Even though she has a tough exterior, Jane finally admits
(to the reader) that she has feelings for Rochester. I did not notice the not-so-subtle
references to her feelings until I reread Jane Eyre. She is in love with
Rochester almost immediately after her first encounter with him. Jane is very
controlled in the way she handles her feelings and Charlotte Bronte leaves the
reader in suspense while the unspoken love grows between Rochester and Jane.
Jane does not want to let her guard down and allow herself to fall for
Rochester. Is this just another way she tries to protect herself from her sad
childhood experiences of being rejected? Does she not want to be hurt again? Or
does Jane want to be the powerful one in the situation? If Jane allows
Rochester to know how she feels, and she is rejected by him, it might be
devastating to her...or maybe not, she is a pretty tough lady.
One of the greatest things about Jane Eyre is that the novel is told in past tense. I think the voice of the story says a lot. In particular, the framework enables Jane to convey WHAT she wants, HOW she wants, and WHEN she wants. I say that because there is always a part of the reader that should mistrust Jane. You pointed out a great point, Anne, that Jane does drop references to her feelings for Rochester throughout. I am sure there is a good part of Jane who needs the reader to believe that falling in love took time. If Jane were to fall in love with a rich but ugly man with a bad temper at first sight, the reader might question motives. Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeleteI like this about Jane: she takes time to develop her thoughts and feelings. She loves Rochester from the start (whether or not she really acknowledges or admits to it) and she patiently lets things unfold. I think Jane does fear rejection and by keeping her guard up, she protects herself from this. One thing that I particularly admire about Jane is that she doesn't let her fear stop her from taking a chance and expressing how she truly feels about Rochester. And speaking from experience, that is a very nerve-wracking thing to do! : )
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you, and it also took me a second time to read it to understand that she was in love with him. Something that can be blind to many; is love and the fact that she has the courage even though she fears rejection it is bold of her to come out and say something. The one that bugs me is the fact that Rochester even reminds me of an ex and how truly blind I was when I was with him and how much I've realized to not settle which leads me to the choices I make today, and who I am.
ReplyDeleteLove this post and these comments!
ReplyDelete