events are recounted to us ten years after the reconciliation with Rochester - the story is therefore RETROSPECTIVE (looking back). CB is adept at mixing up the narrative such that at times Jane seems to be speaking as an adult with an adult's perspective, while at other times she is "in the middle" of them, as child or young woman. Indecision, which is a central issue in the book, is reinforced by this device. We never know, as readers, whether to fully trust Jane's actions and thoughts, because we never know whether she speaks impulsively or maturely. This intensifies the reader's dilemma as to what is "good" and "bad" in the drama. relationships that are part of JE's life. Can we believe what the heroine says, or is she wrong? The novel is above all a love story and a “romance” where wishes come true but only after trials and suffering. The supernatural has its place, as do dreams, omens and prophecies. The heroine begins poor and alone and ends rich and loved; the orphan finds a good family to replace the bad one; all the basic ingredients of the classic romantic fairy tale are present. The romantic element is present in two forms in Jane Eyre; the "family" aspect is dealt with in the Gateshead, Lowood and Moor House episodes, which involve the exchange of the evil Reed family for the benevolent Rivers family; and love romance is dealt with in the Thornfield and Ferndean episodes.