 Jane and Rochester at the tree At a critical moment in the novel, Jane proclaims herself Rochester’s equal: “It is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both of us had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal—as we are!” Rochester responds, “As we are!”
Why is Jane so passionately outspoken? Is her self-valuation exceptional and true? Is she more noble and impressive here than Rochester is? Why is this long scene (Chapter 23) so important for the novel as a whole? Please respond to the questions above in your Primary Blog Entry. While you are composing this response, please consider the following questions in your blog entry. 1. React to the differences between Jane and the women who visit Rochester at Thornfield Hall. Comment on all aspects of these women’s lives. 2. What impact would marriage to Rochester have on the life of Miss Ingram? Jane? What could each of them bring to Rochester in a marriage? 3. How is marriage a political issue for these women? In your Primary Blog Entry, you should respond to the two questions above in a single entry. Your Secondary Blog Entry should respond to two of your colleagues' entries that are especially interesting to you. Part One Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 200-250 words, 2 quotes from the novel, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the assigned "pen name" given to you in class PLEASE FINISH BY THURSDAY NIGHT! Part Two Expectations (read everyone's first responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 100-150 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the assigned "pen name" given to you in class. FINISH BY SUNDAY NIGHT!
20
2/25/2015 11:08:08 am
In this week’s reading in Jane Eyre, Chapter 23 was by far the most exciting when Jane and Rochester have what was originally believed to be their final conversation before Jane was to be “sent away”. Because of this reason Jane was passionately outspoken and started to have her dominant mannerism she established with Rochester in chapter 14 fall apart as she thought she would never see him again “-wealth, caste, custom, intervened between me and what I naturally and inevitably loved” (Bronte 292). Slowly but surely Jane began to have her true feelings for Rochester pour out of her like a leaky faucet and through this her self-valuation is true to herself and she can finally get the weight of holding in her feelings for Rochester and her jealousy of Blanche Ingram off of her chest, which leads to her happiness at the end of the chapter. What was also notable was how much more noble and impressive Jane was than Rochester in this chapter. I say this because while Rochester was a sly dog and got Jane to admit her feelings for him through lying about his engagement to Blanche, Jane mustered up the strength to still hold her ground against him and denied him a quick embracement, kiss and complete dominance over her even when he asked her to be his wife and revealed what his ploy was “Do you doubt me Jane? Entirely. You have no faith in me? Not a whit.” (Blanche 295) Undoubtedly Jane was happy but she made sure she gave Rochester a hard time before she answered just like how he gave her a hard time at the beginning of their conversation; it’s just in her nature. This scene is important for the novel as a whole because it finally has both Rochester and Jane admit their love for one another and has Rochester finally admit Jane to be his equal which was unheard of between a man and women in marriage during those times.
19
3/1/2015 10:49:12 am
I completely agree with you about the fact that Jane grew fearful about losing Mr. Rochester which prompted her to speak freely. She was able to shed her innermost thoughts that she had to contain in order to remain what she believed to be professional. I also liked the idea you brought up about how Jane was much nobler than Mr. Rochester. She didn’t have the luxury of hiding behind a façade in order to gain insight to another person’s emotions. She had to muster up the courage to say what was on her mind. I believe that this is also completely ironic due to how much Jane seems to respect her fiancé’s honesty and bluntness. In order to get out of marrying a woman he doesn’t love, he has to lie about his financial status. Also, in order to confirm Jane’s feelings toward him, he goes to extreme lengths such as dressing as a woman.
22
3/1/2015 02:28:34 pm
I definitely agree with you and your idea of Jane being scared of losing Mr. Rochester. Ever since she was young she was always being mistreated and never felt comfortable around anyone. However when Mr. Rochester entered her life she finally felt that sense of comfort that she was missing. She was able to be blunt and outspoken with him, but never about her feelings towards him. Because of this fear she had about losing him it gave her the courage to finally let out her feelings. I also like your idea of Rochester admitting Jane of being his equal. For a man to admit that during this time period was very rare, but I think this just proves the impact that Jane had on Rochester's beliefs and mindsets overall.
10
3/1/2015 03:18:33 pm
It is also good to mention how unusual their relationship is for their current time period, the Victorian Age. First, they are marrying purely out of love for one another, and not for financial reasons, like Blanche Ingram’s purpose, or other common marriages at the time. Second, they are also marrying across social classes, in which Rochester is higher than Jane. Such relationships back then rarely happened mainly because the parties involved didn’t want to be ridiculed for their unconventional ways, and because higher class people generally look down upon lower classes. I wonder how their relationship might be seen in the eyes of others farther into the story.
17
2/26/2015 08:21:48 am
I believe that a contributing factor to Jane being so outspoken was the fact that she was so far away from Mr. Rochester for an extended period of time during her visit at the Reed’s. The idea that absence makes the heart grow fonder seems to be a key, as her nerves were rattled when she had first arrived causing her to believe that she would lose her voice “or the power of motion in his presence” (Bronte 283). The way it affected her, startled her, and made her think of her inevitable departure when Mr. Rochester married Blanche Ingram. As a result she was more inclined to lose her composure especially with Mr. Rochester goading her by talking about sending her away to Ireland.
13
2/26/2015 01:34:15 pm
I agree that janes leaving Thornfeild contributed to the abrupt manner in which Jane expressed he deep rooted feelings for Mr.Rochester. I think Jane was also worried that she would be forgotten , Jane wanted him to remeber he as Jane the woman who spoke her mind and was not afraid of being so , not just another governess with an abrupt attitude. I really like how you explain that just because she's not everything Ms.ingram is she's feels so comfortable with him that she feels equal and that she has a fighting chance although she's going away for a while.
5
3/1/2015 08:43:39 am
I liked how you thought about the visit to Reeds that would have contributed to Jane being outspoken. I think during that time she was gone she really did realize that she was in love with Mr. Rochester. I also agree with how Mr. Rochester kept talking about sending her to Ireland was driving her crazy as well. It more so bothered her that she was going to another country and a sea would be parting them. If it was the next town over, she wouldn’t feel as sad or upset. Even though society wouldn’t approve of their marriage, the only thing that matters is that Jane and Mr. Rochester see themselves as equal.
9
2/26/2015 12:07:17 pm
Marriage from either Jane or Ms. Ingram would bring two different forms of desire. Ms. Ingram would grant Mr. Rochester with a name or value in society due to her social class, but he would not marry out of love. While Jane allows Mr. Rochester to gain a connection with someone who is able to see pass his wealth, unlike Ms. Ingram. This emphasizes the true value of marriage during this time period. Either it be out of love or to survive in society’s standards.
13
2/26/2015 01:41:01 pm
Mr.rochester has to make a decision it's either love or money and can't have his cake and eat it to. But your right at this time marriage for the upper class was just get richer and have stronger political standing in the society. Like you said you are nothing really without money , but I feel Mr.Rochester could have the best of both worlds meaning he's already wealthy so If he were to marry Jane then not much would change and he would be able to have a true connection. But you never really know what's on his mind , he could either way but I feel that he would lose more if her were to marry Ms.ingram!
9
3/1/2015 10:33:48 am
Even though Mr. Rochester has wealth, it doesn't mean that he has value. In society, your money is worthless if you don't have a name. Also, note that Mr. Rochester is the 2nd son, so that significantly adds one to him not being "known". Why? This is due to the natural importance of the first born, and it significantly important when it is a male because they are in charge of carrying on the families' name. However, since Mr. Rochester is the 2nd son, he is not worth anything to his initial family since he has an older brother.
14
2/26/2015 12:43:16 pm
Chapter 23 was a very exciting chapter with Jane and Rochesters final conversation were Jane makes a very bold statement, trying to clarify their commitment to one another or what Jane wanted to be a commitment before she left Thornfield.”and if god had gifted me with some beauty, and much wealth , I should have made it as hard for you to leave e as it is now for me to leave you (Brontë294)”, During this time many woman got married for wealth, respect and social class , but Jane seems to have none of those things matter when it comes to Rochester and he seem that way too. If Rochester married Ms.Ingram ,which would be more ideal for him in others perspective due to social class and those things, than being with Jane he wouldn’t be marry for love as if he would be if he stay with Jane. Jane and Rochester seem to have an unconditional ,” fairy tale “like connection.
6
3/1/2015 01:50:22 pm
I really like that quote you used "and if god had gifted me with some beauty, and much wealth , I should have made it as hard for you to leave e as it is now for me to leave you" (Brontë294) at that moment shes so convinced of his indifference when to the reader its obvious that hes been publicly suppressing his feelings for her.
3
2/26/2015 01:19:13 pm
Jane has always been outspoken since she was little. We can see this when she fights with her Aunt and tires to defend herself. Jane is very passionate and out spoken when it comes to injustice. If she believes that she is being wronged or that if a person is doing wrong she won't hesitate to say what she is thinking. I believe this plays a role in why she speaks so openly with Mr. Rochester in this scene. She is hurt and doesn't believe that it would be right for Mr. Rochester to marry Miss. Ingram. She knows that they don't match, Miss. Ingram focuses on superficial things and is very vain and cruel. Jane even says “ …or as good as a married man, and wed to one inferior to you” telling Mr. Rochester plainly what she believes. But along with the fact that she believes it is wrong for them to marry she knows her and Mr. Rochester are equals. Even though she isn't rich like him they are equals intellectually and we can see this as soon as they meet. They are connected in a way no one can understand. Mr. Rochester says to her “…it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a smiling string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame”(292). They have a bond that makes them equal. We can see it in the way they accept each other faults and instantly understood each other. Jane has this bond and is there for able to speak bluntly with him.
17
3/1/2015 12:49:58 pm
It is true that Jane has always been very outspoken with concrete views on things. It is not out of character for her to speak her mind which is evident when she, quite plainly, states that Mr. Rochester isn't handsome. But I also think that in this case it was something different. Jane used to be very adimant about their different positions in society and how their relationship wouldn't and shouldn't be. This time, she was outspoken against her own previous thoughts and society, denouncing their differences, and embracing their mental compatibility.
13
2/26/2015 01:24:59 pm
Now Jane and Mr.Rochester are not you ideal couple at this time and the age difference is a whole other issue, but these two have this built up tension between one another and its not until Jane has to leave Thornfeild that she expresses her true feelings "I am strongly glad to get back again to you and where ever you ar is my home -my only home". When I read this in chapter 22 I thought how could a girl my age be so devoted to a man that is twice her age, then I thought again love doesn't really care how much you have or how old you are it just simply happens , maybe not so simple with these two but surly it is love. In earlier chapters Jane put off the idea of them being together because it was such and obserd thing to do , but I loved to see the passion grow between both of them I only with Jane did not wait til the very last moment to express her true feelings. This scene for sure showed nobility and courage on Janes part , women at this time kept their thoughts to themselves and what was asked but not Jane. And not only that Jane has not yet experienced love from anyone her life including her own family , I worry that perhaps she doesn't know what love is and confusing her self with this amount of feelings she has for Mr.Rochester. On to Ms. Ingram a posh woman who has everything handed to her on a silver platter compared to Jane . Ms.ingram has wealth, she has what this era would call beauty all these things she has but none of those things really compare to the connection Mr.rochester and Jane have . And thinking in a positive light he will choose is hearts desire Jane but being realistic he may choose Ms.ingram because of her wealth and political standing in society and that's all that really mattered at this time!
15
3/1/2015 04:56:16 am
I believe that either age or social class will in fact impact their relationship. People always believe that the love between two partners is the only thing needed to make a relationship successful, but this is not the case. The opinions of others will always affect relationships in some way or form, because we want people to think the best of us. I think the relationship is not "Happily Ever After" from this point on for more problems are likely on the way. The splitting of the chestnut tree, which they were standing under earlier, at the end of Chapter 23 foreshadows more problems to come. I believe that this incident signifies a greater split in Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship.
9
3/1/2015 10:40:15 am
I agree that Jane and Mr. Rochester are not the usually couple of this time period, but just looking at their relationship; you can see that they are harmonize. Jane is quick with her tongue with Mr. Rochester calls her out for her actions when in reality no one else would act this way. It was as if they were made for each other. Going on about their age difference, I don't necessary think that is something to worry about since during this time period, girls at a young age of 18, would get engaged to a man much out of their age group. This is done in order to make sure the female would be provided for and have a stable living; both financially and emotionally.
17
3/1/2015 01:11:25 pm
I also wonder whether or not Jane and Mr. Rochester do love each other. Jane doesn't have a lot of experience in love. Her uncle was the only one who she knew who really loved her. I think that she doesn't really understand what love is--either familial or not. Her inexperience combined with Mr. Rochester's manipulative behavior aren't a very good foundation for a relationship. I agree that according to this era, Ms. Ingram would be the most reasonable option. She has things that Jane lacks, wealth and beauty. However, she also lacks things in regards to her personality. Mr. Rochester can't have a decent conversation without her trying to brownnose him. And, due to the role of wealthy women in regard to marriage, she isn't genuine. But with Jane's honesty and her feelings he gains true and a real connection.
22
3/1/2015 02:54:31 pm
I very much agree with you on the idea that Jane and Mr. Rochester have a very unique relationship for the time period they are living in. Age wasn't a big factor in relationships, but money surely was. Jane had very little to offer, unlike Rochester. What truly attracted them to one another was how out spoken they both were, especially Jane in these past couple of chapters. Since she was departing Thornfield it finally gave her the courage to speak up and express her feelings towards Rochester. Now the question is whether Rochester will accept her as she is or if he will continue his relationship with Ms. Ingram simply to satisfy society.
7
2/26/2015 01:41:12 pm
In Chapter 23, Jane proclaims to Mr. Rochester that they are both equal. This claim shows just how outspoken Jane is. Her being passionately outspoken is mostly derived from the anger she feels towards Mr. Rochester saying that he will marry Miss Ingram. Jane becomes greatly saddened from this news resorting her to say, “I tell you I must go!” (Bronte 294). She goes on a rant that ultimately confesses her feelings about him, “Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you?” (Bronte 294) and shows him more of her outspoken side that separates her from other women in society. When Jane tells Mr. Rochester that they are both equal, Mr. Rochester is shocked and impressed. He sees the courage Jane has to say her feelings out loud making him become more attracted to her. At this part, Mr. Rochester realizes that Jane is the woman he should marry, “but, Jane, I summon you as my wife” (Bronte 295). This scene is very important to the novel as a whole because it is where Jane and Mr. Rochester realize the love they have for each other resulting in Mr. Rochester wanting to marry Jane. It shows how a man and a woman can be equal to each other no matter the beliefs of society and how even outcasts of society can find love. This chapter goes against the “norm” of society’s expectations. It is expected of Mr. Rochester to marry Miss Ingram, but by him marrying Jane instead shows how he and Jane both test society making them equal to each other based on their personalities and the love they share for each other.
15
3/1/2015 04:36:01 am
I agree with your statement that despite their different social status, Jane and Mr. Rochester are equal matches for each other. I particularly believe that Mr. Rochester admires Jane's outspokenness about her feelings towards him and the thought of moving to Ireland. Her outspokenness proves that she is genuine about whatever she says. Unlike Blanche Ingram, Jane meets Mr. Rochester's on an intellectual and emotional level; she doesn't just desire his money. However, I disagree with you about the fact that this is the moment that they fell in love. I believe they fell in love from the earlier chapter when Mr. Rochester asked Jane if he is attractive and she said no. They weren't able to communicate their love because of society view on a relationship between different classes. Their love just became more apparent as they communicated more throughout the novel.
3
3/1/2015 12:38:42 pm
I don't think that this was the moment that Mr. Rochester realized he loved Jane. I believe he knew he loved her way before this and that he knew how Jane felt all along. In this moment he is testing Jane. He wants to see how she will react. He knows what power he has over her. In this moment he just wanted to hear her confess her love for him. I believe that when Jane says they are equals it doesn't really impress Mr. Rochester, I think it was the answer he was hoping Jane would say, so after he confesses that it was her he planned on marrying. I believe he has always considered Jane and equal. We can see it in ow freely they talk to each other.
6
3/1/2015 02:04:53 pm
It is unusual that a man like Rochester would marry a governess, but as you look at Rochester standing in the community it appears that he may also be considered less than. Its stated that hes not that handsome, his personality is a bit off, he has a daughter by a promiscuous french women, and he obviously is holding some very dark secrets. The only thing he has going for him is his money so maybe it makes sense that he would marry beneath him, or at least become open to pursuing a women of a lower station.
19
2/26/2015 01:48:26 pm
Chapter 23 is undoubtedly important to the novel as a whole because Mr. Rochester and Jane acknowledge their mutual love for one another. Also, Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane and she agrees to marry him "Then, sir, I will marry you." (Bronte 296). For the quote that references Jane's outspokenness , I believe Jane found the courage to express her true feelings because she felt as though she was on the brink of losing her true love, Mr. Rochester. At this moment Jane is under the impression that she will be sent away to Ireland so she immediatly relinquishes her filter and speaks honestly. She also doesn't want to leave the place that has become her home and neither does she want to stay with a man she believes is to marry another woman " Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you?" (Bronte 294). All of these factors seem to build upon each other and allow her to express her feelings. I believe Jane is correct in establishing her level of equality to Mr. Rochester because their entire "friendship" has been based upon honesty. They disregard the difference in class and speak as two equal individuals.The obvious differences between Jane and the women who visit Thornfield are their class status. Jane is looked down upon for being a governess and is even referred to as dumb at the charades party. The other women come from wealthy families, grew up attending the best schools, and marry for security over love. Jane however is an orphan, did not attend the best school, and can see beyond appearances or wealth. If Miss. Ingram were to marry Mr. Rochester, she would be considered a fit woman in society because she would be marrying within her class and would be financially secure. If Jane were to marry Mr. Rochester, Jane would truly love Mr. Rochester for his personality rather than his money. There would be a genuine connection that wasn't based upon securing assets. Marriage is a political issue for these women because it's strictly about power, class , and money. Failing to be married also sets a burden on their immediate family and projects them in a bad light in society.
4
3/1/2015 05:43:39 am
I completely agree with what you have gotten from the text. Jane most definitely wouldn't have come out with her true feelings towards Mr.Rochester if he didn't tell her about his sham engagement to Blanche and her having to "go to Ireland". Without this little push from Rochester..Jane's repressed feelings wouldn't have come out at this moment. Jane is the right fit for Rochester because their relationship wouldn't be based off of material things, it would be based off of their love of communicating with each other. This problem with social classes really doesn't allow people of the higher classes to truly fall in love. For instance Blanche was working her magic trying to get Rochester interested in her because she wants her future secured through marriage with him. Rochester knows Blanche doesn't want him for him...and the simple fact that Jane doesn't care about his money & would love him even if he's poor makes him even more attracted to her.
6
2/26/2015 02:11:19 pm
Jane is so passionate about Rochester. To her the second he brings up marrying Blanche Jane believes it even though the ploy was for him to evoke her own jealousies. This is because Jane evaluates herself as poorly as “I am poor, obscure, plain, and little” (chap.23) she believes she’s beneath Blanche in every respect and Mr. Rochester is on her level rather than hers. Jane believes this so strongly even though Mr. Rochester has shown his feelings for Jane before “Now go, and send Sophie for Adele. Good-night, my--" He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me.”(chap. 7) I think a lot of this has to do with Jane’s position, throughout her life she has seen people regarded for wealth and beauty and power, Jane possesses none in the conventional sense and this makes her so doubtful that she would every advance by marriage. A women like Blanche has beauty and social standing and it’s hard for her to believe that she’d be chosen over Ms. Ingram. But that is why this scene is so important to the story because Mr. Rochester does choose Jane and he’s willing to marry her and express those feelings against whatever social conventions interfere.
4
3/1/2015 05:51:55 am
I agree Ms. Ingram in anybody else's eyes would be a perfect candidate for marriage and it's not surprising that Jane is gullible enough to believe Rochester. Jane is an orphan, she literally came from nothing and so to be with Rochester seems like an unattainable dream. Jane although she knows Mr.Rochester likes her but to think he'd turn down a higher social class for her seems unreal. Once she brings out her true feelings and Rochester proposes it shows why this text was so important to the story.
8
3/1/2015 01:40:03 pm
I like how your post pointed out the tension between Jane and Rochester. By being together, it would be forbidden and they would both be slandered. I think Rochester and Jane are truly in love because they are getting married without worrying too much about the repercussions. Rochester, being a control freak, will go out of his way to get what he wants, even if it's against what society tells them to do. He really loves her if he's going to turn down a wealthy, upper class, beautiful woman for someone who is plain and more than half his age.
12
2/26/2015 02:22:44 pm
Jane is not as superficial as the other women who are portrayed in the novel are. In the previous chapters, Jane has openly admitted how aware she was of her appearance and how she does not let that interfere with who she knows she is. However, the people that return home with Rochester and stay for a few weeks are all about outward appearances and the fanciest of upbringings. They desire the finer things in life with only of eligible people. "I am resolved my future husban shall not be a rival but a foil to me. I will suffer no competitor near the throne (Bronte 206)."
8
3/1/2015 01:26:34 pm
While your description is accurate about Jane and Blanche and Mr. Rochester's hypothetical marriage, I think there are pros and cons if he married either women. By being with Blanche, they would have an abundance of wealth and connections to other people. Their marriage would be more peaceful since people would expect them to end up together, being in the same social class. But there would be lack of passion because their marriage would only be for business. If he were with Jane, there would be an uproar, considering they are from different social classes and she being a governess, who are forbidden to get married. They would not have much peace because people are going to constantly try to tear them apart since it would be so controversial. But It would be a marriage based on love and passion, way more meaningful than marrying Blanche. And it shows that they treat each other as equals by confessing their unrequited love for each other even though they are of different statuses.
15
2/26/2015 03:22:07 pm
Unlike most women at the time period, Jane has always been free-minded. From her time spent at Gateshead with the Reeds to her studies at Lowood School, Jane has demonstrate that she doesn’t conform with society’s expectations of women, which gives off the impression that she is outspoken. Before her departure with Mrs. Reed Jane stated, “You think I have no feelings and that I can live without one bit of love or kindness; but I cannot live so; and you have no pity” (Bronte 36). This quote proves that Jane was always willing to speak out if something challenged her moral beliefs even at a young age. This characteristic still continues to exist in Jane, for her outspokenness have kept her safe in a sense. For example when she professed her love to Mr. Rochester in chapter 23, the marriage arrangement will put her in a position where she can voice her opinions without scolded.
7
3/1/2015 07:24:43 am
I totally agree with you. Jane being so outspoken is what makes her different from everyone else in society. This difference is most likely what attracts Mr. Rochester to her. Jane has no problem with speaking her mind and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. This quality defines Jane’s person and makes her special. Mr. Rochester likes this quality in Jane because it reminds him of his own personality. I also agree that the tree being struck by lightning foreshadows problems in their relationship. Having two outspoken people from different classes married to each will cause problems because their personalities will clash. Even though they consider being equal to each other, this can cause conflicts in how they deal with different situations they will face while being married. Since they both come from two different class societies, fitting into each other’s classes will be difficult. Jane has always been poor and because of that, along with being outspoken, it will be hard for her to fit into the upper class. This was shown when Mr. Rochester brought guests into his house which caused Jane to feel very uncomfortable and depressed around them.
12
3/1/2015 01:17:11 pm
I think it is great how you really pointed out the fact that Jane is such an independent person and how at that time period women were really urged not to speak their minds. It's so astonishing to learn how some of them were treated just for stating an opinion or replying back to a rude remark. Since you recognize the tree that she and Mr. Rochester sat under as symbolism and foreshadowing to their future, do you think the two will be able to handle the shaky relationship? Both seem to always be hesitant about the other. Although she speaks out when someone challenges her beliefs, she couldn't handle the way she was being treated at the dinner party and insisted on leaving. Jane, although an outspoken character, seems to shift moods and it unpredictable.
5
2/26/2015 03:56:19 pm
Jane is usually upfront and blunt, so it was surprising to see her not be outspoken at the start of the conversation with Mr. Rochester. However, she could only hold in her feelings for so long. “Almost involuntarily…my tears gushed out” (Bronte 292). She is truly in love with Thornfield and most importantly Mr. Rochester. Him choosing Ingram over him really hurt her and made her confess her feelings to him. I think we see her passion for him more deeply when she comments on how far Ireland is and that she will be so far apart from Mr. Rochester. “Not the voyage, but the distance, and then the sea is a barrier—“(Bronte 291). I think the fact that Mr. Rochester was so nonchalant and was saying how they’re good friends, but will soon forget each other bothered Jane a lot as well. I think Jane was more noble and impressive here than Rochester because being from a lower class, it’s harder and socially unacceptable to confess your feelings to an upper class man. Also, it wasn’t very noble to Mr. Rochester to make her come to tears for her to confess her feelings. I don’t think Jane liked it when Mr. Rochester deceived her, but I think it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders when she confessed her love to him. This long scene is so important for the novel because we finally see the upper class and lower class coming together. Jane and Rochester will now be seen as equal to each other and can continue to connect on emotional and intellectual levels now that they will be soon married.
20
2/28/2015 01:26:49 pm
I agree with you, not only did going away to Ireland affect Jane but also the fact that he went ahead and picked Blanche Ingram who was clearly only flirting with Rochester just so she could acquire the rights to his wealth as his wife. Also I agree when you say Jane was more noble for confessing her feelings because she was of a lower class. I say this because if you think about it in real life during those times a governess would probably be fired and sent away for saying anything of the sort so it was really a leap of faith for her to go and do that.
10
3/1/2015 03:01:56 pm
Personally I think it was pretty messed up for Rochester to make Jane think she got friendzoned and lost her job just to make her jealous. And even after that, Jane loves him enough to look past it and accept his marriage proposal. Just goes to show that love can make people do things they otherwise would be reluctant about. This also reinforces how deep their love is to the point where it is almost unconditional at this point, where nothing can really change their feelings for each other. If it were shallow and only involved them liking each other for their looks, Jane would surely have left Rochester then.
12
3/1/2015 01:22:11 pm
I definitely agree with you that this is such an important part of the novel because of the confessing of feelings between the two, but since you also bring up the part about Mr. Rochester deceiving Jane, do you think he will do it again? He has already deceived her twice, once as a gypsy and once by the tree, and they weren't even officially together, do you think maybe their relationship is already off to a shake start? I think it's great how they are finally together, but I'm not so sure they will be seen as equals, when they were caught kissing, Jane immediately received disapproval. Although they are finally together and soon to be married, I think there is still some hardships left for them to endure.
4 (blog post)
2/27/2015 01:49:49 pm
Chapters 18 through 24 included Jane's emotions going off like a whirlwind; as were the weather conditions. Jane continued to be passionately outspoken throughout these recent chapters. Her being so open about how she feels gave Mr. Rochester hope and he loves her so...with this new knowledge he tricked her into giving he believed the right thing to do was propose to her. Her self valuation is very True as well, for the fact that she doesn't have to hold in how she feels for Mr. Rochester anymore. Jane is far more noble than Rochester in these chapters because as Rochester still in away playing games… Jane was true to herself by coming clean about her falling for him.this long scene is so important to this novel, because it is where Jane becomes engaged to Mr. Rochester and they are officially coming out to society hand in hand rather than a behind closed doors type of relationship. These two types of social classes mixing in getting married in this time period was considered taboo. Families would much rather and in most cases do arrangement marriages of their children based on status in society as well as wealth. This is a political issue because it didn't allow women and men to find their soulmates and truly fall in love. Back then it wasn't up to the people getting married...marriage was much more of a business deal than a choice made by "in love" individuals. This didn't allow women to become their true selves all they had the choice to do was become a housewife and caretaker. Jane Eyre properly addresses this issue and brings it forward to the reader especially in the recent chapters.
8
2/27/2015 01:51:36 pm
Other than social class, the women who visit Mr. Rochester and Jane are very different in the way that they act, for example, Blanche Ingram. “She was very showy, but she was not genuine. She had a fine person, many brilliant attainments; but her mind was poor, her heart barren by nature… She was not good, she was not original. She used to repeat sounding phrases from books she never offered, nor had, an opinion of her own” (Bronte 214). Blanche has does not have to use her mind and knowledge to get what she wants because she has her looks and money. She starts degrading governesses in front of Jane, which shows that she is intimidated by what Jane has that she doesn’t. Jane is well educated, despite her lack of beauty in appearances.
20
2/28/2015 01:49:49 pm
I totally agree with you on that. Blanche Ingram and Jane are opposites, while Jane has education and power of the mind, she has no looks. Blanche has looks but not the level of education and sophistication as Jane does. I also agree with you on how marriage for the aristocracy at most times was to preserve the social stature of families. I also found intriguing what you said about Jane’s marriage to Rochester would stir up trouble. What kind of trouble would it stir up, and with whom? Do you think the lighting striking the tree after they were engaged has any indication of this?
19
3/1/2015 11:06:39 am
I liked your comment because it brings up the difference in social class and the choice that individuals of the time had to make. We know that Jane’s parents came from different social classes which obviously wasn’t accepted, so it’s interesting to see Jane also follow in her parent’s footsteps and reject the norm that society has set in place. She is aware of the fact that governesses do not marry their masters, so once again we see Jane’s individuality and boldness. I believe that their engagement also confirms how much Jane and Mr. Rochester love one another. Their relationship is most likely going to be ridiculed, so to openly declare such feelings is daring and romantic in my opinion. I also believe that Jane either doesn’t care about the potential consequences or is so happy that she hasn’t realized what others may think.
10
2/27/2015 03:58:14 pm
Although throughout the novel Jane is an outspoken person, she is especially so in chapter 23. Mr. Rochester told her that he had decided to marry Blanche Ingram and send Jane to work another governess position in Ireland, though he was lying. Jane became upset at this and acted defensive. She asked Rochester if he thought she was “an automaton” and “soulless and heartless” because she was “poor, obscure, plain, and little.” She was upset that Rochester could just so easily treat her like this—like she had no feelings—and be so inconsiderate. In one segment of dialogue, she establishes her position of emotional power, declaring, “I have as much soul as you, and full as much heart!” and that they “stood at God’s feet, equal—as [they] are!” She tears down the social stature that society has dictated for her, showing that they have little worth and that a person’s character is what distinguishes them. Even though they are of different class, in the eyes of God, they are equals. Had it not been for her feelings for Rochester and her jealousy of Blanche and Rochester’s supposed “love” for Blanche, she would not have burst out like this. She even reveals her love for him, which makes him tell her the truth and reveal that he was lying all along to make Jane jealous. Despite this, she accepts his marriage proposal, but delays her answer for him a bit, which can communicate a sense of equality as well, because she is not immediately submissive to him.
7
3/1/2015 07:07:04 am
For Mr. Rochester and Jane to go against the usual Victorian standard of marriage, is strange. It is something that was unheard of and not common. Most people in that time period married to gain money or political status. The fact that Mr. Rochester and Jane get married because they love each other goes against all of society. It shows how they are against society’s expectations, making them outcasts. Their love for each other is shown to be strong and unbreakable. This unusual circumstance contrasts the views of society. It depicts the negativity of society that makes Jane rebel and go against the social stature that has defined her as a poor, unattractive, and unspoken woman who won’t find love.
5
3/1/2015 08:54:51 am
I think the quotes you included in your response very well supported everything you said about Jane and Mr. Rochester being equal. She is basically telling him that she is just as good as him. Although society wouldn't be very accepting of the couple, she uses God for justification. When she delays her answer to his proposal, she’s further emphasizing her position and that they are both equal. Finally, Jane and Rochester can fully commit to each other. Victorian culture is very strict and based on money and social class. Jane and Rochester are great examples of “rebelling” against society. Comments are closed.
|
Blog Post Rubric
Archives
February 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed