The main theme of Jane Eyre is Jane's ongoing search for love. Jane searches for love and acceptance across the five environments she lives in: Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, Moor House and Ferndean. Through these points of view, Jane's maturation and self-recognition become evident, as well as traceable. It is only when Jane escapes Rochester and Thornfield, and spends time at Moor House, that her maturation as a woman is complete. At this point, Jane can finally return to Rochester as an independent woman, fully aware of her desire to love, as well as be loved. From the beginning of the novel, we see the world through Jane's eyes; a strong character who wishes to overcome the ritual of her birth as an orphan in the Victorian era. From this point of view, we can follow how Jane progresses in her struggle for individuality, as well as love. In Gateshead, it becomes apparent that Jane is terribly willful and possessive with a fiery temper. An example of this is when Jane stands up to her aunt by saying, "You think I have no feelings, and can do without a little love or kindness, but I cannot live thus: and you have no mercy" ( Bronte, 68). Here, Jane makes her first declaration of independence, claiming that she will no longer be a secondary member in the Reed family. At Lowood, Jane is disgusted by Mr. Blocklehurst and his "two-faced" character and crassness. However, while at Lowood, Jane finds her first real friend in the form of Helen Burns, another student at the school. Helen teaches Jane love in the form of religion. Through teaching as well as example, Helen is able to convey this message. When Jane is punished in front of the whole school, she tries to accept it as having a higher purpose. However, Jane still longs for human affection and is deeply hurt when she is scorned. Jane goes so far as to say, "If others don't love me, I would rather die than live." Elena's response, "You think too much about the love of human beings," is a testimony to her devout faith (Bronte, 101). When Helen is dying of typhus later in the story, she reminds Jane, “I believe: I have faith: I go to God” (Bronte, 113). Jane is able to draw strength from Helen's faith, ultimately making her stronger.