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"I scorn your idea of love,' I could not help saying, as I rose up and stood before him, leaning my back against the rock. 'I scorn the counterfeit sentiment you offer: yes, St. John, and I scorn you when you offer it"

Though the characters Jane and St. John both value religion, their approach to Christianity and life differs greatly. St. John, a solitary and serious character, believes that he must sacrifice what truly makes him happy in order to fulfill his mission for God. Even when his lover was married, he limited himself from feeling any negative emotions. His sole purpose of proposing to Jane was to accompany him as a traditional religious wife. Though he does not love her, he is willing to set aside his own feelings in order to feel virtuous. Jane on the other hand, values the freedom to experience passion and love. She does not find the need to sacrifice herself in order to become virtuous; therefore Jane rejects St. John's idea of love and acts on her personal feelings as an individual who is deserving of happiness.

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Personally speaking, Jane Eyre was one of the most entertaining books out of the novels I have read so far in school. I believe it is the supernatural and romantic influence that makes the book such a page turner. I am content with the ending as Jane fully deserves to live a happy life with whom she loves the most. The journey she took after leaving Thornfield was definitely a good decision on Jane’s part as it allowed her to gain a sense of independence separate from Mr. Rochester’s influence. The time they spent apart strengthened their relationship and revealed how true their love is. I find it extremely empowering how Jane acts as Rochester’s eyes, which are a symbol of power and strength. Their relationship is not defined by social class, but rather by trust and fairness. Both Jane and Mr. Rochester view each other as individuals who are equal in worth and power. Now that Jane has found the balance between love and independence, she is free to live the life she has always wanted to pursue.

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The relationship Jane has with Mary and Diana reminds me of the friendship she had with Miss Temple and Helen. Built off of love and compassion, these relationships offer light to Jane’s hectic and difficult life. With similar backgrounds and interests, Jane’s bond with Mary and Diana forms naturally without strain. Since Jane's journey out of Thornfield was quite difficult, it is great to see her find people that are so caring and affectionate. It is interesting to see how common interests can bring people together so quickly. The relationships I form in real life are often built off of similar interests and hobbies as well. However, I do have friendships where, though our interests greatly differ, our values align, making it easy to talk and share new experiences. I find that St. John and Jane are similar, as their personalities are both very passionate and strong. However, where they differ is within their values. St. John prioritizes heroism and rejects his feelings, leaving him to be a cold and distant character. Jane, on the other hand, looks at religion differently and encourages him to go after his love.

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Who in the world cares for you? Or who will be injured by what you do?" Still indomitable was the reply—"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man.

Jane’s sense of self worth and dignity has remained as a common thread throughout the novel. However, I feel that in this particular scene, the audience can clearly see the strength of Jane’s character. Though she considers staying with Rochester, the dream she has of her mother reinforces her resolve to leave. I believe that her dream could either be an expression by the supernatural, or an insight into Jane’s subconscious mind. Whatever it may be, Jane’s dream solidifies the idea that leaving Thornfield would best fit her path to self-respect and independence. Jane knows her self-worth and how much value she holds as an individual. Therefore, she resists her own temptation and prioritizes virtue over her love for Mr. Rochester. Though living as Rochester's mistress would mean that she could stay with whom she loves, at the same time, she would lose her independence. Jane therefore cannot choose to glue herself down to someone that would have more control over her life.

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"'Because I disliked you too fixedly and thoroughly ever to lend a hand in lifting you to prosperity. I could not forget your conduct to me, Jane--the fury with which you once turned on me; the tone in which you declared you abhorred me the worst of anybody in the world; the unchildlike look and voice with which you affirmed that the very thought of me made you sick, and asserted that I had treated you with miserable cruelty” (Bronte 227).

“Think no more of all this, let it pass away from your mind. Forgive me for my passionate language” (Bronte 227).

Years have passed and Mrs. Reed still treats Jane horribly. Despite her cruel words, Jane assumes a forgiving role and even apologies for what happened in the past. Though Mrs. Reed is clearly at fault for the events that occurred, Jane still tries to heal their difficult relationship. The difference between current Jane and her past self is her ability to forgive and suppress her true emotions. If I were Jane, I am not sure whether I could be so forgiving to a person that caused me so much pain and suffering. It is in this case that I can see Helen’s influence on Jane as an adult. Their friendship truly had a profound impact on Jane’s character. Seeing how forgiving Jane is towards her evil aunt, I wonder if she will apply this same attitude towards Mr. Rochester. There are clear parallels between the Mr. Rochester and Mrs. Reed. Similar to how he hides away Bertha from Jane, Mrs. Reed conceals the fact that Jane’s uncle had requested custody of her. Both of these characters lied in order to fulfill their selfish desires.

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After the buildup of mysterious screams and strange occurrences at Thornfield, I was expecting more of an out worldly explanation to Rochester’s story. Never in a million years would I have thought he kept his wife locked up on the third floor. The more I learn about Rochester’s character, the further I dislike him. He hid an extremely significant fact from Jane which she deserved to know as his fiancée. He also makes Bertha out to be a crazy lunatic and plays the victim by blaming his past on his in-laws. Instead of treating her like an actual human being, he keeps her away from society in order to run away from his problems. Jane seems to truly enjoy being with Rochester, but I'm not sure how their relationship will play out in the future. I am curious to see how Jane will act after hearing this sudden news. Will she refuse to marry him and move away, or will her undying love for him overpower his wrongdoings?

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Chapters 11-19: Jane's Artwork (February 21, 2021) 

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Chapters 11-19: Jane's Artwork (February 21, 2021) 

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I find it interesting how during Jane and Mr. Rochester’s first “formal” meeting together, Jane shows him her artwork. The paintings being shown in the novel include images of the ocean, storm clouds, and even the grim reaper. Rather than simply stating how she feels, Brontë depicted Jane’s inner turmoil through her artwork; this way, it feels as though readers can delve into a fragment of Jane’s deepest emotions. When I associate the ocean with human beings, I think of isolation and loneliness. Perhaps Jane was trying to convey her feelings of isolation as she pondered over the constraints placed by society onto people. Because her restless and curious nature does not align with the mold of a “Victorian Women”, Jane feels disconnected and restless.

In Chapter 16 Jane draws two portraits, one of herself and one of Blanche. She depicts herself as a “homely” figure and then draws a romantic image of Blanche. In terms of wealth and class, the difference in style reflects her inferiority to Blanche as Mr. Rochester’s potential lover. Feeling sorrowful and down, Jane chooses to draw her inner thoughts as a way to express her deepest emotions. There are probably a lot more “hidden meanings” to dissect in Jane’s paintings, but as of now, I see her work as a direct reflection of her inner thoughts. Perhaps I will see a connection between the future events and the paintings that were mentioned thus far in the novel.

The image shown below is close to what I imagine Jane's ocean painting looks like.

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“Just so. Grace Poole — you have guessed it. She is, as you say, singular — very. Well, I shall reflect on the subject. Meantime, I am glad that you are the only person, besides myself, acquainted with the precise details of to-night’s incident. You are no talking fool: say nothing about it. I will account for this state of affairs” (pointing to the bed): “and now return to your own room”

It is apparent that Mr. Rochester holds many secrets, one of them being Grace Poole’s mysterious demonic screams. Why does he want Jane to not speak of what happened, and what does he mean by calling Grace Poole “singular”? These are among the many questions I have regarding Thornehill and its peculiar nature. I am curious to see how Mr. Rochester is connected to the supernatural occurrences and if he is the cause of it.

Though Mr. Rochester is clearly in love with Jane, as of now, he has not revealed the truth and continues to keep secrets from her. I wonder what is holding him back from telling the truth. Perhaps he is scared what Jane will think, or maybe he has to hide things as a safety precaution. Whatever it may be, it is obvious that Jane’s curiosity will only continue to grow and it will be interesting to see how she deals with an influx of emotions; maybe she will produce more artwork.

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Chapters 1-10: Cinderella and Jane Eyre (February 11, 2021) 

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Chapters 1-10: Cinderella and Jane Eyre (February 11, 2021) 

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After reading the first chapter of Jane Eyre, I immediately thought of Cinderella. Though this orphan archetype appears in many other works, such as Harry Potter and Pinnochio, Cinderella was the first one that came to mind; an orphan living in a not-so loving home, growing up under the care of an evil stepmother (or aunt in this case), with their cruel step siblings (or cousins) constantly bullying them.

The similarities I found between these two stories also go beyond the characeters themselves. Both Jane and Cinderella are raised in environments where they are treated cruelly. Unwanted and lonely, these respective characetrs are constanly reminded of their background and status as orphaned children. However, despite the lack of affection they receive as kids, both characters grow into kind and strong hearted individuals. Jane and Cinderella also both find refuge in non blood related motherly-type figures. Jane finds comfort through her teacher Ms. Temple, just as Cinderella does with her fairy godmother.

Despite all these similarities, there are notable differences between these two stories. A strong distinction can be seen in the personalities of both protagonists. Cinderella is depicted as a submissive and rather delicate character, whereas Jane stands up for herself starting from the very beginning of the novel. As I continue reading Jane Eyre, I am excited to find more similarities between these two stories, and also how they differ. Perhaps I will find other stories to compare Jane Eyre to as well!

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Chapters 1-10: A Memorable Scene (February 11, 2021)

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Chapters 1-10: A Memorable Scene (February 11, 2021)

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"I am glad you are no relation of mine. I will never call you aunt again as long as I live. I will never come to visit you when I am grown up; and if any one asks me how I liked you, and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick, and that you treated me with miserable cruelty...'Ere I had finished this reply, my soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I ever felt. It seemed as if an invisible bond had burst, and that I had struggled out into unhoped-for liberty" (Brontë 41-42).

After years of emotional and physical abuse, I cannot imagine how liberating this scene was for Jane. Even as the reader, it was extremely satisfying hearing Jane stand up against her aunt in such a strong, and independent manner. By severing her ties with the Reed family, Jane can now leave her past life behind and focus on the future; though the emotional trauma from her childhood will remain in her memories, this speech allowed Jane to let out years of anger and resentment that was pent up inside her for so long. Thus far in the novel, it is clear that Jane wants nothing to do with her aunt, and for good reason.

However, I am curious to see whether her feelings towards her aunt will change in the future. A particular scene I remember was when Helen was unfairly scolded by Miss Scratcherd. Without hesitance, Helen accepts her punishment and forgoes the situation with forgiveness. Jane is outraged by Miss Scratcherd’s actions, and even more so shocked by Helen’s calm behavior. After meeting Helen, who lives by the idea of “forgiveness”, readers can see Jane becoming a more level-headed individual; and though Helen has passed away, the advice/wisdom she gave to Jane will continue to remain with her. As I continue reading this novel, it will be interesting to see if Jane ever goes back to Gateshead Hall, and if she speaks to her aunt ever again.