Death and Survival are a major theme in Jane Eyre. The most major example of this is the metaphorical death of Jane as she leaves Thornfield Manor, Mr. Rochester, and almost everything she has in order to escape temptation. She loses all of her money afterwards, and must beg on the streets for a job or something to eat. Jane finds shelter with the family of a minister, St. John Rivers, where she falls ill and is helpless, relying on others to feed and clothe her. This is the rebirth of Jane as a new, nearly independent woman. There are also many literal instances of life and death. Both Mrs. Reed and Helen Burns die in the novel. Both of these characters have had a profound effect on some part of Jane's life. Mrs. Reed made her vengeful, Helen Burns made her forgiving. Jane spent her time on their respective death beds, listening to words that had the potential to change her life. Bertha Mason, the wife of Mr. Rochester, killed herself, marking the change of Mr. Rochester's life. Her death allowed Jane to come back to him in the end, eventually marrying him. Mr. Rochester himself has had a few near-death accidents. The first was when he met Jane, when his horse toppled over on icy ground. Next, when Bertha tried to kill him by setting fire to his bed, where Jane saved him once again. The final time, which happened when Jane was gone, left Mr. Rochester blind and lacking his hand, which can be to show the reader how vulnerable this man is without his one true love.

Fire and Water are significant symbols in Jane Eyre. The fire in Jane's vehemence is counterbalanced by the calmness she feels in her ordinary life, like water to that fire. The warmth in Jane's heart, given to her by the love she has for Mr. Rochester, is just as soon turned to ice when she realizes that she cannot have him.