This passage is essential to the development of the novel because Bronte uses it as a turning point in the life and character development of the central protagonist, Jane Eyre. In this extract, Jane is forced to break ties with those around her to achieve freedom, independence and above all happiness without encroaching on her morals and values. Jane must leave Mr. Rochester so as not to degrade herself as a human being. The red room symbolizes how society traps Jane by limiting her freedom and imprisoning her. Jane uses the Red Room, in this passage, as a way to draw renewed strength from her past struggles for independence so as not to give in to the plans Mr. Rochester has made for her. Jane considers these plans immoral and cannot accept them. It was going to take immense courage, however, to go against Mr. Rochester's wishes, and Jane draws this courage from her experience in the Red Room as a child. As with Mrs. Reed, Jane is once again forced to put aside ties to those around her in order to find happiness without encroaching on her morals. Bronte uses the ...