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Jane Eyre

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Jane Eyre
In Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë, the main character, Jane Eyre, is a low-class feminist woman that stands up for herself and is not afraid to express her opinion in public. Throughout the novel, she receives two completely different proposals for marriage, one from Mr. Rochester and one from St. John Rivers. Mr. Rochester is a rich and intelligent man who is captures by Jane’s wit. St. John Rivers is a conservative and religious man led by the Church. John finds in Jane an incredible generosity and goodwill. Jane finally chooses Rochester over St. John Rivers because she finds a man who will love her truly and cherish her actions and opinions. Mr. Rochester describes himself as “hard and tough as an India-rubber ball.” (142) He is a harsh man who sometimes can be mistaken for an aggressive man, one of his weaknesses. On the other hand, one of Rochester’s strengths is that he is a man with an active social life. Jane opines that “Mr. Rochester is so talented and lively in society…he is a general favourite…you would not think his appearance calculated to recommend him [to]…eyes.” (170-171) Jane believes she has found a weakness, concerning his appearance but then she adds that “his wealth and good blood, make any amends for any little faulty look.” (170-171) Jane finds an impressive connection between the two of them through their witty conversations and eventually, Jane and Rochester fall in love. Rochester proposes marriage to Jane but the wedding is put off when Jane finds out that Rochester is already married to Bertha, Rochester’s insane wife. Mr. Rochester’s greatest fault is exposed when he claims that he “meant, however, to be a bigamist.” (319) This meant that Rochester was willing to marry Jane having already, another wife. Jane then meets St. John Rivers, a religious man who takes Jane into his house and offers her shelter and good. St. John describes himself as “a cold, hard, ambitious man.” (414) John’s generosity soon wins Jane’s affection but Jane discover his fault, “he only lived to aspire…he would never rest; nor approve of others resting around him.” (439) John lacked the talent of conversation and was almost always absent, making it impossible for Jane to fall in love with him. After Jane inherits her fortune, John asks her if she would go to India to do charity work with him, as his wife. She argues that she will go but not as his wife. John is enraged and leaves by himself. Jane realizes that John made her feel that “[she] could no longer talk or laugh freely when [he] was by.” (448) Therefore, Jane returns with Mr. Rochester after hearing a rumor that a fire had happened in Rochester’s house. Rochester is left partially blind and without a hand. Jane finds out that “Mr. Rochester sought her as is she had been the most precious thing he had in the world…he grew savage.” (473) When comparing both of them, Jane realizes that she missed Rochester’s ability to converse. She also realizes that what Rochester felt towards Jane was passionate love and devotion versus John’s interest. Jane finally decides to stay with Rochester.

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