Sunday, September 28, 2008

Finally finished

Towards the end, the book got a little interesting. I enjoyed reading the passages about Jane's journey to find her one true lover. First we see the burnt and dead old building, possibly a clue(false) for Rochesters death, that sends Jane into panic mode. She is driven by her inner passion and races to find what becomes of her lover. By interrogating the innkeeper, Jane discovers the true story of the fates of Bertha, the house, and Rochester. I thought the story of Bertha's rampage was interesting. What could have caused such an outburst? I also think Jane wonders, and possibly feels guilty that, had she been there she would have stopped it. She had stopped it once before, but by leaving, had she condemed Rochester? Yes. Why, because after she finds him, there begins a rescuing process. She begins to take care of him, save him. Eventually his eyesight is restored, and Jane takes the place of his missing hand, feeling and touching for him. With Jane there, her condemnation is repent and Rochester is saved. Both of their lives are fulfilled and they live happily ever after. (Until Rochester dies, and widows Jane for many, many years.)

1 comment:

David Lavender said...

A couple of interesting points: first about Jane's potential guilt (I wonder if most readers even question that--is she culpable to some extent?) and secondly about what happens to Jane long after we finish the novel. The age difference between her and Rochester certainly could suggest that Jane is headed for, as you point out, many, many years on her own.

Good of you to bring an oblique perspective on these points!