Jane's only vindicator?

Though Mr. Rochester is certainly no Mr. Darcy, I find him irresistibly charming in his own quirky right and truly a perfect match for Miss Eyre. Perhaps, what I believe sways the reader in Rochester's favor, is the way they talk to one another. Yes Rochester teases and even deceives Jane, but she does her fair share of manipulating the eccentric man; she seems to know exactly how to push his buttons and the appropriate method to calm his nerves. One example, though there are many, is when he is throwing a fit about her refusing to stay with him. He threatens violence if she does not stay (page 349) and though most women would be terrified by Rochester at this point, Jane is not and is calm enough to devise a plan to settle Rochester's passion: crying. Simple enough, but effective. Jane seems to wield a power, or perhaps charm, over Rochester; in fact, Rochester proposes on a number of occasions that Jane is a witch or an elf that has bewitched him.
The romance between the two grows steadily, according to Jane's perspective, yet when Rochester proposes, the reader feels rushed. Why the sudden need to marry her? Though Rochester's proclamations of true of love and what not are beautifully written, I couldn't help but feel as though all of this was quite sudden. Even Jane believes it to be a farce and challenges him! This is when we finally see that same passion from Jane we saw before in the Red Room; this is when Jane reiterates the importance of equality between the sexes that she has not seen from any of the males in this novel; this is when Rochester finally sees Jane—in all her passion and ardor and feminist beliefs. Finally Jane is reincarnated! Where has she been the entire novel?! After the episode in the Red Room it seemed as though she had nothing to challenge her thoughts and desires yet finally Rochester draws them out of her.
The one incident that truly drives me mad, however, is Rochester's deception. How dare he thrust marriage upon her when he has been deceiving her from the get-go? Of course after hearing his truly morally touching story and reasoning behind the imprisonment of his wife, we forgive him—and more importantly, so does Jane. He's lived a life he never deserved and only now, when he may have finally found his soul mate, is he trying to redefine it. We understand that and so does Jane.
And though all is forgiven between the lovers, Jane still feels the need to leave him. But how can we blame her? Is it so wrong that a woman should have pride in her principles? Jane believes in equality above any other right. When she was little she recognized the inequality between herself and John Reed and clearly the traumatizing childhood she had followed her through to adult hood and has made her the feminist she is now. Is it so wrong that when Rochester proclaims them as equals (page 294) and then tries slyly to convince Jane into becoming his mistress that she leaves? And though she may be wasting her only shot at true love, I think she recognizes that if she does not leave, she will never be Rochester's equal.
I love the idea of Rochester and Jane falling madly in love and running away from society's scorn; I love how perfectly their personalities clash and meld together; I love how finally, after so many chapters with Jane never truly finding another being that can equal her wit and genius, she finds her match. But to be honest, I love Jane's character more than the idea of this forlorn romance and I think Jane loves herself more as well.

In Total Defence of Mr. Rochester

What can I say? I love this guy. He has committed no act of crime in his heart, which is where is counts. Does he not posses a 'broken heart and contrite spirit'? What will God look upon, Jane? God looketh upon the heart. (Joshua...something?) His deception was an act to protect Bertha, Adele, and Jane. The men of this world (Bronte's time frame) are too caught up with 'being holy' they cannot see that the real sin would be to deny Jane and Rochester of the love that they so fully deserve. Rochester is a good man. He went down the wrong path, (first because of trickery and second to look for an escape from such a harsh life,) but was there ever such a more powerful word than redemption?
Jane,
What are you thinking sweetie? It is more evil and wicked to destroy a man and yourself by denying yourselves of this wonderful gift. Two people, placed on the earth, made perfect for one another - you each bring out the best in each other - AND YOU FOUND HIM! Why give him away so quickly? To meet the standards of the society you live in? You, Jane? How do you have any right to claim convention? You, oh passionate rebel, wholly against this societal convention? "The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself." Pish posh. You will HATE yourself. You already do! What good is life if it is not filled with the joy of friends? What good is sorrow if you cannot have happiness? Why are you afraid to indulge yourself that will commit no transgression? How can you not trust Rochester's overwhelming love for you? Can you not register that he has searched long and hard for a soul as beautiful, stubborn, "at once so frail and so indomitable." You, Jane, have suffered quite differently than Rochester. Be grateful you were not tricked into false love! Give thanks that you laid your eyes upon the love of your life so early on! Forget rules Jane! For you know they will have horrible consequence in this life, and will bring regret in the next! Remember me, from so long ago? Remember how you embraced me, this powerful feeling? Please, don't let me leave you. I complete your character!
Sincerely,
Passion

Okay, that was random....
Anyways
I sincerely hope Bertha is actually mad. For I will have to take back every friggin' thing I said in defence of Rochester if she is simply a raging, sexual alcoholic! Notorious for sleeping around? The cure for loneliness heavy liquor!? Madness? HELLO. THAT DOES NOT JIVE! I thought she was schitzo and had these voices and imaginary people running through her mind, telling her to do specific things, and haunting her, and since she rarely has human contact other than Grace, her imagination just ran wild and scary! Hmm. If she is strickly sticking up for her female rights, boo you Rochester. boo you society. Screw you Edward, for having three mistresses and locking up your WIFE for having one-night stands. Die and burn.

Whatever. It hasn't been established yet, so, I still think Jane and Rochester should go make some sweet sweet sandwiches. (F.O.C.)

Chap. 26-28

I just don't get it, why did Jane leave Rochester if it was so awful for both of them? It is never really explained. Half the chapter is devoted to their pain at separation, and an explanation isn't given. I get that she is 'following her principles' but what are those principles? It's not very clear. What is she going to do now when she doesn't even have money to advertise for a new position?
It was obvious from the start they would never end up married, but I was still surprised at what happened. I thought it would be something worse, something that Rochester had done that had hurt someone. Yes, he doesn't treat Bertha too well, but that marriage was not entirely his fault, and there was much less knowledge and acceptance of mental illness' then. In this section I noticed that every time a major shift came, the weather changed accordingly.There is also much fire and ice, black and red, enclosure, and passion throughout. I have been surprised by how many references there are to the Bible, and people still thought this book was anti-Christian. What would a very religious book be like? It was also interesting how Bertha, who I assume is responsible for the mysterious laughs, was described as a "hyena" (p. 338), with their chilling cackles.

indies

I just read a big chunk of the novel last night and a lot was revealed. Jane's wedding was halted by a certain Biggs, and Mr. Mason exposes Rochester's dark secret: Bertha Mason. Jane picks up and leaves Mr. Rochester lying on his face. All of this however, was heavily preceded by many signs and clues. First, earlier there is the split of the tree, the relationship, accompanied by the moth from the WEST INDIES. This seemingly meaningless intrusion in Ch. 23, is very relative to Jane's and Rochester's split, ultimately cause of an untimely meeting and a dark secret from the WEST INDIES. Bronte uses many signs some clear, and others hard to find. One that seemed obvious to me were the child dreams. First, it plainly states earlier in the book that Bessie said child dreams foreshadowed bad things. Then before Bertha enters the room, Jane has two distinct, very dark dreams of a child. This not only foreshadows the immediate frightening appearance of Bertha, but also the eventual intrusion at the wedding later that day. The child could be significant in other ways too, maybe it's the child that Jane and Rochester would have had were it not for his prior engagement, or even could be foreshadowing something further along in the book: Jane abandoned with a child. Purely speculation, but you never know. Similar to how I thought that Grace Poole was the "secret" all along, but in turn, she was just there to gaurd the "secret" of Bertha Mason. Also, although I may be jumping around a bit, I think Rochester was right to keep her in his own house, mental institutions were cruel and dark places in those times, the patient's rooms were basically jail cages that the public could stare into. The "hospitals" were no more than zoos where people laughed at and taunted the inhabitants. I don't think the fact that Bertha was black changes very much of the story, but is important in viewing how others viewed blacks at that time. The Masons obviously had money, and were recongized in society, but still faced some form of racisim. I think if Bertha had been paired with a counerpart "white" insane person, we would see the difference more clearly. I don't think that Jane was trying to give us a message about racism, just simply wrote from her perspective, which could be a little biased.
I am begining to enjoy this novel a little more, but it is still hard to read while you're in bed...late at night...after a long day...fighting to stay awake and underline and denote...

Poor Rochester

That last chapter made me so angry. I don't why Jane is so pessimistic. She just needs get over it. Rochester loves her and he doesn't think of her as a "mistress", he thinks of her as his bride. I just don't understand why she is so hung up on this. GET OVER IT. It's like she wants her life to suck and it will if she keeps throwing away all the good things. Her life could be so good if she just stayed with him and lived a nice little life in one of Rochester's many estates. It just frustrates me how stubborn she is.
On another note, i was completely thrown for a loop when it was revealed that Rochester's first wife went made and is living in the attic. I was so sure that Grace Pole was some homicidal maniac. I kinda feel bad for Rochester, I mean if you put yourself in his place it would kind of suck. Your first wife turn in a homicidal maniac that tries to kill you, and then further prevents you from marrying the love of your life. Poor Rochester was tricked into this marriage without knowing of the madness that runs in the family. I just feel bad for him.

Jane vs. Rochester

Jane's really starting to piss me off. I can understand her anger at Rochester for keeping that huge secret but still. Rochester had a totally legitimate reason. I would have done the same thing if I had a psycho for a wife. Even though jane keeps telling herself that she loves Rochester and forgives him and what not, she still leaves. My question is why? Not only is it going against her own feelings, but it is extremely cruel towards Rochester. Don't get me wrong, Rochester has his own faults too. For instance, when he threatens rape while explaining to Jane his story. That would be Jane's only legitimate reason for leaving him however. She even tells herself that she forgives him for keeping that secret yet still she leaves him???? I don't understand.
What's up with Mr. Eyre. All of the sudden we hear that he has been connected to the Rochester, and Mason families through wealth and what not. Why didn't Jane grow up with him? Why doesn't she go seek him out?? She seems to have no motivation to find anything out about her family history. If I was her that would be right where I would head when I left Thornfield. Yet, the thought doesn't even cross her mind. What a dumb, ignorant girl. She's really dropped a lot of pegs in my view because of her last few decisions. I mean what a bitch; leaving poor Rochester to suffer. Of course she may think that she will just turn into another one of his mistresses but I believe that isn't the case. Rochester was extremely infatuated with her, and expressed feelings that just glow with love. My conclusion is that Jane is mental also.

It is obvious that Rochester is trying super hard to please Jane. Almost trying to hard as if to succure any second thoughts and make sure she marries him. Jane who has lived a simple life might be over whelmed with his needs to surround her with joules and dresses. This bombardment with possessions that he intends to spend on her may appear creepy or over the top. I on the other hand believe his intentions are good and he simply wants to bring her up to his class level. Since it would be considered unethical for him to marry a mistress by his pears he wants to bring her to his level. We see this alot in the book. Especially in the first encounter Rochester fell to her level. This makes her his equal as he said "my bride is in front of me". We also see some symbolisms between Adam and Eve. I find them very interesting. Since Rochester is older and was the first of the two on the estate he is considered Adam. Eve was created by Adams rib, Rochester alludes that the strings are attached in his ribs. They can also symbolize the first two people. I find the most interesting is the Original sin. Rochester seems to have his own original sin that interrogates his emotions. We find out that his wife is Grace Poole. I like how there are so many twists in this novel and hidden messages.

Oh Snap

So it appears that all who pointed out the possible symbolism of the lightning hitting the tree where Rochester proposed to Jane were correct. The tree gets struck by lightning and split into two after the marriage is arranged. The information about Rochester's wife came just as quick and unexpected as the lightning to the tree. I found it suspicious that Rochester was so eager to get to the wedding, almost like he was anticipating the events that took place at the church. So the lightning bolt could be considered foreshadowing for the news that strikes Jane about Rochester's pre-existing wife. I was totally in shock when the secrecy behind Grace Poole was finally uncovered. For she was not the grueling beast that had bit Mr. Mason, but rather Bertha Mason, his sister. At this point everything started to click. The fact that Rochester was so enraged at the unexpected visit of Mr. Mason was not because he has a dislike for Mason but rather he was afraid of him exposing his wife. Then as soon as Mr. Mason was well enough to leave Rochester was sure he was out of there before anyone knew what had happened the night prior, which would cause the need for an explanation. I was also taken aback on how small the world is within the novel. The fact that Mr. Mason was in close contact with Mr. Eyre, Jane's uncle was even more shocking. I wonder how Jane is going to react later on to the information that her uncle is out there and still has those protective family feelings towards her.

Finally this book seems to be coming more and more intriguing!

I am way behind so this is kind of a step back for everyone-sorry. I like this book, but I feel like sometimes Bronte is holding my hand too much as I am reading. I think that when she tries to introduce clues of a deeper meaning it is a little forced. I know that it is supposed to signify the empowerment of the woman, but I feel like Bronte is force feeding me moonlit scenes. Of course, the “rising moon… [had to have been] brightening” right before Jane saves Rochester from his fall on the horse. Every time Jane “gather[s]… up flesh and strength” of course her “thin-crescent destiny seem[s]… to enlarge” at the same time. For me it takes away all of the suspense. Or I guess it could be adding to the suspense if you look at it that way. I just don’t like how every time Jane does something cool it has to be preceded by a moonrise. Once is fun, five hundred million times is a bore.
Speaking of preceding, I feel like something is going on with Grace Pool. She certainly is a freak show, but like that she is a “chamber-door…groping” weirdo. She keeps things interesting. The thing that trips me up, is that she always appears after Jane starts like being horny. That might sound weird, and this is a wild guess but I think that there might be something to that. Right after Jane pronounces that women need to “exercise for their faculties” she hears Grace Pool’s “eccentric murmurs”. I feel like she has to do with a sort of love triangle with Rochester included. I feel like Jane thinks that Grace Pool might have been banging Rochester because she is investigating her beauty and she says that she never was pretty and I think that there might be something to that. Rochester likes Jane and she is not pretty. Maybe he likes ugly chicks. It is like a womanly, lunacy, horny, catty thing going on. That is why I think that she lit Rochester’s bed on fire. Maybe she is jealous. I don’t know. Just a guess. I really want to know what is up with her. She is a freak.
Also one thing that I found interesting is the way that Jane is watching the relationship between Rochester and Miss Ingram. It is kind of like the story that Rochester told. When he is watching Celine and her lover, he “drew the curtain” and watched from behind the window. Jane does the same thing. She sits in the corner of the room and watches Rochester and Miss Ingram. In Rochester’s story, he jumps out from behind the curtain and cuts off the affair and the next day he found the guys she was with and “left a bullet in one of his poor etiolated arms”. I want there to be a parallel there too. I want Jane to burst out from behind the curtain and shoot Miss Ingram. Figuratively speaking. Jane has got to get Rochester in the end. She will.

Grace Poole...WHAT!

who would have thought? so we were all right about Mr. Rochester and Jane getting together. Mr. Rochester was torturing her all along for this? what a horrible person. When Rochester finds the hug moth we again are introduced to the West Indies so obviously the author is trying to drop some hint about the West Indies which since i have already read i know that it has to do with Rochesters wife. In chapter 23 there is a lot of talk about the moon and how it rises and sets this is symbolism. It really bugs me how when Jane and Rochester are out sitting in the garden he is like " you'd forget me" because obviously he knows she likes him he is just trying to get a rise out of her. Through out all of chapter 24 we see how Jane is very giving and caring and how she just wants to live a simple life, that of which she can be independent. When she gives the beggars money is just one example that displays her nice qualities. She also keeps refusing all the fancy jewelry and clothes that Rochester tries to buy her and she is always thinking of others. I really like this quality in her.  You can also kind of tell through out the chapter that Mrs. Fairfax knows something that Jane doesn't, she says things like "all is not gold that glitters".  It sort of makes me mad that no one in the house tells Jane about what is going on. I mean if Mrs. Fairfax cares enough to make little comments like that then why doesn't she just tell her whats up. Rochester seems very controlling also, he like always wants it to be his way which to start is a bad sign that their marriage isn't going to go well. Ok and also the so called "dream" Jane had freaked me out. The whole thing was just weird and then how we come to find out that it was actually his WIFE, thats just strange and there is something way deeper going on in this story that we have yet to find out about.

"Spread Solemn purple, burning with the light of red jewel and furnace flame at one point, on one hill peak, and extending hight and wide, soft and still softer over half heaven". This is just a quote i thought was very descriptive and appealing. 

Kenya ruined it for me!

I'm just kidding but seriously. I was just about to post my confused mental wanderings... But while scrolling through I saw her post. No one ever told me his wife and Grace were two different people. I thought he was married to her. What a shock. I didn't even see that coming. When I first began this book I thought I would be able to just guess the ending. You know same story just different characters. I thought it would be guy meets girl, girl meets guy, some strange hindrance to their falling in love, and then triumph. But that wasn't the case at. Un-socialized freak met a sarcastic insecure guy. Huge hindrance being married to someone else. Then
un-socialized girl almost marries a two timing jerk that wasn't even man enough to divorce his insane wife. But what I wonder is why didn't he just get rid of her. Like Henry VIII just separated from the Catholic Church. I doubt Rochester divorcing her would have that great of repercussions. She is probably crazy enough she might even know she was married. It does make you wonder what will happen to Jane. Will she go crazy. Does Rochester caste some type of hex on all his wives. Jane could be the next one in the Coo-Coo's nest. If I've got the facts wrong it's because I am just replying to my shock of Kenya's post so I may have to correct this in a later post.

Reversing to Love.

Though I just got there, I think that it's almost cute that he wanted to know what Jane thought about him so badly that he was willing to do anything. Though it is a little creepy that he decided to cross dress into a gypsie, it still made me sink a little to know that he is so in love with her. I almost wish that she would love him the way that he loved her, but then again it gives the story more to go off of.

Not What We Thought

So I’m kind of disappointed Grace Poole isn’t all she was made out to be. She was such a dingy character but now we know she herself must have been going insane taking care of such a crazy woman. I was at first confused when we saw Rochester’s wife and Grace in the small room. When I realized there were two people I was shocked. Grace Poole…still somewhat unidentified is kept at the home not only to keep a secret from the rest of the world but also to treat and care for Rochester’s insane wife! Is there some deeper connection the author is not telling us yet!? This mystery gets long!

Rush of Feelings

In response to my own writing after I read past the previously stated quotations, the calm feelings Jane seemed to portray are gone. She will not let herself explode with anger or frustration or doubt or anything negative, but she questions all that has happened. You can feel the fury and the loss in her heart, but it is not broken. She still seems collected, just without anything. I feel as though she almost suspected something like this. Her lost love of Rochester is not what she is mourning or thinking about, its more the feelings that she was about to make something of herself and now she is not. Her life is “pale, her prospects were desolate” (341) and that thought seemed to bug her. She knows she must leave him but the feelings of loss are overwhelming. “There is no one to help” (342) she states. What will she proceed on to do with these “floods overflowing her” (342)?

Unfolding Story Lines

“The house cleared, I shut myself in, fastened the bolt that none might intrude, and proceeded—not to weep, not to mourn, I was yet to calm for that, but—mechanically to take off the wedding dress, and replace it by the stuff gown I had worn yesterday, as I thought for the last time” (340.) Jane has always been so self composed, so sure of herself. She knows the things that are certain—she is not a beauty, she is not wealthy—and she accepts them with all of her heart. This disaster of a marriage seems to come to her that way as well. Her mood, even though she was rarely present through out the entire scene in the church, seemed almost relieved. With Rochester’s hastened mood and need to quickly move forth with the marriage, Jane was annoyed. When the wedding was interjected the tone of narration seemed to calm. Now, after the day full of a reality shock Jane of course feels “weak and tired” (340) but also surprisingly composed.

I wonder if Jane feels betrayed or loved by her uncle? He is a man she has never known but always heard of. His love comes through when he “implored Mr. Mason to lose no time in taking steps to prevent the false marriage” (340). I wonder when Mason came to the house before if he knew of the connection of Mr. Eyre and Jane. This strange relative that has played a mysterious role in the background of Jane’s life is slowly becoming more clear. As the last ten pages unfolded the entire story of what we have been reading and wondering, there is still this one missing piece. Will Jane finallu persue this small portion of her own reality she has left?

Holy Canoli

Well let me start be saying I'm pretty behind in the book... and secondly that I'm terrible at blogging. I guess I'm just giving you a running start. Well I'm not too sure about how I feel about this book. I have extremely mixed emotions. I love the way it is written. the writing style is very descriptive and it really helps to just launch you into the middle of the plot. But I can't stand Mr.Rochester. He is so annoying. If I were Jane I would have gone ghetto on his face by now. He is such a typical guy though. Like playing with her heart and just messing with her head.... typical. Does it ever even occur to him that in all actuality this is ONLY the third man she has seen in real life. She doesn't even know how to respond physically let alone emotionally. I do have to say I was a little bit disappointed in Jane because at the beginning of the story she has so much confidence and so outspoken. Like when Helen was told to wear that label on her forehead, Jane snatched it off and threw it in the fire. She was the perfection of passion... and now she has just sat down. She is passive about telling Rochester how she feels. She isn't the same. But part of me just believes that she was just defiant out of insecurity... now that she has matured she might realize it isn't entirely necessary. But who knows... I'm so confused about her true essence. 

I think I am a chapter ahead....

I am pretty sure the class is supposed to be on Chapter 26 by tomorrow.... but I already read it!!! This is by far the most eventful Chapter. I definitely knew that Rochester was up to something. A WIFE??? A MAD WIFE???? So I guess Grace Poole isn't a crazy woman like I thought. The whole wife thing basically solved the Grace mystery. She doesn't actually sit arond and sew she takes care of the crazy Mrs. Rochester. I am not really sure what to think about Rochester at this point. If he truely loved and trusted her, he would have just told her. And Mr. Mason being the brother-in-law?!?! Whats the connection between Mr. Briggs, Mr. Mason, and Jane's uncle...? I wonder if she will ever find her uncle and be with him. If I was Jane I wouldn't know what to do about my engagment to Rochester at this point. He kept an enormous secret from her that can totally destroy their relationship. That SUCKS.

Ch. 24-25 response

So, Grace Poole is an interesting character for sure...the only time we see her is when she is having some sort of psychotic episode! In chapter 25, she is going through Jane's closet and ripping her veil. To me, it seems as if all of her shinanigans have occurred after she saw Jane and Rochester interacting, and after everything she has done to Jane, it appears to me like she is doing these things out of jealousy. I think that she and Rochester had a past and that may also be what Rochester was referring to when he said that he would give her an explanation for the events after they have been married for a year and a day.

Also, about Jane's impending marriage to Rochester...I love that Jane is getting married to someone she loves, but now she is committed to someone and I am afraid that she will soon be put into a position of inferiority; she already doesn't feel comfortable with the difference in class between she and Rochester. But we will soon see!

Proposals

Seeing as Mr. R is my least favorite character it's no surprise that I didn't like the scene where he proposed.  First of he like stalks her out into the garden and makes her look at a moth.  Then he makes up this crap about marrying Blanche Ingram just to see if it'll make Jane jealous, why don't you man up, grow a pair, and come out and ask her instead of making up some story about how you're going to marry Blanche and send Jane to Ireland.  Then he's all surprised when Jane thinks he's kidding about marrying him, I mean he said he was marrying someone else like three seconds earlier and now he expects Jane to just believe that she's really the one he wants to marry, not to mention that when Mrs Ingram and the other ladies were ripping on governesses he didn't stand up and say anything.  

Then when Jane does say yes but says no to all of the things he was going to buy her he gets all angry and disappointed but Jane isn't the kind of girl who would just give everything up for a guy and that's what he wants her to do.  The thing that really pisses me off is that Jane gets all weepy and scared that Mr. R. won't come home.  I thought this book was supposed to be feminist but no instead the heroine turns into a damsel in distress.  I expected more out of Bronte.  

Now Wait A Minute

Alright, thus far I've been the ultimate cheerleader for feminist themes throughout the novel (Bronte's frequent use of the moon, the amount of female characters in the book, and Jane's overall strength). Now I'm at a loss however. Right after the scene where Roch. is gone and Jane is all paranoid going through the garden, picking up frozen apples (or perhaps this is during this scene) she takes a moment to look up at the moon. The moon kind of dances around for a bit before darting back behind the clouds. From this moment on, we see a huge shift in the power that Jane's held throughout the whole book. For one she goes completely mad at the prospect of Roch. not coming home; so much so that she goes on a little adventure down the drive to check on him coming home. Her dependency on him here is a little sickening. To continue, after the false wedding her dependency grows. She could just be in shock, but as even HE mentions, we would have expected more emotion and passion from her. I wanted tears and screams, perhaps a slap or two would suffice (I mean really the guy's been dragging her all around the yard by her leash, now that he's done the ultimate toll, wouldn't you kill him?) but instead, once she starts crying, she shuts up the moment it begins to annoy poor Mr. Rochester. Where the hell did Bronte go? Where is the strength that women are supposed to possess, instead of this total overbearing man controlling her every last move! It's insanity!!

I'm not quite sure what the beast is supposed to mean in the whole scheme of everything. I'm really not sure why it's a woman and what more she can do in the novel besides bite people and be Rochester's first wife. In saying that, if Rochester truly does love Jane, why doesn't he divorce the werewolf (I think beastly tendencies are reason enough for a divorce at that time period) and then commence with his marriage to Jane?

And who is this uncle and where the hell is he (sick I know but in the larger scheme he could have gotten to the manor quicker)...how did he find out about the marriage, how does he know Mason...what is going on there...

It seems like this was a good climactic point, but there are still a number of pages left to be read...so fortunately I'll have some questions answered at some point...right?

The tree of life, dead... (DON'T READ IF YOU ARE NOT AHEAD OF PAGE 330!)

So, Jane's dreams are freaking me out. The last time she dreamt of a baby, her cousin committed suicide, and her aunt died a few weeks later. This time, she dreams of accidentally KILLING a baby, along with the tormenting absence of Edward, and everything else. And who is that woman? Or creature? Vampires in Romantic English novel of 1840? I don't really know the time period of Dracula or anything, but... I will say I am a firm believer of vampires, and the creatures of the night. Needless to say though, this one really creeps me out. At first, I came up with this wicked picture of a jealousy-driven-to-madness Blanche Ingram, with her long black curls disheveled and whatnot. But how would Blanche become purple? And besides, Blanche doesn't love Rochester; there was no passion. She only wanted his money. So, I throw Ingram out of the scene and replace her with this other creature that Jane so perfectly describes. No trace of Grace Poole in those vibrantly red eyes, but who else would be haunting the house at a strange hour? Yet, if it were the likes of Grace's character, why did she not kill Jane in her sleep? OH, How I wonder what will turn out next.
The most disturbing part of the entire chapter is indeed Rochester's blantant disregard. No doubt he is hiding something. Could he possibly know exactly what this creature is? If so, how can we trust Rochester now? I am confussed, mystified, and still curious!
So, we go off to the church with the happy couple. (Jane is infurating me by this point, hwo she shows barely any affection towards Rochester, and how Mrs. Rochester is a woman not borne yet. I wanted to slap her. She will not be a different person after matrimony. Compelled with passion and love that simply entices her character, but no, she will not miraculously change to another person. Whatever)
Anyways, these strange people are at the church, and I immediatly knew it was a sign of trouble, because nothing terrible happened in the last chapter. Worried and over stimulated, I sort of just scanned the entire ceremony up until the words seeps from the page and I could just hear that horrid voice yell: "this wedding cannot proceed" (Those probably aren't the correct words....) And Mr. Mason steps out of the shadows, and instantly I replay Rochester's voice saying: "His tongue will be my downfall. He will hurt me accidentally." Well, this betrayal didn't seem like too much of an accident. It seemed pretty blunt.
AND WHAT OF THIS? rOCHESTER? PREVIOUSLY MARRIED? Immediatly my mind jumped to Grace, and I was sooooooooooo confused. What did poor Rochester do to poor grace to make her go mad? ah, but this is only a fraction of my curiosity, so I read dilligently!.
Werepire indeed. Bertha freaky Mason......oh she creeps me out. The poor woman! Why does Mr. Rochester hate her if he is not angered by her madness? Oh, this story just becomes more bizzarre every moment!
The tree that split in two, I was so worried it would foreshadow Jane & Edward's relationship. Yet, I was wrong again. It is symbolic solely of Edward's and Bertha's marriage. Living together with an ounce of life, for who can call being locked up in a room all day living? Yet blackened and burnt by a horrible storm - madness, lightning, rage, natures' powerful wrath..... And finally never able to mend itself because there is no love left in the two halves. (may i remind you that Jane is the one who made all of these observations?) Oh, the sad turn of events. Yet, strangely, I am more mad at Jane than Mr. Rochester..... Maybe my views will quickly change!

jeez

It was such a shock to read about Mr. Rochester asking Jane to marry him, that is a little creepy. To think that he was 20 years old when she was just being born, and now they are due to wed. Love is love though and that is good that Mr. Rochester thinks he has found it in dear Jane and vice versa. The way he starts their conversation by starting that he is in love with Ingram. I think that would be quite awkward to think a man is teasing you to marry him only to find out he is serious. They seem to be happy together which is what one should look for in another so that is good to see that love flows in their blood for each other. 

bashful

This love that Jane has waited for for so long is finally within her grasp. The pain she has put herself through could easily come to an end…but she won’t take hold. At first, possibly, the shock of the proposal shuts Jane out from accepting Rochester’s admittance to love. She was not expecting him to ever come out with his true feelings towards her. When a month has passed and she is well warmed up to the idea of being his bride she is direct in the ways she wants to be treated. Is Jane afraid of loving? Is she afraid of doing something she is not used to doing? This idea of love is so foreign to her. Never has anyone truly loved Jane and before Rochester she never loved anyone either. Her only true love was in Helen, her friend, that died not long after a true friendship was built. This love seems to scare Jane away. She constantly admits her love for her future husband but the sudden change in lifestyle seems intimidating and unrealistic. In the tone of the novel I can almost feel a shudder when she hears the name Mrs. Rochester. It also seems as though her love may grow. She has set right her boundaries with Rochester and they simply seem to amuse him. Her frankness comes across as almost rude but Rochester takes no notice and is infatuated by her presence. He is not phased by the fact that this is going against normality. He is not marrying a beauty, but to him this marriage is for love. That is what he is looking for. I can’t decide if Rochester will accept Jane’s unwillingness to conform. She does not want to wear dresses and wear fancy jewelry. If she does this will not be the Jane that he fell in love with. The love has swept both of them off of their feet and thrown them into a whirlwind, neither one knowing what to expect.

Bashful

Cradle Robbing

It is funny that Mrs Fairfax doesn't believe that Rochester has asked Jane to marry him. She makes fun of her. "... there are twenty years of difference in your ages (305)." Is this age difference an issue? The fact that Rochester comes from a great background of proud Rochesters. Jane feels akward about the whole wedding situation, because Rochester wants her to be like "cinderella" covered in jewels and nice materials. Jane isn't really on the upscale of the money tree, so becoming the heir to John Eyre her uncle would bring in a decent sum of money. Which would loosen the uncomfortabilty towards the wedding.

Oh no they didn't!

At the beginning of chapter 23, we first see the hint that Jane and Rochester are going to have some sort of 'moment'. Rochester states that no one could miss the "sunset...meeting with moonrise." This foreshadows the joining of R and Jane. Two contrasting things come together, the light of the day and the dark of the night; the sunrays from Rochester and the moonlight from Jane. As exciting as this encounter is, I wonder what really is going to happen, for knowing Bronte, the love story won't end with over 200 pages left. Towards the end of this chapter, I began to wonder if these two are really destined for eachother, as much as I want to think so. Once Jane has agreed to marry Rochester and they both discuss their happiness, thunder strikes and the weather turns. Is this a bad omen? The moment is ruined and they must run inside (still sharing a kiss before they part). This "vivid spark" that "cracks...crash[es]... and rattl[es]" can only make me assume that things will take a turn for the worst. The splitting of the old horse-chestnut tree in the orchard also makes me feel uneasy. Although it could possibly symbolize the splitting of old ways and principles of marriage, I am assuming it occurst to warn the reader.
I also noticed the use of the word 'efface' at the end of this chapter and my mind instantly flashed to when Jane and R first meet. Rochester's bold entrance with his clammering horse "efface[s] the soft wave-wanderings" and Jane's peace with nature. Perhaps this is simply coincidence, or Bronte is purposely trying to bring the reader back to their original meeting.

On page 294, I get a flash of female inferiority in this book. Although I like to think that R is so madly in love with Jane that he simply must her Jane accept his proposal, I can't help but notice his quest for possession of Jane. He asks Jane, "I must have you for my own - entirely my own. Will you be mine?" Although this is his quest for Janes confession of love, his male 'superiority' also seems to come into play.

When Jane goes off on Rochester, exclaiming why she must go, I am reminded of her encounter with Mrs. Reed when she first leaves Gateshead. Her "passion" is unveiled and she exclaimes that although she may be "poor, obscure, plain, and little", she is NOT "soulless and heartless". I'm glad she finally tells Rochester that she can't just sit by and watch R and Ingram live "happily ever after"
When Jane goes off on Rochester, exclaiming why she must go, I am reminded of her encounter with Mrs. Reed when she first leaves Gateshead. Her "passion" is unveiled and she exclaimes that although she may be "poor, obscure, plain, and little", she is NOT "soulless and heartless". I'm glad she finally tells Rochester that she can't just sit by and watch R and Ingram live "happily ever after". Her reaction to Rochester's request is surprising but also empowering. Instead of destroying everything she stands for and simply falling for him, she sticks up for herself and recognizes that she must be treated as an "equal". She realizes that although she doesn't have the class and rank that R and Ingram have, she is "better than [Rochester]". Which is true. She knows what she wants and is willing to go against society and old ways if it is necessary. Rochester is the one who is willing to do something that doesn't truly fit his heart(marry Ingram), and that is what ultimately makes Jane superior, despite everything else.

When reading, I was reminded of the notion of gameplaying, as we discussed in class. We've seen games earlier in this book, and I am often forced to question Rochester's true motives. For he probably doesn't even recognize his true motives. Jane quotes "you play a farce, which I merely laugh at." She has her guard up, for so many times Rochester has yanked on her heart. This is smart of her, but still doesn't fit with the fairy tale ending. Not that Charlotte Bronte would really write a Cinderella story. Gothic novels don't fit with enchanted romances...

ghosts

These last chapters are getting weird. I'm starting to think Thornfield might be haunted. It's the only thing that explains the odd behaver of everyone at Thornfield including Rochester.Grace is acting more and more unhumanlike. She sneaks around and causes mischief for no good reason and nobody says anything about it. Even Rochester tries to hide Grace's behavior from everyone. Why is he hiding so many secrets from everyone including Jane? Also since the begining of the book, Jane has talked about ghosts. And when she first saw Rochester, she thought he was a ghost because of the scary stories she was told as a kid about the ghost horse with the dog walking next to it. This book started out realistic, but now it seems mystical and out there. This is just an idea and maybe there is no ghosts and Grace is just a crazy and Rochester is just a creepy old man who holds many secrets.

My view on Mr. Rochester

Mr. Rochester may seem boring or maybe even mysterious in a creepy way but in my mind he is a badass. first off he's obviously got it going on because his house is full of sexy ladies and by house i really meant to say  mansion or castle. Also i think it is pretty cool that he is confident enough to ask a governess to marry him. He's like a 17th century pimp. Unfortunately Rochester is the only character that is interesting and he isn't even very exciting anyways , i don't want to sound like a downer but this book seems like it is still moving at a snail's pace. Don't get me wrong i think it is a beautifully written book but it might just be a little too old-fashioned for my taste.

Language

This is not really an analysis of my feelings of a certain area of the book, but more a comment on some neat language things I have noticed. This book is filled with hidden meanings and metaphors, and the metaphors, it's just chock full of them. There was one scene where Jane and Mr Rochester were discussing the errors in his life, and how he now seeks to live it as fully as possible. The whole discussion is not truly discussed with simple terms, instead they speak of angels and disguised demons. There are many more metaphors that I have found myself truly enjoying reading, but one thing I really have enjoyed about the language in this book is that the secret hidden meanings are not very hard to uncover. Almost all of the text alludes to something else, that is not so beyond our grasp. Though some allusions are surely lost on a difference in time in which this was written and in which we live, they are still for the most part, obvious. One big language switch I noticed was on page 202, when all of a sudden the entire narrative switches to a present tense, instead of the past tense. This is not something easy to do, and I have to admit it instantly caused me pause. However, if I'm correct in understanding the purpose of this, it adds a certain urgency and more directly inserts the reader into the scene of the moment. It is the moment of the big party when Jane must meet all the ladies, and stay in the drawing room as they take coffee and talk. It also adds much more force to the introduction of Blanche Ingram. Who is described as a very imposing figure throughout the whole of the narrative. It once again though, switches back to the past tense, and takes the reader back out, to once more seem to see a little bit more of the picture, then the book moves on. The game of charades was interesting to me to read, for a game played without words, yet described in words is a tricky thing to do. It was fun and exciting, to try to guess at what they were, though Charlotte gives it away, it was still enjoyable, especially how Jane neglects to join in, but seems to understand and guess at what all of the charades mean even though she is "too stupid" to participate. The books pace and excitement have definitely picked up with the addition of the mystery into this novel. No book is good without something to seek, and now not only are we waiting with bated breath to discover how Jane and Rochester's "love" will turn out, but we also must find the answer to the riddle of Thornefield Hall. The suspense is building.

Always Lovers

I feel like there have always been some feelings between Jane and Mr. Rochester and finally they got together. I think that it has always been humorous how Mr. Rochester tries to find out if Jane likes by dressing up as a gypsy. From there on I knew that Mr. Rochester has had a crush on Jane. It took Jane a really long time to realize that Mr. Rochester has feelings for her; this is because Jane is still inexperienced with relationships. In the begging of the garden scene the sun sets and the moon starts to rise for the encounter of Mr. Rochester, this is another significant scene under the moon light which is especially significant for women in general. When Jane and Mr. Rochester are talking about her leaving to Ireland she starts speaking about what she is going to miss and she stops her self from saying the truth, Jane has done this in the past. This time Mr. Rochester asks well and she says”From you sir.” This is the first time she shows her love for Mr. Rochester, after this they hook up under a tree. Later That night the tree gets split in half and I think that this is foreshadowing that something bad is going to happen to their relationship.

Yea

I think that the sexual tension between Rochester and Jane has been slowly growing from the first moment that they meant. I think this makes the book have an interesting love story. It is very different from the run of the mill love tale about gorgeous people. It is about two people meant for each other even though it was not right for the times. Like Romeo and Juliette the are star crossed from the start, due to their class, looks, and professions. How this book differs from most love stories is what makes it a classic.

OMG Ch. 23

Finally, after all that build-up and drama, they get together. I have no doubt that that drama isn't over, and some of the good stuff is yet to come. But its nice for the book to finally reach that step. After all of the game-playing, the doubts and insecurities, they reach the point we knew they always would. Looking deeper into the scene, however I wonder what the significance of the moth and chestnut tree was. The chestnut tree splitting plays an important symbolic role, I'm just not sure what it is. It could be representative of Jane "splitting" from her past and entering a new era with Mr. Rochester, or even foreshadowing a future "split" of their relationship in the very place it started. Also, I think they moth, or something more from the west indies will come into the plot and play a significant role. We will see more of Mr. Mason, and also yet from jane's uncle, whom we know almost nothing about.
Bronte has woven many secrets and elements into the story that are yet to be revealed. One thing I don't really like is how when we see the story from Jane's eyes (first person), there are many things hidden from us, as opposed to an omnipresent story, which I tend to like better. But this view is also very important to the novel and keeps us turning pages, if we knew too much, why read any further? It is good to read a variety of novels with a variety of viewpoints, as it helps you expand your mind and understand other texts better.

THE TREE

Ok well I officially hate the metaphors in this book as of the end of Chapter 23. I guess it really isn't the book, but just the one metaphor at the very end where the chestnut tree got "struck by lightning and half of it split away." This leads to many possible false conclusions, the most obvious of which is that one of the two lovers is going to die, specifically Rochester as Jane is relating this as a past story (one thing I hate about books told in the first person past it leaves no room for suspense). However I want to propose that maybe that is suggesting that Blanche is going to attempt to kill Jane. I'm just trying to come up with a metaphor foreshadowing that isn't as obvious

Gypsy

I felt that the whole party scene with the gypsy and everything was very interesting. It showed many new viewpoints and contrasts to characters that we have not yet discovered. The main thing that surprised me was that Mr. Rochester was the gypsy, although I think that this section was written in order to surprise the reader it was still an interesting way of showing different sides of the story yet revealing a lot at the same time. When Jane first sat down I was kind of curious and leery of what was actually happening. To me gypsies in the first place can be kinda creepy and I don't know I just imagine a dark room with a small light with a slightly mystical figure inside. Gypsies in books are a wonderful way of foreshadowing. Actually, I don't even know if we can call it foreshadowing because we know that they are specifically known to tell the future but in this instance Mr. Rochester uses this find feelings yet give then out at the same time. When Jane realizes that this is actually Mr. Rochester she at first appears angry but you can tell that she is in the back of her mind happy that he wants to know about her feelings from them. This whole book just seems that it could be a line of lies fit together to create a life. I like where this book is going I just wish Mr. Rochester and Jane would declare their feelings for one another and the odd happenings would be figured out. Actually, no I enjoy the suspense of not knowing but I am still suspicious of who is actually screaming, how these people are getting hurt and who truthfully lit the bed on fire.

Excitement at Thornfield!

So... there's been so much tension building up between Rochester and Jane what with the whole Mr. Mason incident, the mystery of Grace Poole, Jane leaving to see Mrs. Reed on her death bed and of course the slight issue of soon-to-be bride Blanche Ingram. I was so relieved to see that Jane said yes to Rochester's proposal in the garden - finally all those stiff formalities and awkward situations with Miss Ingram can be gone. This new planned marriage is very exciting, yes, but I think under all this eventful and momentous happenings, something else is definitely brewing in Bronte's mind (or was brewing, I suppose!).

Between all the symbolism and foreshadowing related to the color red, images of light and dark, fire and ice, enclosure, and reversal of stereotypical gender roles, practically every scene can be somewhat predicted or estimated. For example, Jane feels safe when she is enclosed and therefore in those scenes, usually all is well. At the beginning of the book, she's behind the curtain at Gateshead reading and is protected from her mean cousins; this provides a "safe" symbol that constantly reappears.

Although purple is not one of the dominant symbols (yet, or so I've been told) in this book, I believe it's quite significant and will become even more so soon. The first time we see this color is when we first see Blanche getting out of the carriage at Thornfield and she's wearing a "purple riding habit" (page 193). The footnote for this odd phrase reads: "imperial purple emblematically implies worldliness, caste and pride." In this context, it makes sense. Miss Ingram is arriving at the party and Bronte wants her to look above the others, haughty and high class. The appearance of it again at the beginning of chapter 23 doesn't fit quite right though. Jane describes the sky as " a solemn purple" with bits of red in it immediately preceding her meeting with Rochester in the garden. Even though I know it's no coincidence Bronte chose this color to lead up to Rocheseter's marriage proposal scene but it's a little curious as to what is to come and what exactly that small snippet means.

RoChEsTeR GeTtIN It?

Rochester is a creep in my eyes but eveyone seems to be so fond of him, I want to know what his Error was. I think that he was somehow responsible for someones death in the past and it still haunts him. Jane seems to be into him which is really weird since he comes off as such a creep at first...... Maybe she likes that he is creepy, that may be what gets her going. I think they are goona get together and have a healthy happy relationship. If they do get together i think they will move somewhere foreign since he travels so much, it would be a cool twist if they got together and broke up when they move to a foreign place. Then she would have some more problems to deal with, not that she deserves it but i think it would be satisfying to the reader. This book has a lot of "curve balls" which i really like it makes me keep reading, the author here knew what was going on when this book was wrote..... out of time so check ya later dawg

The whole proposal scene seemed cheesy and filled with bad omens. It was a very sudden change from just talking calmly about a family in Ireland (and him sending her away as he praises Blanche) to them both suddenly declaring their love for each other and getting engaged. It all seemed to happen in a few minutes. Then they kissed on the chime of midnight...it all seemed overblown and unrealistic to me. It also heavily foreshadowed a split, the most obvious sign being the tree they sat under being split by lightning. The courtyard is also filled with shadows, and the sad song of a nightingale is heard several times. The day grows darker and dies as they sit there. Rochester several times refers to her as his possession or something, ("I summon you as my wife" p. 293, "I must have you as my own-entirely my own" p. 294, "Come to me-come to me entirely now...make my happiness" p. 295, "I have her, and will hold her" p. 295 etc.) and a proud woman like Jane won't stand for that long, though now she is blinded by love. The enclosure theme also comes up again. The tree is enclosed in an orchard, and Jane is about to be enclosed in marriage, one that will greatly stifle her freedom. She will definitely leave him, maybe just before the marriage. I think though, that the main reason will be because of his "capital err", when that is revealed.

***SPOILER*** Grace Poole's Job

Ok for those of you who don't know I will give you one last warning. THIS IS A HUGE SPOILER! I am not ahead, but have just figured out something. Grace Poole is not the person who set Rochester's bed on fire or attacked Mr. Rochester. She is guarding the person that is. The novel states that she is always carrying porter up to the room where she stayed, and this caught me as strange seeing that had she been this "demon" she would not be humanly kind enough to get this everyday if she commited these acts. Also, when we first heard the laugh it was described as eerie and deep. This did not seem to fit with the image that Grace portrayed. Also, when Mrs. Farifax reminded Grace that she was making to much noise she did not seem to acknowledge that she had actually made it but more just agreed that there had been too much noise. Another contributing factor to this revealation is that Rochester seems always to bypass Grace altogether when any conversation or incidents of this demon occurs.

Sparks?!?

Okay so why is Mr. Rochester going to marry someone else if he has obvious affection for Jane? He looks to her for everything which I realize is part of her job but really? There is definitely something more. Jane knows that she has feelings for him but knows that she can't so she is silent but Mr. Rochester doesn't need to be silent. Why doesn't he speak out already? I mean one night before bed he said "Good night, my..." and stopped himself. HE HAS FEELINGS FOR HER!!!! Now on a completely different note what is with Grace Poole? Lighting a bed on fire? There is something wrong with her. Actually she seems completely psycho. Who is she? Maybe I am just missing the point of her but what does she actually do? Does anyone actually know anything about her except for the fact that she is quite strange and LIT A BED ON FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!!! This book is actually starting to get interesting.

Old Blog

Hey so my computer was down so now I am trying to make up all of my blogs. Jane Eyre first struck me as a cinderella story as well. The evil step siblings and step mother who lived in an incredible house, where Jane is refused many pleasures of it. Her uncle dies similar to the father in cinderella, and she is the sweet little girl who has to suffer the beating from her new family. But this book then showed me it was nothing like that because in the first four chapters there was no handsome prince, we find out about Rochester later. Just like cleaning and the chores in cinderella Jane had her punishments for existing as well. Stupid John Reed is the perfect villian. I was really pissed off when he threw the book at Jane and her aunt sent her to the Red Room. How could you torture a little girl with fear the way she did? I could not imagine being stuck in a room where a family member I was close to died. That stupid aunt, when Jane cussed her out I was so excited and wished that she would just slap her across the face and make her look like as much of a disgrace as she really is.

Janes Acceptance and Her Mood Following

As everyone should know Rochester proposed to Jane, and Jane could not refuse. Marrying Rochester would not be bad idea for Jane because she been longing for escape. By marrying Rochester she could finally not be thought of as less, and she could have a fufilling life. Bronte always makes it seem as if Jane has been locked behind gates, or left in solitude, for she has no family to go home to. Jane has some education and because of that she is Governess, but still she is looked upon as inferior. Rochester and Jane's commitment would lose Jane the title of inferior, and she would be put into a position of responsibility. I am intrigued to see what is yet to come with the forshadowing of the lightning bolt striking the tree they had just met at and where Rochester had proposed to Jane.

What she thought she wanted

Jane and Edward will finally end up togeter...maybe. I predict that their relationship and engagement will be ended very violently. The tree where he proposed the next morning had been hit with lightning, broken into two. This is what will become of their relationship. I wonder if Mason will come back into the pictuer, he has to and I believe he and Grace Poole will have something to do with the termination of Jane and Rochester's engagement. It was interesting that they addressed eathother differently, Edward and Janet. Is her real name even Janet? Lets see...what else. Rochester plays constant games with Jane's head and teases her almost. I hope that if they end their engagement she is not the one getting hurt. The constant reference back to the West Indies makes me think that the West Indies will come into play as far as location goes. Jane's finding of her letter from her aunt of her actual family was predictable but creates plot. In the end I think that Jane will find happiness and will create a family away from Thornfield when she travels to meet her real uncle. I want to think that Jane will stay at Thornfield with Adele but there are still like 250 pages left in the novel and I think that Charlotte Bronte will lead us on an adventure as Jane leaves Thornfield. The proposal toward Jane is brought back into the scene of nature in the garden. The moonlight is brought up again after she cares for Mason and she asks Rochester to turn his face into the moonlight as she looks for honesty in the love he is promising her. Although Jane is a very strong and dependent woman I think that Rochester takes advantage of her vulnerability, he teases her. I do however, believe he really does love her. In chapter 22 Jane dreams of Miss Ingram and I wonder if anything will happen to her. So far in the novel dreams have not represented posstive things and have led to deaths. I wonder how long their engagement will last before an event or time breaks it off.

nah emma mary

emma i know you too well to not see were this post is coming from but your a 21st century women, who has schooling and has developed skills that the world wants, and im just not sure that jane is in the same boat as you though she hasnt had any parents she has been being taken care of for as long as she can remember she hasnt had to find one meal on her own. i dnot know what kind of freedom would be afforded to a poor grown up orphan with little skills that people would pay for. i just see alot more freedom married to a man that she loves even if she likes to think she doesnt, I just cant imagine her being more free trying to find food to feed her self everyday compared to married to a financially set man that cares for her, a home a meal and a man says alot about a women back then and even if she is craving experiences of her own the dudes like 60 and the avg life spand back then was like 32 lol so it wouldnt be to long before she would loose the old ball and chain.......

Jane Eyre: Chapter 22 & 23

First of all, Grace Poole is a suspicious character to say the least. Her continuous chuckling in the mitts of the hidden door, led me to believe that she was even crazier then I had first perceived her. I think that Grace Pool is related to Mr. Rochester's "error" of his youth, and it would do nothing less then benefit her own nature to be rid of him. Otherwise she would not have attempted to kill Rochester in his sleep. As for the events that took place on the third story, I am not sure what to make of that. There are pressing reasons to believe that it was Grace that left the bite marks on Mr. Mason, but then again, if Grace was such a vicious untrustworthy character would Mr. Rochester be so confident in leaving Jane alone with her and Mason unattended? I think that this book in the next few chapters is going to take a turn of fate, and the real mystery is going to become clear. As we were saying in class, this is just another point in which it would be in Charlotte Bronte's best interest to keep us lingering.
Moreover, the proposal to Jane in chapter XXIII came as no surprise. Charlotte Bronte achieved successfully setting us up for this event. However, one thing that I did find strange was Mr. Rochester's proposal to transport Jane to Ireland, to live with a family of five. I take this as another one of his tests, his way of questioning Jane's love. He wouldn't want to put himself out there by asking for her hand to be shut down. He wanted this to answer his questions to whether or not Jane had feelings for him. Which was answered when she burst out in tears and replied that she was afraid of the distance, being so far away from Thornfeild Hall, Adele and last but not least from him. In addition to this, upon asking for her in marriage, she questioned him. Which threw me for a curve ball. I was lost in her confusion. At first it seemed as if she was going to refuse the offer, and leave Mr. Rochester unsatisfied. However, when she finally accepted the request, I felt relief.
During this scene, my mind was bouncing off of many different ideas. With every word I questioned another future for Jane. If she were to say no, what would she do? She would go on her way to Ireland to work for the family, but then she would have to come back to him at one point. If she was to say yes (which she did), would she and Mr. Rochester live together happily, or is there yet another mystery to take place. Also, what if Mr. Rochester was to be joined with Ms. Ingram, what would take place the night prior to the wedding between Jane and him. Thus, when I finally did get her answer, questions were still left unanswered. I hope that the chapters to come convey as much mystery and excitement as these two chapters did. Yeah! :)

This last chapter stured up my emotions. When i initially read that Jane would leave and work in Ireland away from Thornfield it really upset me. There was to many unanswered questions for her to suddinly leave and never see Mr. Rochester again. The part that was most upsetting was when they bid goodbye to each other and Mr. Rochester asked Jane how to do it. In a way the whole seen was sympathetic and romantic at the same time. However it was mostly sad. Then the tone changed and suddenly i became satisfied with how the novel was unfolding. It does prove my previous prediction wrong that they would never be together. The remaining chapters will hold the truths and i believe Mr. Rochester is planning something big. I can understand were Jane became hesitant and immediately started to question Mr. Rochester. He completely switched directions with his life plans. This could have easily surprised Jane and confused her on what Rochester really wanted with his life. I'm still super anctious to find out more about Mr. Mason and Grace Poole. Plus how Rochester is going to break the news to the elegant Ms. Ingram and if he folds under the pressure and criticism of the upper class.

Love at last

All i have to say is, finally. Mr. Rochester and Jane's relationship has been very romantic, flirtatious and sexual all along, and finally they are doing something about it. I wonder if Jane will continue in her job as Adele's governess. I still am trying to predict what will come of the strange incident with Mr. Mason. I like the sense of closure we get when Jane returns to Gateshead as summoned by Mrs. Reed. It lets us move on from that section of her life, and fully return to her life at Thornfield. Mrs. Fairfax informs Jane that Mr. Rochester has gone to London to purchase a new carriage for Mrs. Ingram when they get married, and Jane begins to wonder where she will go. Her ideas for the future have changed, and now instead of wanting to leave Thornfield to pursue something else, she is afraid of being kicked out. ""I dreamt of Miss Ingram all the night: in a vivid morning dream i saw her closing the gates of Thornfield against me..." (Page 280)When Jane is returning to Thornfield she decides to walk there, which i think symbolizes something, I'm not sure what though. When Mr. Rochester and Jane are speaking in the garden, before he proposes to her, we see the that the moon is rising and the sun is setting. This setting represents the tweener time and the moon which signifies Rochester's dependence on Jane. This is also one of the first times in a while we have seen Jane unable to control and suppress her emotions - she cannot hold back her tears. They get soaked in the rain before they return to the house, and they're all wet in the hallway, undressing each other and kissing. The word 'effaced' is used again when Jane says "...joy soon affaced every other feeling..." (Page 296)

Dark vs. Light

I know I mentioned this in 6th period, but I feel like the point is so interesting that I must share it. Within this novel are tons of references to fire and ice and are frequently referred to for dramatic effect in terms of passion. However, I found that whether the room or location is light or dark also serves as a plot point. Before page 174 there was a definitive abscence of light and that was Jane's sanctuary. In fact, she always seemed to keep to the shade when she first dealt with Rochester's sudden appearance. However, Rochester in turn seemed to always want Jane to be in the light, as every conversation he "controlled" was near a fire. All this had been preceding the incident where Mr. Rochester's bed caught on fire which was the pivotal point in the "danger" of both light and dark. It switched many times throughout the scene and finally I was able to see the shift from dark being Jane's sanctuary to light being it. Now this is a bit of a stretch, but if you examine the scenes closely that precede the bed and the bed scene itself I think you will agree with me.

This novel presents the key to a woman's heart...

Woman want what they can't have. Therefore if one makes them self unattainable then a lot more interest will accumulate. Rochester played it like a flute and of course, once again, the hard to get ploy worked again (this wouldn't be the first time I've heard of such an instance, its the hidden SECRET). I'm incredibly disappointed that such monumental information could be revealed in such a nonchalant way. (Men should learn for themselves!)

I can't imagine how happy Jane must be after her greatest dream comes true. Such a conversion could be compared to a person isolated for the first 20 years of her life in a small dark room, then being allowed to roam the world and experience the miracles of life first hand. This thought is reminiscent of transcendentalism and Emerson's ideas of preserving innocence in order to appreciate things to the fullest.

"If the stars should appear but one night every thousand years how man would marvel and stare." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jane finally saw the stars. (I'm happy for her.)

Poole

I don't really think that Mr. Rochester trusts Grace Poole, rather, I think that he has an obligation to take care of her. I mean, think back to when Mason is leaving, Mason says, "'Let her (Grace) be taken care of: let her be treated as tenderly as may be; let her--' He stopped and burst into tears. 'I (Rochester) do my best; and have done it, and will do it.'" I believe that Mason knew Grace, or maybe even had something to do with the way that Grace is now. If that's the case, Rochester is doing a favor for Mason, and that is why Mason is so loyal to Rochester. Hopefully everything will be answered soon.

Grace Who??

After reading Marcus's blog I thought more about Grace Poole. Honestly, this girl is a psycho. She tried to light Rochester's bed on fire and she bit Mr. Mason like a maniac. I want to know what is up with this woman. She is always freakishly laughing to herself in corners and growling in rooms behind doors. And obviously Rochester trusts her or he would have gotten rid of her by now. He knows whats up. Not only did he lie to everyone in the house about the fire in his bed but he left Jane alone with Mr. Mason while Grace was in the room making animal noises. I hope that this isn't any fairytale crap because that would completely ruin this book.

Marriage is fo' fools

I think Jane is ultimately on a quest for freedom—As a woman who clearly believes in equality of the sexes and independence for each individual, I feel that marrying Mr. Rochester is going to lead her into a RUT. I’m all for love, but I know that when you love someone, you become dependent on them which might not fly with Jane. Jane is a woman who has never, in her entire life experienced one hundred percent freedom and independence… whether she be bound by the brooding gates of Gatestead, the locked door of the “red room”, by Lowood security, or even her own comfort at Thornfield…The last thing she is going to want to do is forever trap herself in a marriage where she is completely dependent. At least right now she makes her own wages and the possibility of leaving/ moving on if she so chooses. Once she marries Rochester however, she is bound by holy matrimony. Just as she has been bound her entire life.

I knew it

I donb't want to sound like a know it all, but I did kind of get the feeling that Rochester was always into her. Maybe he was kind of a jerk at their first moments but I think that he grew on Jane after being in her presence for a while. The first time that I noticed their was some thing "off" about his marriage to Blanche was when he pretended to be gypsy. Jane noticed that when Blanche was on her way to the gypsy she was happy and gay. Then as she walked out of the gypsy's presence she was "gay no more." I wonder what Rochester told Blanche and I also wonder if she knew that it was Rochester. The "gypsy" also notified Blanche that Rochester really was poor and I think he might of told her that the mariiage was not to be. So either she walked out feeling pissed because her gold digger is poor and he is hating on her. Then when Jane goes in their he shows his true charecter to her, this just shows me that he has so much more trust and compasion for jane then that rat Blanche. From that scene on I realized that Rochester enjoys playing these games with jane. He has always played these games like the first time they met when he fell off of his horse. I think that he does this just to test her and then we realize that it was ALL A TEST. He only got with Blanche to make Jane jealous. He made her jelouse to see if she truly did love him. In my opinion they should have just hooked up on the ice when he fell of his horse.

Response

Mrs Reed is dead. What a beautiful sentence to write. Last night as I read this, a since of happiness overcame me that has yet to happen while reading this novel. Poor Jane, everything just sucks for her. Her parents died, she if forced into awful school, what a horrible life. Luckily the death of the old women signals a change for Jane. When Mrs. Reed died, Jane was able to let go of a lot of negativity in her life. Although Mrs. Reed confessed to Jane that she told her Uncle that Jane died, I believe Jane somewhat came to peace with her old Aunt. I hope that Jane finds her family. But really, who is Grace Pole? And where is she all day? What does she do? And most importantly, where do the things she sows everyday go? It bothers me how Bronte can just pretend that these important characters out of the picture for a while. Although it could all be part of the greater picture. But also, are they getting married? I find it hard to believe personally. Although like I said before, with the death of Mrs. Reed Jane’s life seems to be going for the better, so this could be one of those things. Altogether, this book frustrates me so much. I just want to know about grace Pole. It’s all I can think about. Grace Pole. Who is Grace Pole?

As it drags on

The book has become an easier read as it goes, but I kind of think that the autor is just draging it on. I mean, I'm glad that she decided to start to make it so that my mind doesnt just wander off because of its boredome, but now I just wish that she would just get to her points instead of elongating them. I think that she should either keep her characters going or just exclude them completely. I mean it makes it akward when they just jump in and out, so you dont know what they are doing there. I don't know. I just want it to get to the conlusion.....

I agree with cameron on how its possible to see that Rochester is planning something big. When Rochester asks Jane to walk in the gardens with her she seems caught off guard, she seems not ready to hear what awaits. Rochester tells her that he has decided to marry Blanche. But without much hesistation Jane confesses her love to Rochester and he asks her to be his wife. The tables have turned into an unknown future to us now.

i can't wait for Fri. 9/26

Marry Me?

After all of the fun and games Rochester finally let Jane know how he felt. I think it is wonderful. I am still a little creeped out by him and his mysteriousness. I knew it was going to happpen eventually. Jane deserves to be happy and taken care of by Rochester. I am pretty sure it took her off guard. The entire time they were walking and talking about the marriage she was certain that he was speaking of marrying Blanche. I do think she was happy but at the same time I think she was worried that he was toying with her.

In the garden...

Overall of 23: Jane and Rochester meet in the garden and discuss Jane leaving for Ireland. Soon the conversation turns though. Jane confesses to Rochester about how she does not want to leave behind Thornfield and she does not want to leave behind Rochester. She says, however, that she must leave because of Rochester's soon to be bride. He then claims that he has no bride and then confesses to Jane that he wants to marry Jane. He wants to have her all for himself, and after some resistance and some consideration, Jane agrees to marry him. They then begin to kiss and in the end the horse-chestnut tree in the Orchard is struck by lightning and half of it splits away.

This chapter was a very interesting chapter. Going into the chapter I had a strong feeling that Rochester was going to ask her to marry him, but i'm still not sure if it was a good idea. One thing I noticed in this chapter is the use of many new colors. He talks about red, pinks, purples, blues, greens, and of course our usual black and white. They also have this entire discussion under the moonlight, which represents females. I feel that Jane is gaining for power and now with her wedding Rochester things may get very interesting. The reading is getting much easier and i'm excited to see what ends up happening.

Not Surprised

Last night's reading did not surprise me. All along I wanted them to get together and finally it has happened. In a way I do feel bad for Miss Ingram but they never really loved each other than it was bound to happen. Neither of them should be upset over it, and as you can tell, Rochester got over it in the blink of an eye. I hope that Jane and his wedding happens without Blanche getting in the way, but there are always obstacles when it comes to marriage. Rochester is so delighted about giving Jane these presents of jewels and roses but she just wants to stay plain Jane. I wonder if she will start to present herself like a upperclasswomen as the women at the party did. I doubt that her attitude and personality will alter, except for how happy she is. It is great to hear she has color in her face and can blush just as any women should. The courtship of Jane did not happen normally because they were master and governess and hardly had but a few lengthy conversations. She has served him and taken demands from him, and I wonder if that relationship will change. I know that she is his subordinate but this is a feminist book. Furthermore, I think that she will continue to teach Adele, or at least I hope so because the two ladies get along so well. I think that Mrs. Fairfax knew that is marriage would happen all along and that is why she did not yell or gasp at the two of them kissing. She just went on with her business as usual and didn't even make a sound at breakfast about them.

Up 2 23

I officially love Rochester! It was so painful to read before! Not in the sense that it was boring, but that it was frustrating watching Rochester wrestle with his feelings and try to keep them under control, when it was so completely obvious that he loved her! And Jane...poor Jane. She had fallen head over heals for Rochester, but she had to constantly tell herself that it could never be! She belittled herself, abused herself (mentally), just to fall in love with him all over again when she got back from Mrs. Reed's death. And upon her arrival, she had to witness the preparations (no matter how slow) of Rochester's wedding! That has to be, the most heinous torture! I can't imagine going through that. But then Rochester finally confessed, and it's all good. The only thing that worries me is the fact that the storm split the tree that they were under. I've read about those types of premonitions before, and it can only spell trouble for them on their already storm-battered boat.

Jane cant get no S ATISFACTION

Woops error on that last post. I really feel that rochester put jane between a rock and a hard place. Ofcourse she could say yes to him, but is he just playing another trick on her. i just love how mr. lavender builds up the suspense of the nights reading in class. Jane is just all around confusesd with rochesters new proposal. Why does he just spring it on her so fast, what a weirdo. Maybe rochester is a closet acoholic and he only approaches jane when he's wasted. this is just one theory.

Jane cant get no S ATISFACTION

The sun and moon meet...

At the beginning of chapter 23, we first see the hint that Jane and Rochester are going to have some sort of 'moment'. Rochester states that no one could miss the "sunset...meeting with moonrise." This foreshadows the joining of R and Jane. Two contrasting things come together, the light of the day and the dark of the night; the sunrays from Rochester and the moonlight from Jane. As exciting as this encounter is, I wonder what really is going to happen, for knowing Bronte, the love story won't end with over 200 pages left. Towards the end of this chapter, I began to wonder if these two are really destined for eachother, as much as I want to think so. Once Jane has agreed to marry Rochester and they both discuss their happiness, thunder strikes and the weather turns. Is this a bad omen? The moment is ruined and they must run inside (still sharing a kiss before they part). This "vivid spark" that "cracks...crash[es]... and rattl[es]" can only make me assume that things will take a turn for the worst. The splitting of the old horse-chestnut tree in the orchard also makes me feel uneasy. Although it could possibly symbolize the splitting of old ways and principles of marriage, I am assuming it occurst to warn the reader.

I also noticed the use of the word 'efface' at the end of this chapter and my mind instantly flashed to when Jane and R first meet. Rochester's bold entrance with his clammering horse "efface[s] the soft wave-wanderings" and Jane's peace with nature. Perhaps this is simply coincidence, or Bronte is purposely trying to bring the reader back to their original meeting.

On page 294, I get a flash of female inferiority in this book. Although I like to think that R is so madly in love with Jane that he simply must her Jane accept his proposal, I can't help but notice his quest for possession of Jane. He asks Jane, "I must have you for my own - entirely my own. Will you be mine?" Although this is his quest for Janes confession of love, his male 'superiority' also seems to come into play.

When Jane goes off on Rochester, exclaiming why she must go, I am reminded of her encounter with Mrs. Reed when she first leaves Gateshead. Her "passion" is unveiled and she exclaimes that although she may be "poor, obscure, plain, and little", she is NOT "soulless and heartless". I'm glad she finally tells Rochester that she can't just sit by and watch R and Ingram live "happily ever after". Her reaction to Rochester's request is surprising but also empowering. Instead of destroying everything she stands for and simply falling for him, she sticks up for herself and recognizes that she must be treated as an "equal". She realizes that although she doesn't have the class and rank that R and Ingram have, she is "better than [Rochester]". Which is true. She knows what she wants and is willing to go against society and old ways if it is necessary. Rochester is the one who is willing to do something that doesn't truly fit his heart(marry Ingram), and that is what ultimately makes Jane superior, despite everything else.

When reading, I was reminded of the notion of gameplaying, as we discussed in class. We've seen games earlier in this book, and I am often forced to question Rochester's true motives. For he probably doesn't even recognize his true motives. Jane quotes "you play a farce, which I merely laugh at." She has her guard up, for so many times Rochester has yanked on her heart. This is smart of her, but still doesn't fit with the fairy tale ending. Not that Charlotte Bronte would really write a Cinderella story. Gothic novels don't fit with enchanted romances...

Josh's Analysis Through Chapter 23

I must be candid with you; I have adopted a much better disposition towards this book in the past few chapters. Scenes such as the Mason incident and the new inquiries that have arisen in my mind have resulted in much less abhorrence towards the book on my part. Truly, my inquisitive mind is the sole reason I am still reading. Why is Grace Poole still living at Thornfield? What did the "capitol error" by Rochester entail? On another note, I am incredibly incredulous that Mrs. Reed retained so much malice towards Jane, despite Jane's 9 year absence from Gateshead. I disagree with Walker, when he states that Eliza and Georgianna have retained every bit of "snobbiness" from their previous encounter. Truly, it seems to me as if these two girls actually take a small amount of interest in Jane's life, however, I still think that these girls (especially Georgianna) are elitist. As aforementioned in one of my previous posts, I believe that social class is another major theme that Bronte is trying to convey to the reader. The elitist attitude of Rochester's guests and Jane's cousins, the shameful attitude of the wealthy Brochelhurst, the actions of Mrs. Reed, the lavish and ultimately fatal lifestyle of John Reed, etc. all lead me to believe that, like F. Scott Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby, Bronte is making a statement about class. I do, however, believe that the most obvious theme, even though it is cliché, is something along the lines of love overpowering all. Truly, Roch and Jane marry despite the class difference, as do Jane's parents. In addition, one aspect of this book that I do appreciate is the ubiquitous motifs that are present in the novel. (ex. the moon portends to Jane while the sun does so for Roch.)

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.

WTF Mate!

What is up with Grace Poole. I know we've heard this tons, but I'm just going to say it again. I don't understand what's up with her. Why does she only appear at certain times and then dissapear for long intervals? It pisses me off. It's the same with Adele. When we first met her, I figured she was going to be a key character throughout the book. However, we only see her in bits and pieces. Bronte seems to jump around a lot, just showing glimpses of people. Perhaps this is to keep secrets concealed. If that is the case she does it in a very clunky way which I don't enjoy too much. Not only does she jump around but all of the sudden Jane and Rochester are to be married???? It's way too sudden and can't be sincere. And what was with the moth?? Lavender says that authors do everything for a reason. Once again we see the West Indies but we have no other hints as to what that can relate to. Bronte is just keeping us in the dark. It's starting to drag on and I kinda just want to find out what happens.
Once Jane and Edward have agreed upon marriage, Edward offers Jane jewels, dresses, etc. etc. Jane refuses. This is badass. It clearly shows Bronte's dislike towards the upper class. She intends to have Jane stay plain, perhaps bringing Rochester down to a lower class. Bronte is obviously making a statement about class and caste. Once again she leaves us in the dark though and does not completely reveal her intentions.
Rochester pisses me off.

Marriage????!!!!!!

I was highly surprised by how quickly and forcefully Mr. Rochester asked Jane to marry him. It almost seemed like Mr. Rochester was asking her for some unknown reasoning, perhaps some sort of sick game he was playing. However, Jane’s reaction for the most part seeded calm and collective. I could understand why she doubted him and was questioning his motives. Mr. Rochester had been playing her heart, and then suddenly asks for her hand in marriage?!?! It seems somewhat cruel to me, letting her believe that he is going to marry another women, a women who is not his intellectual equal but only has outer beauty and wealth. Toying with Jane’s heart like this only made her passionate nature, more passionate. Jane had to believe that she would never be with the only man that she had ever loved. As a result, Jane’s passion burned brighter for Mr. Rochester. It was a fire in her that could not be extinguished, her love for Mr. Rochester. However, I feel as if that fire burned her in a negative way. She was caught between her head and her heart. Therefore, when Mr. Rochester finally did ask for Jane to marry him, it came as quite a shock and completely confused her.

Is it true Love?????

Is this true love??? Throughout these past couple chapters I questioned weather the "sexual romance" between Rochester and Jane is FOR REAL! This question appeared when I was reading through the last pages of chapter 23. I thought to myself, well, there love is bullshit. Yes they seem to have the same passion for each other but I personally think that Rochester is planning something big and it includes screwing Jane over.

Short Thoughts...

Reading some of these blogs has got me thinking...is Rochester seriously going to marry Jane? I mean...she is willing to give her heart and soul to him...just like any woman would give herself to her mate. But is he willing to do the same thing for her? Will he be able to set class aside...money aside, beauty aside, plainness aside, and just see Jane for what she is? I have no doubt that he loves her...but how is he going to go about this? Fairfax has seen them being intimate...well, okay, not really intimate, but...God how confused the poor old woman must be! Is she going to question him? Berate him for kissing a servant when he is supposed to be getting married to Blanche...Fairfax may be sweet and kind, but I think she is held by the old ways: marry who your suited for, not someone below you in any way. Will she tell Blanche? Or (God forbid) Madame Ingram????? How horrible would that be! Cross your fingers, everyone; this is about to get suspenseful!

predictable....

Chapter 23 was pretty predictable. I mean, come on, who didn't see that coming. oh, I love you jane, not Blanche, blah blah. It just kind of made this harshly realistic story become more like a fairy tale and it pisses me off! Maybe some enjoy the corny romanticism that is this chapter but to me, it's just fake. He was going to marry Blanche and he just decides to blow her off. Yeah right. This is a fairly fantastic twist to this story and I can say that i think it sucks! it just doesn't make sense to me that this man of gentry would so willingly risk his passing on of his wealth and the fathering of an heir by casting Blanche aside. In 19th century England, the Gentry married the gentry. To think that Rochester would marry Jane would be strange, not because he can't love her, but because society will look down upon him if he does. that's at least how it would have been in real life. In the novel, like lavender commented on, it does seem pretty rich and real, but my obsession with History has made it tricky for me to take seriously.

Chapter 23

It was very surprising to me how fast Rochester asked Jane to marry him, after toying with her for such a long time... It was very unsurprising that Jane acted the way she did, when she did not believe him at all. Jane attempts to make the argument that she "is a free human being with an independent will.", but unfortunately for her, she is nothing of the sort, as evidenced in that she decided to marry him.
The tree they are sitting under, after they become engaged, that is split in two by the lightning is very important to how the next few chapters will play out.
Time and again, Rochester references some hidden "sin" that he has committed, and, as we find out in chapter 23, he believes he has "atoned" for it by marrying Jane. I have read ahead, and I am currently past chapter 26, and as the rest of you will find out, he has only made his "sin" 10 times worse.

Grace Poole

What is the deal with this person? She bites someone like a vampire with her teeth and no one does a thing about it. That's not normal. Why does Rochester tell Jane and Mason that they can't talk to each other? What possibly happened that Rochester doesn't want to throw Grace Poole out of the school, even after she attacks someone like a vampire. None of this makes any sense to me. What could Rochester possibly be hiding?

Symbolism?

So Jane has finally found love! Granted, she waited for a while and was in pain while watching Blanche and her love, Rochester together. I loved what Jane said when Rochester wanted her to answer him quickly because it "tortures" him...she said, "How can I do that? If you are true, and your offer real, my only feelings to you must be gratitude and devotion -- they cannot torture." Jane was weary that Rochester was trying to trick her, and honestly, thats what I thought too. I thought that he had sensed her true feelings for him and wanted her to confess to it. But, he seemed genuine enough and Jane accepted his proposal.
Now, symbolism. At the end of the chapter, Jane is told that the tree under which she and Rochester were sitting the night before, had been struck by lightning and was split in two. Could this be a symbol of what is to come for Jane and Edward Rochester? Maybe the two of them will end up splitting up?...

Who is Grace Poole?

There seems to be a mystery brewing within the halls of Thornfield, the one of Grace Poole. Her name and story is always spoken in a hush tone, and everyone seems to know her history except Jane. What we do know is that she gets paid a considerable amount to work and live there, but there has been no indication of what her actual position within the house is. I have a hunch that Grace Poole and Rochester have some romantic background, whether it be just a fling or more serious, like a marriage. There is some reason as to why Grace Poole is still residing in Thornfield and maybe it is simply to protect Rochester's public image. It is possible that Grace Poole and Rochester were once married, but something went horribly wrong during their relationship and something that once ruined Rochester's image. Maybe by having Grace Poole still within his control and under his roof, he believes that his secret regrettable past could remain hidden within the shadows of Thornfield.