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Brontë presents Jane Eyre as a character constantly searching for belonging, but one who refuses to compromise her principles to find it. The extract reveals Jane's strong views on independence and her rejection of St John's proposal, showing her determination to belong on her own terms.

In the extract, Jane's powerful language - verbs like 'craving' - shows the intensity of her desire for belonging. However, she will not accept belonging at the cost of her independence or values.

Throughout the novel, Jane searches for belonging in different places. At Gateshead, she is unwanted and rejected. At Lowood, she finds some acceptance but it's an institution. At Thornfield, she finds love with Rochester but must leave when she discovers he is married.

Brontë uses settings to reflect Jane's feelings about belonging. The red room at Gateshead represents her isolation. Thornfield represents both belonging and its loss. Ferndean represents the belonging she finally achieves with Rochester.