Shadows in the Dark

Wow. Chapter XXIII finally got the story rolling and the reader finds themselves engulfed in an epic profusion of love. Although in recent blogs I have found myself complaining that time is moving too slow, I can’t help feel as if Rochester is admitting a strange vibe that gives the illusion of some falseness towards the marriage. The initial responsive relief that reader feels after the two finally kiss and profess their love to each other, is quickly shaded by the obliviously odd behavior of Mr. Rochester. He claims that “the best of it” is that Jane has no “kindred to interfere” (295). Jane has neither a concrete background nor family to hinder the relationship, but at the same time why is this important? The shadow references in this section certainly symbolize future controversy. In the beginning of Jane’s walk she says she could “haunt the shade forever” (287), but in the next chapter Rochester is trying to change her image and buy her jewels and pinks satin gowns. Throughout the walk Jane feels apprehensive to be “walking in the shadowy orchard” (288) with Rochester and by the end of the walk they “were all in a shadow (295). The darkness that pervades the scene may prevail in the relationship itself. It seems that after the proposal Rochester begins pushing Jane to act and become someone she is reluctant to be. He tries to dismiss Adele right away from accompanying them to Millcote, and he insists that Jane choose flashy dresses with provocative jewelry that is far from Jane’s liking. Immediately after their personal encounter in the garden the “weather changes” (295) and they are rushed in by rain. Weather has constantly been an evident factor in foreshadowing events and character’s feelings throughout the novel. Perhaps the shadows from the sky and the turbulence of rain, mean a similar “rocking” in the fledging engagement between Rochester and Jane.