You notice that the woman does not wear a wedding ring, nor are there any signs of a spouse. Then you start thinking of that person, and you drift off into a daydream about relationships.
"Is Jane Eyre a romance novel? There is love and stuff in it, right?" you ask suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
"There are elements of romanticism, but no, it is not a romance novel. Is something on your mind?"
You sigh.
"Since we are discussing themes right now, and you seem to be all lovey-dovey, how about I explain the theme of marriage in the book?"
--
"For you are a married man - or as good as a married man...to one with whom you have no sympathy - whom I do not believe you truly love...I would scorn such a union..." (257)
"It is - that he asks me to be his wife, and has no more of a husband's heart for me than that frowning giant of a rock..." (412)
"To be your wife is, for me, to be as happy as I can be on earth" (453).
--
"Jane continuously gives her opinion on what marriage should be. She believes that marriage should be between two people who truly love and respect each other. During this time period, it was common to be married for the sake of wealth. Today, marriages are usually based on mutual love. Through Jane's character, Bronte makes a clear stance on what marriage should look like. Jane scolds Mr. Rochester for considering a marriage with Miss Ingram for the purpose of wealth and reputation. When placed in a possible marital situation herself, Jane refuses St. John's proposal because she knows that he does not truly love her. Not only does this demonstrate the integrity of Jane's character, but it shows how she would not subject herself to an unaffectionate union even though the possible material gain would be great. Jane finally finds herself in a loving relationship with Mr. Rochester, and she wholeheartedly agrees to marry him." The woman rubs her eyes with her palms, and she seems to become sad.
You want to learn more about her life, but she interrupts you before you can speak.
Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Signet Classics, 2008. Print.
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