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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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