Jane Eyre: Rebel Or Good Girl?

1/8/2015

Behold, my favorite Jane Eyre: French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, from the '96 movie version. Doesn't she just look the part perfectly? (cultural tangent: Gainsbourg's father is French icon/musician Serge Gainsbourg. Feel free to enhance your potential hipster quotient by watching this classic Serge/Brigitte Bardot video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB112Vbl8-A. You'll thank me when you're the coolest kid in college).

Blog Assignment

Please read the following extremely brief article:

The Position of Victorian Middle Class Women
http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/73cbwomen.html

Respond:

In the blog comments, please write a post that answers the following
question (s):

1. How does social class affect Jane in Chapters 14-17, specifically her
interactions with and reactions to Rochester, Blanche Ingram and her cohort? Analyze the
struggle that arises between Jane's sense of individuality and independence, and
the obligation she feels to "be good" and follow the rules of social class set
out by Victorian society.

2. Length: 2 paragraphs. Must include at least one direct quote, properly cited.

3. Please also reply to at least one of your classmate's comments.

DUE: Friday morning 1/9, by 7am (so, basically, do it for HW tonight!)

I look forward to reading your thoughts!

33 Comments

Bethlehem

1/8/2015 04:45:32 am

Although it is obvious that Jane is greatly affected by her place in society, she is unable to be content with it. She wishes that she were an eligible match for Rochester, but as she from a different social class, "a Governess, disconnected, poor, and plain"(Bronte, 163), she does not allow herself to even think that he might hold some sort of affection for her, though she does admit to herself that she has a distinct affection for him. She says, at one point, that she must "repeat continually that we are for ever sundered: -- and yet, while I breathe and think I must love him"(Bronte, 177).
This love, however, must be kept under lock and key, and though she attends the evening entertainments that Rochester and his guests hold, she keeps her distance from them and him. Rochester notices this, but does not question it. He too is influenced by his society, and though he greatly enjoys Jane's company, he does not appear to find it strange that she would be loath to intrude herself into the party of aristocrats.
It is interesting to note, though, that Jane and Rochester do not find the difference between their social classes an impediment when they are not in the company of others. When it is just the two of them, the mutual affection between them is obvious, though they express it strangely to our eyes.

Aly K

1/8/2015 09:56:50 am

I agree that Rochester and Jane seem to disregard society when they are together-not only that, but they forget their considerable age gap as well. I think this shows that each of them believe their mutual attraction would be ill-received by the other, so they keep quiet. I think they both think their love, were it to be taken to the next level, would be so scorned upon by society that it seems impossible. Perhaps both of them believe their romance could never happen, so they use their social divide as an excuse, however legitimate that excuse is.

Ms. Draper

1/8/2015 08:53:46 pm

Yes, I think part of what makes this such an enduring love story (there are several movies already made of it and I'm sure more to come) is that sense that Rochester and Jane are having this honest, passionate connection that is separate and somehow protected from society. I would argue that most great love stories have this sense of "us vs. the world" as it very much echoes the early days of a relationship when the new couple only has eyes for one another and shuts out the rest of the world. Infatuation, honeymoon period, etc.

Aly K

1/8/2015 09:51:33 am

I think Jane is struggling with her belief and desire that there should be no obvious class division present in people's treatment of each other. Though this is logical today, in Jane's time it was an extremely distinct barricade between people. In her descriptions of Blanche, she is seen as a woman of Mr. Rochester's social level, along with many other traits, which somehow makes her a much more eligible candidate for Mr. Rochester's affections. When Jane begins to be attracted to Rochester, her first reaction is to convince herself that it is no use because she is not 'in his league', per say. She continually declares to herself, "He is not of your order: keep to your caste"(Bronte 165).
I think Jane's attraction to Mr. Rochester is very interesting, because though she likes him, and in fact falls in love with him, she is reluctant to forget his faults and admit to herself that she does, in fact, love him. As Bronte points out on page 149, "He was proud, sardonic, harsh to inferiority of every description: in my secret soul I knew that his great kindness to me was balanced by unjust severity to many others." I think this was the sensible Jane coming out, and her desire to be more than a submissive female that reminded her that Rochester is not perfect; he very much acts in a manner warranted by his social status. However, while Jane is often angered by the passiveness and submission of others, she herself conforms to the expected normality of the era. Jane would have had no other employment opportunities other than being a governess, and she was likely being logical in thinking that it was far better to have security and a place to live and obey the rules, than to rebel and be forced out onto the streets.
I think Jane is reluctant to admit her love for Rochester, even to herself, because she thinks it shows weakness, and she doesn't want to be at his mercy. She would be placing herself in his hands, held and affected by everything he did, if she were to admit her feelings. Because she longs for independence, she refuses to do anything that might hold her to someone else, particularly a man. Jane was brought up in a very strict, not very loving environment, and everything she loved was taken from her at a very early age, so she has learned not to get attached. It is Jane's fear of being hurt by Rochester, and her desire for independence, rather than social class, that prevent Jane from her realization that she has fallen in love with Mr. Rochester.

Bethlehem

1/8/2015 11:08:43 am

Although I agree with you that Jane is very aware of Rochester's faults, I'm not sure that they make her more reluctant to admit to herself that she likes him. She is aware from the first little inkling of affection for him, and almost immediately tries to stop by comparing herself to Blanche. In any case, she continues to love him despite his faults, and despite all her efforts to stop herself.
I totally agree that Jane has put in concerted effort to not get attached to Rochester. And she has reason to! Her few true friends have either died or left her, and she left Lowood to make her way in the world. For adventure, so to speak, and not to be tied down and have her heart rent open by love.

Adriana

1/8/2015 11:33:16 am

While I agree with many of your points, I would like to contest how Jane "is reluctant to forget all his faults." On page 189, Jane says " I was growing very lenient to my master: I was forgetting all his faults, for which I had once kept a sharp look-out(...) Now I saw no bad. The sarcasm that had repelled, the harshness that had startled me once, were only like keen condiments in a choice dish." However, even though she seems here to be more of a simpering, love struck maiden at this point, I would still say that this makes her no less "sensible," and no more "submissive." Rather, I think this shows her self restraint grow even more, for now that she has fully recognized her love for Mr Rochester, she is more clear minded. She is no longer troubled by whether or not she is actually in love with him, and can thus focus on the differences in class between them. She can act with decorum, as befitting of a governess at the time, and while she "could not fathom" the "ideas and principles instilled into them, doubtless, from their childhood," she accepts that Mr Rochester should marry someone of his own class (who is just as interesting and odd as he, not fake like Blanche).

Adriana

1/8/2015 11:34:32 am

Oops! Those last quotes were from page 189 as well.

Mike

1/8/2015 08:40:07 pm

I agree with you, in the manner that Jane seems to be unsure of how to form a relationship. Aside from Rochester himself having quite a number of quirks which alone make interaction slightly difficult, I would agree when you say that she has not learned to get attached. It is clear that she loves him, as she says how she could not stop loving him merely because he was no longer noticing her, but the issue of such separation between them is a major divide she does not know how to cross. Rochester himself, even while he does show interest in her, also is limited by his own beliefs, for being a man of that time he has expectations that he fights to embody every day. In trying to seem important and fulfill his role in society, he quite unfortunately is trying to get Jane to join him in a submissive role, something she is highly reluctant to do.

Ms. Draper

1/8/2015 08:58:03 pm

Mike, you are correct that Rochester has difficult quirks, and that he is tormented by his own beliefs and expectations (though I would disagree that he entirely wants Jane to be submissive, he's quite interested in her independence and resistance to him, as we'll see in future chapters)--we will see the genesis of this character archetype when we watch a couple of clips on "Byronic Heroes" in class today!

Erin

1/12/2015 09:48:00 am

I agree with you that Jane is tentative with love. She is, of course, aware of Rochester's faults, however, I'm not sure that that is why she is wary of her love for him.She has rarely experienced real love in her past and I think that she is reluctant to let anyone in.
In your last paragraph I think you really capture Jane's feelings toward Rochester and the detachment that she punishes herself with. While I agree with most of your points I also think that Jane has realized her love for Rochester but she is trying to suppress it.

Liam LaMountain

1/8/2015 11:00:46 am

Though she is confident and strong in her station, Jane Eyre’s social rank does trouble her in many ways. In her frank and (for its day) remarkably forward conversation with Mr. Rochester, Jane denounces the notion that Mr. Rochester is her superior: “I don’t think, sir, you have a right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience.” (137) However, Mr. Rochester still commands the conversation, asking the questions and charming Jane; Rochester maintains this command through his stature, that being in large part built up by his social status. Unfortunately for Jane, Rochester’s eyes are fixed upon someone of his own social strata—Blanche Ingram. Due to England’s rigid class system, Jane knows that she may not (and in many ways cannot) compete with Blanche for Rochester’s affinity. Though she ceremonially admits defeat, creepily drawing herself and Blanche, she still yearns for Rochester. At the party, she picks him out as being above the rest: “I try to concentrate my attention on those netting-needles, on the meshes of the purse I’m forming.” (176). While admiring him she even notes how improbable a relationship is: “Yet now, how distant, how far estranged we were! So far estranged, that I did not expect him to come and speak to me.” (176) Despite this understanding she rebels against the caste system, and in her mind at least, she places herself on level with Rochester: “He is not to them what he is to me, he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine”. (177)
The party itself presents another small rebellion. Jane does not want to be at the party and she makes that quite clear: “Yes—he said that from mere politeness: I need not go, I am sure” (171). In order to maintain the proper order of things, Jane does attend the party and is not unpleasant. While at the party, she sits quietly, very much aware of the disparity between herself and her companions. Her silence is itself a small rebellion.

Liam

1/8/2015 11:01:39 am

I have no idea why it didn't separate my paragraphs when I copied and pasted from my Word document...

Colin M

1/8/2015 11:50:13 am

I agree with most of your points, however i would argue that Rochester does not have his eyes set on Blanche Ingram. Even while she is visiting he sends for Jane in the hope that she will participate in the goings on, and he almost lets slip "my love". He seems more to be considering Blanche because he is not yet entirely committed to Jane, but he is beginning to believe in his own mind that he does indeed love her.

Adriana

1/8/2015 11:10:16 am

I believe Jane is rather egocentric when it comes to the class system she must live in. As a governess, she has a certain place in society: above the servants, below the lords and ladies. She knows her place, as does everyone else. She seems to hold contempt for those in positions above her, and is quick to point out their personal flaws and the unjustness of the class system. Most of the ladies who arrive at Thornfield Jane judges immediately by their opulent appearance. For example, the Dowager Lady Ingram’s “voice was deep, its inflections very pompous, very dogmatical, — very intolerable, in short”(Bronte 174). In fact, it seems a rather normal thing to judge others based on their “physiognomy”(123). However, Jane is rather quick to fall into her social class and disregard the servants: those who are of an even lower rank than she. The maids and valets at Thornfield are described by her as “vapid,” “confused,” and “in no respect remarkable”(113). It may be of some importance to mention here that those of other classes do the same thing. The ladies look down upon Jane and ostracize her merely for her station in life. Lady Ingram goes so far as to say “I noticed her; I am a judge of physiognomy, and in hers I see all the faults of her class,” and “she looks to stupid for any game of the sort”(179)(184).

Jane struggles to define herself because of the difficult position she is put in socially. She is an orphan, she is plain, she is young, and she is only a governess to another orphan. Jane wishes to be on a more even social status with Mr Rochester to be able to pursue a relationship with him, but knows that she never can be, and that it would be almost taboo for such a relationship (governess/master) to take place. She struggles too with the nature of those above her. What right, beyond nature-given beauty, do the Ingrams have to be above her? They are snooty, and it is only their wealth that has allowed them to become a powerful family, and be able to hire many governesses (which the younger Ingrams took great joy in messing with). But, Jane’s reaction to the ladies is only to be expected, though, for she has never been able to feel what it is like to be dressed in finery or to be respected. She has never had a kind, polite, truthful lady in her life. In her early years, the only lady she knew was Mrs Reed: and what an abhorrent lady she is! Then later on at Lowood, Jane is taught that all sense of vanity or of pride in one’s place in society is bad and sinful. Jane’s struggle in self-definition is in part due to the fact that before coming to Thornsfield, she never had the chance to even think about defining herself. She was relatively comfortable in Lowood, and felt no strong need to assess the issue of social status. It was only in her coming to Thornsfield, and being confronted with those of different classes, that Jane feels she must reconsider the social norms she has grown up with.

Lucy

1/8/2015 02:36:30 pm

I definitely agree with 100% of this. Jane does prove to be very judgmental in her critique of the high society guests who arrive at Thornfield, however, this may be a defense mechanism due to her insecurities that her relationship with Rochester seems to be dependent on social hierarchy. Jane seems earnestly envious, at certain points, of Ingram Blanche because she is catching Rochester's attention while at the same time mocking Ingram's intelligence and calling her unoriginal.

I appreciate the comments on Jane's views on the servants who are under her. Jane imposes the social code on herself by comparing herself to Ingram and stating that Rochester is out of her reach. Jane also shows to be resigned to the social class system due to her distancing herself from the high society guests at Thornfield and the descriptions of servants. However, there are also times when Jane shows us that she can rise above the social hierarchy system such as her conversations with Rochester where they are depicted as equals. I think this complicated relationship with social code arises out of her experiences with Mrs. Reed and at Lowood and I liked how you mentioned her struggle for self-definition due to these experiences.

Colin M

1/8/2015 11:38:40 am

Despite the immediate security of her position at Thornfield, Jane's status as a Governess is a unique handicap. As a Governess, as at Gateshead, she finds herself yet again in between social classes. It means that she has a special relationship with Mr. Rochester when it is just the two of them because she has a higher status than the rest of the staff, but that her relationship with him changes when other aristocratic guests arrive because she is not of a high enough class to participate in their conversations. This torments Jane inwardly because it means her treasured relationship with Rochester must be ignored while she watches him court another woman who possesses the social status she lacks.
It is her very affection for him that seems to inspire her to "be good". Her independence would normally dictate that she do as she pleases, but it is almost as though she feels that Rochester has more in common with her than with Blanche and the other guests, "'He is not to them what he is to me," I thought: "he is not of their kind, I believe he is of mine; -- I am sure he is, -- I feel akin to him..."' (177). Jane conforms to the rules of the Victorian society seemingly in the hopes that when the guests leave and her torment is over, Rochester will return her love in full and those rules will cease to apply to her.

Hannes

1/8/2015 12:40:38 pm

I definitely agree that Jane is stuck between the borders of two different levels of society at Thornfield, and in some capacity she is certainly used to it, as she has never really fit in anywhere in her life. Rochester certainly alleviates her place when the two of them are conversing, but leaves her to feel the same once he is gone. As you not with your quote, Jane must rely on her own thoughts of love and feeling to draw the connection between them, as that is the only real connection they have.

Ms. Draper

1/8/2015 09:01:35 pm

Good point about Jane's outsider status--she certainly has been one all her life in some capacity, which enables her to be a particularly insightful narrator when it comes to issues of social class vs. individual desires and dreams.

Jon

1/8/2015 03:06:15 pm

I like your idea of a fluctuating social position. I agree that Jane's position in the household drastically changes in the presence of other high class guests. Her individualized time with Mr. Rochester is revoked and she is subjected to being obliged to sneak around her own home in order to avoid offending the guests with her presence. She was much better treated before their arrival.

Hannes

1/8/2015 12:36:02 pm

Unfortunately for Jane, there is a clear social divide among her and the others at Thornfield, and ultimately within all of society. This is made all too clear to Jane while she is observing the party being held by Mr. Rochester. Jane overhears the Ingrams discussing the role of a governess, as Blanche's mother states she has "suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency and caprice; I thank Heaven I have now done with them" (179). Blanche also claims that all governesses "are a nuisance" (179). Not only is Jane hearing this scorn from two very powerful and classy women, she is hearing it from the same women who she believes Mr. Rochester to be in love with. This places Jane in a very difficult situation, as she is now confronted with the issue that the man she loves is possibly in love with someone who has the littlest respect for Jane's position in society. I can imagine that this would only allow her to think it less possible for Rochester to ever love her, simply based on the scorn towards her class. In fact, towards the end of the night, Jane feels of herself as no more than out of place and in the way. When speaking to Rochester at the end of the night she says "she did not wish to disturb" him, acknowledging the fact that she had no place in conversation with the members of the high class (182).

Furthermore, Jane is faced with a very confusing man in Mr. Rochester. Both Rochester and Jane realize that they had a special moment after the fire that nearly killed him. However, when Jane wakes the next morning, Rochester has left the house for who knows how long, while Jane must sit and think about him. Because of Rochester's place in society, he is able to leave, do other magnificent things, and expose himself to a wide variety of rich upper class women. Jane on the other hand must do her daily duties and only wonder of the beautiful women her lover must be indulged in. She considers herself in love with him, but notes that "when I say that I am of his kind, I do not mean that I have his force to influence, and his spell to attract" (177) Jane admits that men of his class have much more influence and are more noticed, drawing a clear line between their two positions.

When all is considered, it is clear to Jane that Rochester does in fact desire her presence at his socials. "I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish," he says to Jane (183). Yet, when in attendance to his first evening gathering, Jane was simply ignored by Mr. Rochester, as he casually inquired to the Ingrams about their disliking of governesses. Rochester is stuck between Jane, who he clearly has feelings for, and his duties to the upper class in society. He cannot be seen with her or even heard mentioning her with praise in front of his fellow class members, yet he also longs her appearance and cannot allow her to slip away to bed without confronting her in private. This shows that the great importance of class structure makes it difficult for love to cross between the boundaries, as most people in the upper society do not believe in mixing with those below them.

AJ Worcester

1/11/2015 08:57:39 pm

I am not convinced that Mr. Rochester simply ignored Jane. I believe that he was presenting as what was expected of him and his social status. It seems that there is an unspoken trust and connection between both Jane and Mr. Rochester. There is clearly a desire on Mr. Rochester’s part to make Jane feel this – for instance, there is more to the story with Grace Poole, yet Jane and the reader are left out of the loop and Mr. Rochester knowingly allows Jane to feel that there is a special reason for his need for her secrecy. Is he protecting Jane? Perhaps if he were putting on a show of ignoring Jane it could be argued that he was protecting her from the opinions and harsh judgments of the members of his social class.

Lucy

1/8/2015 02:12:47 pm

Jane, while typically comfortable in her social class standing, does have many insecurities about her class with regards to her relationship with Rochester. When the guests arrive to Thornfield, Jane isolates herself from high class guests. Jane becomes embarrassed of her status and does not feel deserving to annoy the guests with her presence. Jane feels that she is not allowed to talk with Mr. Rochester even though she wishes to. Jane sees the stunningly beautiful Ingram Blanche who is of a higher social status than she is and believes it would be socially inappropriate to converse with Rochester. Rochester never comes over to talk with her and seems to think that it is more socially acceptable to talk with Ingram rather than her. Jane admires Miss Ingram for her many talents, but is distraught over the fact that Mr. Rochester seems to be interested in her. At first Jane tries to follow the rules of social class. She thinks to herself “Every good, true, vigorous feeling I have, gathers impulsively around him. I know I must conceal my sentiments: I must smother hope; I must remember that he cannot care much for me” (177). Because Jane is simply a governess, she tries to live by her lower social standing and diminish her feelings for Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester seems to betray Jane during this scene because, from their previous conversations, Rochester and Jane are seen as equals. While her manner towards Rochester is usually conversational, as the wealthy upper class arrives, Jane conforms to the ideals of society in resignation. Jane also reveals to be very judgmental in nature which blossoms out of her envy that Rochester will be won over by a vain woman. Jane states “ "She was very showy, but she was not genuine: she had a fine person, many brilliant attainments; but her mind was poor, her heart barren by nature...she was not good; she was not original...she never offered , nor had, an opinion of her own" (187).

During Jane’s childhood, she sees that wealth and high social class standing can corrupt one’s morals and overall integrity. When Rochester invites high society guests to Thornfield, this becomes a very profound moment in the novel because we see Bronte’s critique of Victorian social hierarchy as Jane is essentially asking herself what is the point behind this way of living. Jane’s relationship and thoughts toward social class structure is shown to be very complex and multifaceted. Jane enforces the Victorian social structure against herself because she compares herself unfavorably to Blanche in terms of looks and social rank, but on the other hand, she is a passionate and headstrong individual who believes in her own right to happiness and love that transcends social order. Also, it is important to note that Jane does not constrain herself to the social constructs of her society out of some sort of respect for those constructs. She is simply practical and self-controlled, and believes that disobeying society's hierarchy would be unnecessarily risky and damage her own happiness more.

Jon

1/8/2015 03:02:02 pm

Similar, in many ways, to Jane's inconsistent alternation between rebellious behavior and actions characterized by complacency, is her approach to the social hierarchy to which she is a victim. Jane is aware that Mr. Rochester's motives towards Miss Ingram most likely stem from, "interest and connections" (189), and one may expect that her proclaimed love for him would inspire Jane to attempt to interfere with this course of action. However, moments before, Jane describes "her eyes [now] irresistibly attracted to the semicircle of chairs" (186), and her discipline to watch Miss Ingram try pitifully to impress Mr. Rochester again and again. As the story continues and Mr. Rochester and Miss Ingram's relationship matures perhaps Jane's feelings will manifest into more direct and bold action.

On account of Jane's reaction to her undeserved treatment for the rest of the guests, Jane again seems aware, however, it seems of little concern to her relative to her interest in Mr. Rochester and his suitor. She notes the ladies who do and do not acknowledge her with a nod or a greeting, but these mentions are brief. She seems somewhat shielded from the rudeness of her company by her fascination with Mr. Rochester. When she declines her invitation to play charades one gets the sense she does not do so dutifully out of respect for a social order, but rather genuinely for disinterest in participating. Her current endeavour to follow Mr. Rochester's every move seemed much more captivating.

All said and done I think jane realizes the whole class system is bogus, but is temporarily distracted from confronting it by her personal affections. The many notes of rude behaviors towards servants and the governess make it clear that the issue is relevant to Jane, but the issue never becomes central. Jane has proven herself to be momentarily bold by arguing with Mrs. Reed and advertising and moving to her current job but whether Jane takes any direct action to overcome the social will likely largely depend on the details of her continued relationship with Mr. Rochester. Furthermore, perhaps Jane's best option in attempting to bridge such a gap would be this relationship itself. Perhaps Mr. Rochester will be Jane's ticket to a life of luxury. But this begs the question, Does Jane resent the system, or only her place in it?

Thu

1/8/2015 04:42:01 pm

I think your last paragraph makes an interesting point that Jane does not have much care for the class system and would, if she had not been incapacitated by her love for Mr. Rochester, been more of the spirited and argumentative girl who had confronted Ms. Reed. I would argue, though, that Jane might not be inclined to bridge the societal gap, rather she actually wants to be removed from it completely and would not want Mr. Rochester in such circles either. I think that Jane loves him sincerely, but believes the wealthy class to be pretentious. She doesn't seem the type to seduce a man for wealth; "Jane Eyre: an autobiography of a honey digger" would probably have not received such literary acclaim.

Thu

1/8/2015 04:30:07 pm

Jane’s past at Gateshead under the tyranny of Mrs. Reed has made her begrudge the wealthy for their shunning of those not in their class. This insecurity is once again raised when Jane hears of a “beautiful and accomplished lady” (161) who has had the acquaintance of Mr. Rochester. Jane’s budding feelings are crushed in fiery waves of inferiority as she scolds herself for deluding in fantasies. She attempts to force neutrality upon her feelings by reiterating to herself her lack of social status.

This technique, of course, is completely disassembled by the interest she has in Mr. Rochester and the consequent jealousy. Even before meeting Blanche Ingram, Jane had tried to find a fault out of pettiness, a trait that has not yet been exhibited by her. As she observes Blanche, she finds comfort in that Blanche “laughed continually; her laugh was satirical, and so was the habitual expression of her arched and haughty lip” (174). During the party, Jane contents herself to sit in the dark corner of the room and knit; however, her eyes are still constantly drawn to Mr. Rochester. The scene is reminiscent of Jane’s childhood when she would be excluded from the Christmas celebrations, having to listen to “the sound of the piano or the harp played below, to the passing to and fro of the butler and footman, to the jingling of glass and china as refreshments were handed, to the broken hum of conversation as the drawing-room door opened and close” (27). While Jane is allowed in the drawing room now, she feels no different than the little girl then. As with her childhood when she touchily declared, “I had not the least wish to go into company, for in company I was very rarely notice” Jane once again believes she is establishing her freedom by choosing to not interact with the guests.

Ms. Draper

1/8/2015 09:05:58 pm

Hi Thu! Good connection between Jane's childhood experience and her experience with Rochester's guests--one big difference is that she has matured enough to outwardly control her emotions, but her feelings of the injustice of it all do keep swelling up inside, leading to a growing emotional turmoil.

Allison

1/11/2015 04:02:01 am

You made a really good connection to Jane's past at Gateshead. I think it is interesting that her perception of upper class women has a lot to do with the way she viewed Mrs. Reed as a child. I noticed that Jane is quicker to judge women than men and wonder if this also has to do with the harsh treatment she received from Mrs. Reed when she was younger.

Mike

1/8/2015 08:33:42 pm

Jane is driven by a wish for inclusion and a definition of who she is as a person. She has little knowledge of her parents, grew up under unloving and institutional rules, and is now a governess to an orphan child just as she was once before. This position, neither a member of the low class servants but not exactly family either keeps her in a consistent spot of uncertainty as she cannot herself define where she is in society. Also, those around her cannot tell her where her place is, for they either misunderstand her desires or seek to impose upon her ways of life she refuses to submit to. Her strong will keeps her from becoming a submissive bystander, and it is out of this desire to find her own place in society as opposed to filling another’s that seems to be keeping her from actually joining one. She must gain acceptance on her terms, as seen when Mr. Rochester is first interviewing her when she says “I don’t think, sir, you have a right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have”. For a paid assistant, these are dangerous waters to be treading in, but she answers so in truth born out of her desire to not be fitted into another’s world as a mere piece, but to attain her own status for herself.

Allison

1/11/2015 03:46:27 am

Because of her role as a governess, Jane feels as though she does not truly fit into any social class. She knows that she is not good enough for the upper class, but she also sees herself as superior to the lower class. Living in Thornfield she is constantly in contact with both the upper class guests as well as the servants, which gives her a great perspective of the classes. Though she loves Mr. Rochester and believes that he has an attraction to her, because of her great understanding of the strict social system at the time, she understands why Mr. Rochester might marry Miss Ingram. She says, “the longer I considered the position, education, etc. of the parties, the less I felt justified in judging and blaming either him or Miss Ingram, for acting in conformity to the ideas and principles instilled into them” (Bronte 89). This understanding that Jane has is frustrating to her, especially because she believes if it weren’t for social status, she would have a great chance of being with Mr. Rochester.

It is interesting that in the company of others such as Mr. Rochester’s guests and the servants, Jane and Mr. Rochester ignore each other, but when they are alone together they express their affection for each other. This shows the fear that individuals had of the rest of society. It seems that society’s judgements and influences are more important to Jane and Rochester than the love that they have for each other.

AJ Worcester

1/11/2015 08:55:51 pm

Social class plays an important role throughout Jane Eyre. Jane fancies herself an educated who is clearly aware of her affections toward Mr. Rochester. Jane sees herself as an insider with Mr Rochester as seen by her perception that he has entrusted her with their secret belief that Grace Poole was involved in some manner with the fire in Mr. Rochester’s room. Additionally, Jane feels a confidence in her relationship with Mr. Rochester that surpasses that of employee-employer. “It little mattered whether my curiosity vexed him; I knew the pleasure of vexing and soothing him by turns…” (215). This level of comfort, confidence and closeness is not the expected course of a governess and the master of the home.

When Jane learns of Mr. Rochester’s social life outside of her small reach on him, she shows an interest that at first does not separate her from that social class. She argues that the age difference between Blanche and Mr. Rochester is of little consequence – as her age is similar to Blanche’s . However, common sense makes an appearance and Jane sells herself on the surface idea that Blanche’s role in society surpasses her own and she must remember that. However, Jane is dealing with the internal struggle of what she knows society believes – her social standing is not sufficient to entertain ideas that she could be a match for Mr. Rochester; and what she believes of herself as a person outside of the scope of social class – she is bright and shares a connection with Mr. Rochester that is quite intimate. Even in the face of all the high class guests to Thornfield, Jane continues her inner tug of war. She recognizes that Blanche presents the required façade needed to succeed in this social group. Yet Jane also honors that for her own truth she not only loves Mr. Rochester but recognizes the deeper connection she feels for him: “He is not to them what he is to me…he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine” (240), while within the same thought reminds herself that “I must smother hope; I must remember that he can not care much for me” (240).

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Erin

1/12/2015 09:31:02 am

Jane is continually caught between classes and it seems as though she doesn't truly belong anywhere. At Gateshead she was not at the level of the Reeds but she was also placed above the servants. This situation is mirrored by her current status at Thornfield. Though Jane is essentially in "social class limbo", Mr. Rochester treats her as an equal. However, when Blanche Ingram and co. arrive at Thornfield, Jane is isolated by her lack of connection to high society. The guests treat her with disdain and she becomes timid around them and very aware of how they see her. This is troubling for her as she and Mr. Rochester were formerly able to converse as equals. Now she is excluded and does not feel as free as she once did to go about her day and speak with Rochester as she used to.
When Blanche Ingram arrives, Jane immediately feels a sort of jealousy. Though Jane is fully aware that she is technically not allowed to end up with Rochester, she cannot deny that she has feelings for him. “And yet, while I breathe and think I must love him” (Bronte 177). Knowing that she is not to be with him, she tries to suppress her feelings. Yet this is not possible and Jane, having been independent for most of her life, finds herself wanting to belong to Rochester’s class. knowing that she is but a poor governess she tries to suppress her feelings towards Rochester. “I must smother hope; I must remember that he cannot care much for me”(177). While Jane struggles with following the rules of social class set out by Victorian society, she is often tempted to, instead, follow her heart and break the regulations of her restricting society.

Helen

1/12/2015 11:05:14 am

I really like your use of limbo to describe Jane's situation. My understanding is that, in religious terms, limbo is a place between heaven and hell where souls wait for a decision to be made. Jane is neither impoverished nor rich herself, for she lives among the rich but only has a few shillings to her name, so she really is in limbo.

Helen

1/12/2015 10:56:12 am

Upon her arrival at Thornfield, Jane has found herself caught in the familiar confusion of living with the upper class, without actually being an accepted part of it. As a governess, Jane is expected to behave in such a way that she can blend in with the aristocrats around her. As her employer, Mr. Rochester is supposed to treat Jane as an inferior. Early on in her time of employment, however, Mr. Rochester makes it clear that he isn't just any old aristocrat. He entrusts Jane with the truth about his daughter, Adele, and her mother. Jane asks a bold and "hardly well-timed question," (149) but, instead of being met with scorn, "he turned his eyes towards [her], and the shade seemed to clear off his brow" (149).

Jane's role in her new home becomes even more abstract when the beautiful Blanche Ingram, who intends to marry Mr. Rochester for his fortune, arrives at Thornfield with a few guests. These newcomers serve as an obstacle preventing Jane from having the friendship with Mr. Rochester that she so cherishes due to their haughtiness. This separation becomes even more difficult and confusing when Jane realizes that she is falling for Mr. Rochester. Although in some ways she wants to maintain the facade of being a classic Victorian "good girl," Jane's not being able to reveal her true feelings to Mr. Rochester, due to their difference in class, causes her to struggle between being an independent, nonconforming individual, and sticking with the rules set out for her by society.

Jane Eyre: Rebel Or Good Girl?

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