In her book Jane Eyre, the author Charlotte Bronte uses motifs such as the color red and
the weather to depict underlying emotion in a given scene. She mentions color and weather to
draw forth an emotion in the reader. By doing so, she adds depth and flavor to her story, in a
way that otherwise would be missed. She also gives us a reliable narrator, the titular character
Jane. Because we know that Jane won't be biased due to her we can trust her narrative to be
true.
Red is a color that symbolises passion. Charlotte Bronte employs it throughout the story
during moments of great suspense or anger. For example, when Jane’s aunt sends Jane away,
Jane takes refuge on a seat behind scarlet drapes. Shortly after, Jane’s cousin John drags her
out from her refuge and provokes her into attacking him. Mrs. Reed takes John’s side and
exclaims, "Did ever anybody see such a picture of passion! Take her away to the red-room, and
lock her in there." (1.39-40)
White is a symbol of peace, purity or tranquility. This is why Bertha Mason rips the bridal
veil. Not only is she angered by the sight of a promise to her that was broken, but she herself is
described...
