Wednesday, June 22, 2011

My blog topic:How would you describe Rochester?

If I had to describe Rochester, I would say he was a witty man who had a tortured past and wanted to make things right. Throughout the story you learn more and more about Rochester and his sad past. Like Jane, Rochester shares the same disappointing past, though she doesn’t realize it till later. One thing I noticed about Rochester is that he is a responsible man and usually tries to do what is best for others rather than himself. He is proven to be responsible when he takes care of Adele, though it isn’t known if she is even his child or not. He also takes responsibility of his insane wife, taking care of her though she has repetitively tried to hurt him.
Rochester seems to know that he can never really marry again as long as Bertha Mason is alive. But he still falls for Jane despite this, and through this, you start to see his weakness. He wants to be loved, but knows he can not because he is bound to Bertha.
Rochester always seems to try and please others. Even from when he was a young man he did what his father and his brother wanted him to do. And even when Jane comes back, after finding that she has been proposed to by someone else, he tells her,” Miss Eyre, I repeat it, you can leave me. How often am I to say the same thing?” (Bronte, 516) Rochester wants her to be happy because he loves her.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: Bertha Mason and Rochester in Jane Eyre

Bertha Mason seems like a very small character in Jane Eyre. She doesn’t speak or interact with anyone (well, barely…minus the several attacks) and she doesn’t speak a single word in the book. But recently I’ve found that Bertha Mason is actually a bigger part than people give her credit for. She is actually the main cause of the conflict in the story.
The reason why she is the main reason for the conflict is because she is the wife of Rochester. She is bound to Rochester by marriage, a binding pact that couldn’t be split in the time period the story was set in. This binding between Rochester and her causes many problems to arise in the story, leading to the main conflict.

First of all, she is a danger to everyone in Thornfield Hall. She tries to kill Rochester in his sleep (Bronte 170-171), brutally hurts her brother (Bronte 242), and set fire a havoc to Thornfield Hall, causing the severe injuries to Edward Rochester(Bronte 498-499). So you start to ask yourself, ‘Why does Rochester keep her around?’
Though he voices his opinions of her, which aren’t exactly good, he still keeps her in his home, even though it’s a danger. One of the reasons of course is because he doesn’t want anyone to know about her, but I also have another theory. I think that he keeps her there with him also because he wants her to be treated well. In the time period, lunatics went to asylums and were treated horribly, so I think Rochester kept her in his home because he didn’t want her harmed. He even went back in the fire to save her and help her. I think that though Bertha is the reason for his torment, Rochester still wants her to be cared for. In the end he always remembers “she is my wife”, and it takes a lot to still care for something that hurts you.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a really hard thing to do when you have been mistreated by someone. But, surprisingly, Jane offers forgiveness to everyone who has hurt her. One of the most memorable times when Jane forgives someone is when she forgives her hateful Aunt Reed.
In the story, Jane travels a hundred miles to Gateshead to see her dying Aunt Reed. After many years without seeing her aunt, Jane is ready to forgive her aunt. When she arrives she says, “It is a happy thing that time quells the longings of vengeance, and hushes the promptings of rage and aversion; I had left this woman in bitterness and hate, and I came back to her now with no other emotion than a sort of ruth for her great sufferings and a strong yearning to forget and forgive all injuries—to be reconciled, and clasp hands in amity.”(Bronte, 267) Even as she arrives she is ready to forgive and forget.

But even as Jane offers her forgiveness, her aunt still denies her. Though her aunt tells her about the letter she kept from Jane about her uncle, and even though her aunt only offends her on her deathbed, Jane still says this, “Love me, then, or hate me, as you will, you have my full and free forgiveness; ask now for God’s and be at peace.”(Bronte, 278)


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic:Looks Versus Inner Beauty

Throughout the story Jane Eyre, Rochester has never been thought as “handsome” though he has been thought attractive. Why? Because it’s what is inside that counts.
Even in their first few meetings, Jane sees that truly, his appearance might not be impressive, but even so, she sees that his presence is attractive. In fact, on their second meeting she says, “I am sure most would have thought him an ugly man; yet there was so much unconscious pride in his port, so much ease in his demeanor, such a look of complete indifference to his own external appearance, so haughty a reliance on the power of other qualities…” she goes on and on and finally says that,” to atone for the lack of mere personal attractiveness.” (Bronte, 151)
Later on in the story she says, “And was Mr. Rochester now ugly in my eyes? No, reader. Gratitude, and many associations, all pleasurable and genial, made his face the object I best liked to see. His presence in a room was more cheering than the brightest fire.” (Bronte, 168) After getting to know Rochester, Jane sees that inside, he is a truly handsome and attractive character. Even in the beginning of their relationship, Jane based her love for him solely on what he was like inside, not out.
In the end of the story, Jane comes back and finds Rochester scared and crippled. He tells her she is allowed to leave him and that he understands if she doesn’t want to be with a crippled. He tells her she shouldn’t have to sacrifice her life for him and she says,” To be privileged to put my arms round what I value—to press my lips to what I love—to repose on what I trust; is that to make a sacrifice?”(Bronte,518) Jane’s love, based on inner beauty, is truly an inspiration.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

My blog topic: The Symbolism of the Thornfield Chestnut Tree

In the book Jane Eyre, the same night Jane accepts Rochester proposal, the chestnut tree they both sat at is struck by lighting and split into two halves (Bronte 298). Though this simple occurrence seems unimportant, it serves a big purpose in foreshadowing what is to come in the story.
The next day, Jane sees the tree and notices that the two halves are scorched and will never bare leaves again, but also sees that their roots are strong and that it could someday serve a purpose (Bronte, 321).
In the end of the book, Rochester compares himself to the tree, saying, “I am no better than the old, lightning-struck chestnut tree in Thornfield orchard and what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?”(Bronte, 517) Jane tells him what he says is untrue. She tells him that he is “green and vigorous” and that people will want to be around him because they take delight in him and they love him for him (Bronte, 517).
The chestnut tree is a symbolism of the relationship between Rochester and Jane. The striking of the tree on the night of the proposal foreshadows the falling of the relationship. It is showing that they will be split apart due to something bad that will happen and will both be wounded in the action. But when Jane looks at the tree a few days later, she notices that, though both parts of the tree are scorched and wounded, their roots are strong. She sees that though they cannot be of use for birds and such, the two halves are still there to accompany each other. These strong roots represent the fact that though Rochester and Jane are split apart, their love for each other, or “honest roots” are strong. These roots they have with each other soon bring them together again.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003

Question#8How accurately does this novel reflect events in history? What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in soc

I think this book is very accurate in reflecting history. In the book, she mentions the revising of Lowood School because of the mistreatment of the students and the living conditions, which was a big problem back then. She experiences the harsh teachers in the school. The book also discusses diseases that were problematic in that time period, like Typhus fever and Tuberculosis. Jane’s own parents and friend Helen are even victims of diseases of the time period.

Jane Eyre reflects the social differences of the time, and the equality differences that people of that time experienced. Even Jane experienced inequality problems because she was a woman. She at first experiences the difference between employees and bosses, being a governess for Rochester. When she arrives at Thornfield, she is separated from Rochester because of her job, and even before she gets married, Miss. Fairfax even mentions the fact that governess’ don’t usually end up marrying their boss (Bronte, 307).
Men and women in the book are also separated on the fact of rights and treatment. Jane feels this separation, and does her best to ignore it, saying that men and women feel the same, and aren’t different on the matters of how they feel and think (Bronte, 123).

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#7What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective? Give examples to support you analysis ( Mystery, h

Charlotte Bronte uses thrill, suspense, mystery, action, twists, and romance to make this story more interesting for the audience.
The mystery in this story falls around the insane wife, Bertha Mason. By wrapping Thornfield in mystery and rumor, Bronte allows the audience’s mind to wonder and imagine. Because of the rumors that intertwine with Thornfield, the audience’s attention is brought to the mysterious Mr. Rochester and what he is hiding.

Bronte allows Jane to experience this mystery first hand, when she hears the laughing and screams in the night(Bronte,169), when she must go rescue Mr. Rochester from a fire without a cause(Bronte, 170-171), when Mr. Mason turns up badly injured(Bronte,242), and when she sees the ghostly figure tear her wedding veil(Bronte, 329-330). All of these happenings intrigue the audience and raise suspensions, making the reader want to read more.
The suspense and twist of the story takes place during the wedding, when Rochester reveals his secret: That he is already married and is keeping his insane wife in his home. This twist is completely unexpected and raises a new conflict.

The romance in this story also engages the audience. The love that Jane and Rochester have for each other is sweet, and full of mystery.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#6Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about it’s message and it’s characters? What can we learn from reading this novel?

This book is still read today for many reasons. One of these reasons is because it is a great representation of what life was like in the 1900’s. It is about a woman who overcomes the inequality and hardships of the time. This book teaches us that though times are hard, if you make wise choices and are true to yourself, you can overcome almost anything. The main character, Jane, Is one of the reasons we still read this book. Jane is an inspiring character who is independent and does not let the time she is born into dictate who she is or who she can become. She speaks her mind and does not care who notices. In the book, after speaking to St. John, she says, “Again the surprised expression crossed his face. He had not imagined that a woman would dare to speak so to a man. For me, I felt at home in this sort of discourse.” (Bronte, 435) She beats to a different drum than everyone else. Another reason we still read this book is because of the romance in it. The bond between Jane and Rochester is inspirational, and their everlasting love is like no other. She chooses what’s best for her and others and makes wise decisions. Jane inspires us. That is why we still read this book.




Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#5How does this novel reflect the history, behavior, and social issues of the time period and setting? What is this books symbolic and themat

This book is set in the late 1800's, around the same time period that Charlotte Bronte lived in. Throughout the book, I noticed the cultural and social differences from our own time period.
In the book, women did not have the same rights as men. They seemed to be expected to be the tiny little wives that bent to their husbands every will and dealt with the household affairs. When they were married, they were permanently bound to their husbands, and in the book, I noticed how Jane realized this and thought hard and long about if she should accept St. John’s proposal.
The book reflects the attitudes of the men. In the book, Rochester and St. John are the representation of rich men in the 1800’s. They were both in charge and were the boss of the house. They had servants to help them and keep their houses. They lived good lives and did not think about the poor. The rich and the poor were highly separated, as were the poor from the middle class. As Jane experiences poverty and starvation after having spent her money on a trip out of Thornfield, she discovers how awful the poor are treated. (Bronte, 374-390) Wandering hungry, she experiences the feeling of having nothing and depending on little scraps of food.
This book represents the issues of that time period: The intense separation of classes and inequality between gender and money possession.


Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#4Who is the “hero” in this book and what are his/her traits? What does he/she accomplish and how is he/she portrayed? Does the hero represe

The hero in the book Jane Eyre is Jane Eyre! Jane Eyre is stubborn, kind, independent, merciful and forgiving. She is stubborn when she wants information, needs time to make a decision, or if she is being withheld of facts, like when she makes Rochester wait while she decides if she will accept his proposal or not (Bronte, 295-296). She is kind and independent and says, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”(Bronte, 294) She stays true to herself. She is merciful and forgiving, like when she forgives her Aunt Reed after all she had done to her. Instead of cursing her for being so evil to her, Jane forgave her, and told her, ““Love me, then, or hate me, as you will,” I said at last, “you have my full and free forgiveness; ask now for God’s and be at peace.”” (Bronte, 278) Jane accomplishes something that all of us strive to do in life. She is wise in times of trouble and strife. She chooses what she thinks is best for her and for others, no matter how it hurts her. She represents the abstract idea of wisdom.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question#3What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature?

Jane Eyre addresses many universal themes! One of the themes that it addresses is the well known theme ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. One example of this theme can be found in the relationship between Rochester and Jane. Towards the end of the book, Jane finds out that Rochester has suffered a horrible accident and has lost his hand and his eye sight (Bronte, 499). She goes to him and sees his scarred face and his disabled body and loves him still. Though she had a chance at marrying an extremely handsome man, St. John, she still chooses the unhandsome Rochester. Though their bond was strong before, because of Rochester’s disabilities, they become closer even more. To others, Rochester, at first glance, would look horrible and scary, but because Jane knows what he is like inside, she looks past all that and still loves him. This book also goes over the theme ‘It is better to Forgive and Forget’. During her childhood, Jane is badly mistreated by her aunt Reed. But she goes back and sees her again, telling her she forgives her (Bronte, 278). Though her Aunt Reed still despises Jane at her death bed, she still offers her forgiveness to her aunt.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003

Question#2 What are the causes, gains, and losses of the conflict dealt with in this book?

The book Jane Eyre has many different conflicts that Jane must overcome. The main conflict is that Jane Eyre is in love with Rochester but cannot marry him and must leave him because he is already married.
The main cause of this conflict is the fact that Edward Rochester is married to Bertha Mason. Rochester, at a young age, was arranged to marry Bertha Mason by his father and his brother, even though he did not love her. He later finds out that Bertha Mason is going mad, and is still bound to her by marriage. Another cause of this conflict is the fact that Rochester keeps his wife a secret and tells no one that she is living with him in Thornfield. Because he keeps her hidden, Jane is not aware of his marriage, and does not know that she can never truly marry him.
During this conflict, Jane is the one who gains some things. Jane gains the truth. Before, she was being deceived because she was never told the truth about Bertha Mason. If she would have known that Rochester was married, she would have restrained herself and wouldn’t have agreed to marry him. She also is saved from being fooled and being married to a man who was already married.

I think this conflict has more losses than anything. Both characters involved in the main conflict loose something. None of them loose their love for each other, but they do, in a way, loose each other. Jane and Rochester both lose their fiancées and their marriage with each other. Jane loses her trust in Rochester.




Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Question #1 What does the writing reveal about the authors’ values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write?

The writer of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, uses her main character, Jane, to express her attitudes and values. Author Charlotte Bronte believes in equality, though in her lifetime women were looked down upon and had fewer rights than men did. Jane, her main character, also believes in it, and expresses it throughout the book in the quote, “Women are supposed to be very calm generally; but women feel just as men feel;” (Bronte, 123). Throughout the book you’ll notice she lives her feelings through Jane Eyre. Jane values kindness and truth. She stands up for herself and sticks up for herself and others. She has a strong attitude towards those her are cruel, and voices her opinion to those who believe they can push her around, like when she tells her Aunt Reed how she feels (Bronte, 35-37). Because Charlotte Bronte uses a first person point of view, we are able to see into Jane’s mind and hers, which helps us understand the author. Bronte lives out her feelings and attitudes towards mistreatment of others through Jane, like when Jane tells Helen what she would do to Miss Scatcherd if she mistreated her as she did Helen. She says, “And if I were in your place I should dislike her; I should resist her. If she struck me with that rod, I should get it from her hand; I should break it under her nose.”(Bronte, 59) Charlotte lives out her values and attitudes through her character Jane Eyre.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

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