Jane Eyre discussion

The last quarter of Jane Eyre deals with several interesting themes that we see throughout the novel. At this point, Mr. Rochester has just been found out, and his and Jane's marriage falls through. When Jane attempts to leave, Mr. Rochester says a few unsavory things. He stands in front of the door to prevent Jane from leaving, and he also says that he will resort to violence if she does not see his side. On the other hand, there is also this cultural expection during the Victorian age that men will be aggressive and forceful. Jane is unusual because she rebels against him, and she continually says that she has little fear of him.

Another interesting portion of this section is its ties to religion. Religion is discussed earlier in the novel with Helen and Brocklehurst, but here we see Jane's spirituality in contrast to St. John's orthodox religous beliefs. Jane seems to really chafe against his rigidity, and we are given to wonder whether Bronte feels the same. Does she agree that spirituality should be a more personal experience that isn't so tied up in duty and the church? She is at least implying that St. John's religious beliefs prevent him from really loving anyone because he's so single-mindedly focused on God.

Instead of love, St. John advocates utilitarianism, which proposes that the greatest good in this world does the most good for the most people. This is a more Eastern idea typically, and also a more Orthodox idea, whereas modern Western thought advocates the rights of the individual. St. John's emotions, in this context, seem to be further critiqued. His motives, always pure, are never about love.

The love between Jane and Rochester is, on the otherhand, suggested to be pure and worthy love. When Rochester loses his sight and his hand, it only deepens Jane's love for him. But what does his loss of sight and limb signify? It could be a religious symbol; the sermon on the mount says that it is better to lose your sight and to cut off your hand than to lust after someone. Perhaps his loss of sight and hand also emasculates Rochester. It takes away his violence and his threat to Jane, making him a more devoted lover.

Tracing the Emotions:
At Gateshead the key emotions are fear, rage, and pride. At Lowood Jane battles more with despair, shame, resignation, and confidence. She is very concerned with Miss Temple's opinion of herself following Brocklehurst's denunciation. At Thornfield Jane is still pretty immature emotionally: she feels pride, infatuation/desire, and jealousy. At Marsh's End Jane really begins to develop her emotions and her character after making the difficult decision to leave Rochester; she feels gratitude, belonging, healthy, spiritual, and uneasy. Finally, when she returns to Fevindean, she feels primarily love and happiness.