Social Class and Independence
Jane's criticism of Blanche Ingram - "very showy, but she was not genuine" - uses the symbolism of "showiness" to critique Victorian society's focus on wealth and appearance over character and integrity.
As an orphaned governess, Jane occupies a vulnerable social position. Her rhetorical question "Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless?" directly confronts society's assumptions about class and worth.
When Jane inherits money, her declaration "I am independent, sir, as well as rich: I am my own mistress" shows how financial freedom enables true autonomy. The repetition of "independent" and "rich" emphasises these are connected but distinct types of freedom.
Social class intersects with gender - women of lower classes had limited options and were often forced into positions of servitude, making Jane's eventual independence even more remarkable.
Context: Understanding Victorian class structure helps explain why Jane's assertiveness was so revolutionary for its time.