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0
Millie
12/12/2025
English Literature
JANE EYRE MINDMAPS
584
•
12 Dec 2025
•
Jane Eyre Mindmaps: Key Characters and Themes
Millie
@millie_qaot
1 / 10
Religious Control and Manipulation
Religion in Jane Eyre often becomes a tool for power and control rather than genuine faith. Mr Brocklehurst uses religious threats to manipulate his students, particularly Jane, telling her she has "a wicked heart" that needs God's intervention.
The phrase "I saw myself transformed under Mr Brocklehurst's eye into an artful, noxious child" shows how religious authority figures could completely reshape someone's self-perception. His "godly" appearance masks his cruel manipulation.
St John Rivers represents another extreme - he wants to marry Jane not from love but to "fulfil God's command." His "long-cherished scheme" reveals how he prioritises religious duty over human emotion, making huge life-changing decisions based solely on religious influence.
Key Insight: Characters often value religious beliefs over personal desires, showing how faith can become oppressive when used to control others.
Bertha Mason - The Mad Woman in the Attic
Bertha Mason represents everything Victorian society feared about women who refused to conform. She's described as coming from a "mad family" and being almost equal to her husband in physical stature - already marking her as unusual for the era.
Brontë uses animalistic imagery to show how society dehumanised women who didn't fit the ideal. Bertha is described as having "fiery eyes" and behaving in "wild and unpredictable" ways. This demonic imagery might reflect her justified anger at Rochester's treatment rather than actual madness.
The contrast between Jane's "clear eyes" and Bertha's "red balls" creates a deliberate comparison. Jane appears angelic whilst Bertha seems almost supernaturally evil - but this might be Brontë's way of showing how society labels non-conforming women as losing their sanity.
Key Insight: Bertha's madness might be punishment for not conforming to Victorian feminine ideals, highlighting the impossible standards women faced.
Jane and Rochester's Complex Love
Rochester's deception of Jane reveals the power imbalances in their relationship. He asks "You have seen love, have you not?" in an encouraging tone that makes the question feel rhetorical - he's manipulating her emotions to discover her true feelings.
Jane's repeated phrase "I grieve to leave Thornfield, I love Thornfield" shows her internal conflict. The verb "grieve" gives the location living value, as she's almost mourning the loss of her time there. Yet she's willing to leave to avoid coming between Rochester and Blanche.
Their relationship involves religious tension. Jane calls herself an "instrument of evil," showing how her religious virtues conflict with her desire for Rochester. The imagery of being "inextricably knotted" suggests their bond is impossible to untangle - perhaps destined by fate rather than choice.
Key Insight: Rochester's shift from "God pardon me" to "I thank God" shows how his religious perspective changes as their relationship develops.
Bertha's Symbolic Role in Jane's Story
Bertha acts when Jane cannot. When Jane lacks confidence to act on her feelings, Bertha destroys the wedding veil in her place. This suggests Bertha might represent Jane's repressed anger and desire for equality.
The contrast between the two women is telling: "Bertha physically equalled Rochester, Jane equalled him spiritually and mentally." Jane fears the "vapoury" feeling of the bridal veil, showing her nervousness about traditional marriage roles.
Rochester's description of Bertha as "a fine woman, tall, dark and majestic" focuses only on physical features rather than personality. His infatuation was never genuine love, which Brontë suggests explains why their "feigned" relationship was "destined to fail."
Key Insight: Jane desires to be viewed as equal to Rochester the same way Bertha is - but seeks spiritual rather than just physical equality.
Jane and St John's Opposing Natures
The dialogue between Jane and St John perfectly captures their fundamental incompatibility: "I am cold" (St John) versus "I am hot, and fire dissolves ice" (Jane). Their opposing personalities mean they physically cannot be together despite their contrasting traits.
However, their relationship evolves into something deeper but non-romantic. "The last letter I received from him drew human tears, and yet my heart filled with Divine joy" shows the oxymoron of their connection - emotional but not passionate.
St John's "long-cherished scheme" reveals his selfish motives. The personal pronoun "my" adds a selfish tone as he doesn't consider how Jane will be impacted. The word "cherished" brings joy and celebration, whilst "scheme" adds pessimistic connotations - showing his conflicted motivations.
Key Insight: Their relationship thrives in a platonic, familial environment where religion provides the strong foundation rather than romantic love.
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Stefan S
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Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Jane Eyre Mindmaps: Key Characters and Themes
Millie
@millie_qaot
Ever wondered how Charlotte Brontë uses her characters to challenge Victorian society's expectations? These study notes explore the complex relationships and religious influences in Jane Eyre, focusing on how characters like Bertha Mason, Mr Rochester, and St John Rivers... Show more
Religious Control and Manipulation
Religion in Jane Eyre often becomes a tool for power and control rather than genuine faith. Mr Brocklehurst uses religious threats to manipulate his students, particularly Jane, telling her she has "a wicked heart" that needs God's intervention.
The phrase "I saw myself transformed under Mr Brocklehurst's eye into an artful, noxious child" shows how religious authority figures could completely reshape someone's self-perception. His "godly" appearance masks his cruel manipulation.
St John Rivers represents another extreme - he wants to marry Jane not from love but to "fulfil God's command." His "long-cherished scheme" reveals how he prioritises religious duty over human emotion, making huge life-changing decisions based solely on religious influence.
Key Insight: Characters often value religious beliefs over personal desires, showing how faith can become oppressive when used to control others.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Bertha Mason - The Mad Woman in the Attic
Bertha Mason represents everything Victorian society feared about women who refused to conform. She's described as coming from a "mad family" and being almost equal to her husband in physical stature - already marking her as unusual for the era.
Brontë uses animalistic imagery to show how society dehumanised women who didn't fit the ideal. Bertha is described as having "fiery eyes" and behaving in "wild and unpredictable" ways. This demonic imagery might reflect her justified anger at Rochester's treatment rather than actual madness.
The contrast between Jane's "clear eyes" and Bertha's "red balls" creates a deliberate comparison. Jane appears angelic whilst Bertha seems almost supernaturally evil - but this might be Brontë's way of showing how society labels non-conforming women as losing their sanity.
Key Insight: Bertha's madness might be punishment for not conforming to Victorian feminine ideals, highlighting the impossible standards women faced.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Jane and Rochester's Complex Love
Rochester's deception of Jane reveals the power imbalances in their relationship. He asks "You have seen love, have you not?" in an encouraging tone that makes the question feel rhetorical - he's manipulating her emotions to discover her true feelings.
Jane's repeated phrase "I grieve to leave Thornfield, I love Thornfield" shows her internal conflict. The verb "grieve" gives the location living value, as she's almost mourning the loss of her time there. Yet she's willing to leave to avoid coming between Rochester and Blanche.
Their relationship involves religious tension. Jane calls herself an "instrument of evil," showing how her religious virtues conflict with her desire for Rochester. The imagery of being "inextricably knotted" suggests their bond is impossible to untangle - perhaps destined by fate rather than choice.
Key Insight: Rochester's shift from "God pardon me" to "I thank God" shows how his religious perspective changes as their relationship develops.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Bertha's Symbolic Role in Jane's Story
Bertha acts when Jane cannot. When Jane lacks confidence to act on her feelings, Bertha destroys the wedding veil in her place. This suggests Bertha might represent Jane's repressed anger and desire for equality.
The contrast between the two women is telling: "Bertha physically equalled Rochester, Jane equalled him spiritually and mentally." Jane fears the "vapoury" feeling of the bridal veil, showing her nervousness about traditional marriage roles.
Rochester's description of Bertha as "a fine woman, tall, dark and majestic" focuses only on physical features rather than personality. His infatuation was never genuine love, which Brontë suggests explains why their "feigned" relationship was "destined to fail."
Key Insight: Jane desires to be viewed as equal to Rochester the same way Bertha is - but seeks spiritual rather than just physical equality.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Jane and St John's Opposing Natures
The dialogue between Jane and St John perfectly captures their fundamental incompatibility: "I am cold" (St John) versus "I am hot, and fire dissolves ice" (Jane). Their opposing personalities mean they physically cannot be together despite their contrasting traits.
However, their relationship evolves into something deeper but non-romantic. "The last letter I received from him drew human tears, and yet my heart filled with Divine joy" shows the oxymoron of their connection - emotional but not passionate.
St John's "long-cherished scheme" reveals his selfish motives. The personal pronoun "my" adds a selfish tone as he doesn't consider how Jane will be impacted. The word "cherished" brings joy and celebration, whilst "scheme" adds pessimistic connotations - showing his conflicted motivations.
Key Insight: Their relationship thrives in a platonic, familial environment where religion provides the strong foundation rather than romantic love.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Most popular content: Character Relationships
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user