Themes- Marriage

Jane vs. Blanche

Jane:
“I understand the language of his countenance and movements: through rank and wealth sever us widely, I have something in my brain and heart, in my blood and nerves, that assimilates me mentally to him” (85).

Jane paints a picturesque idea of how Jane views her love of Rochester. Instead of painting him as a man so different than herself she reflects that they are one in the same and because of this she must love him. Jane's idea of marriage is to marry someone that will mirror your own existenceCompatibility seems to be key when Jane has the opportunity to finally marry Rochester but feels uncertain because of rank. Jane also neglects to marry St. John because of his varying belief in religion. Jane believes she cannot love unless that person shares everything she embodies.

Blanche:
“I shall suffer no competitor near the throne; I shall exact an undivided homage: his devotions shall not be shared between me and the shape he sees in his mirror” (128).

Blanche has a different image of what her husband must be in comparison to Jane’s. Unlike Jane, Blanche believes that marriage should be based on differences and less on similarities. Blanche wishes to be married to someone who is less pretty so she can stand on the throne herself. In my opinion, Blanche could never truly love someone with this ideal in her head. She wants instead to be loved by someone than to give love to someone else. This is the first mistake in anyone's desire for love. In reality, real love will be given first something that is also displayed by Janes love for Rochester even when she does not know her loves her.


No comments:

Post a Comment