Hello! You have 2 questions to choose from. Only answer one.
1. Consider the ways Jane and Mr. Rochester characterize each other. She claims he can "read my unspoken thoughts," while he attributes supernatural qualities to her. Do these transcendental powers remove their relationship from this world and from all of its social restrictions? In other words, is their love so special it defies normal worldly definition?
or....
2. How is Bronte challenging England's class system through the character of Jane?
Don't for get to use textual evidence.
Hang in there; we are half way done!
Until next time...see you on chapter 23
The individual attitude and behavior that Jane Eyre expresses, challenges the 19th century class system, that England acquired. Bronte, created Eyre's character into someone who regarded the class system with contempt. Throughout the book, Mr. Rochester invites some of his friends to come and live at this house for a while. Mr. Rochester's "supposed" soon to be bride, is Miss Ingram. Jane Eyre, challenges the class system because she speculates that the person you are, is what determines your fate, not class rank. "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."(211) This quote, described how Jane Eyre felt about Miss Ingram. Eyre didn't criticize Miss Ingram because she was upper class; she disapproved of her because of her persona. Another quote where she expresses disdain towards the class system is: "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill-adapted to win from him that treasure."(pg.212) Jane Eyre, challenges the class system through Bronte's words. There is a strong sense of social criticism in this book, which develops Jane Eyre's character, into an independent and audacious person. -Ann Coltrane
ReplyDelete#1
ReplyDeleteBecause Jane and Mr.Rochester are from different class systems, society sees them as unequal, but the transcendental powers of their relationship are so great that the social restrictions placed by society don't matter to them which makes their love for eachother something out of this world or magical. For example in chapter 22 Jane asserts, "but he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think it too good for common purposes: it was the real sunshine of feeling - he shed it over me now."(pg.282) This quote is saying that the smile Mr.Rochester gave Jane made her feel good. The purpose of this quote is to show the supernatural qualities Mr.Rochester has on Jane. Even though they know that there are social restrictions between them, they continue to grow their relationship because Mr.Rochester can read her unspoken thoughts.
-Devante Titus
Throughout chapter 17-22 Jane and Mr. Rochester characterize each other. and throughout this scene between Rochester and Jane reveals the transcendental power in which has driven their relation from their world and from its social restrictions. Mr. Rochester characterizes Jane by saying she is different from any other girl. This is also the cause of the different social classes in which both were brought upon. And because of the discrimination between the social classes has lead Rochester to marry Ms. Ingram. Their soon to be marriage is caused by the wrong reason. He sees her for her beauty and social status and she see him for his wealth.when Jane meets Ms. Ingram there is the tension of the cold emotion toward Jane. This the cause for Jane being only a "house staff" whom is melding with the higher class system. And it could also be jealously. Even though Mr. Rochester and Jane seem to have an interest towards each other but since they come from different social classes they can't become any closer. When Jane is traveling back to the Thornfield house she become anxious to seem Mrs. Fairfax, Adèle, and especially Mr. Rochester. And when she get there she seems vey happy to see them. " I am strangely glad to get back home to you; and wherever you are is my home -my only home." ( page 181, chapter 22) from this quote it reveals the connection towards each other are getting stronger but is being restricted by their social class.
ReplyDelete- Alyssa Sotelo
Within these chapters of Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte has made it clear that Jane and Rochester have a thing for each other. However she has also made it clear that the pair are of different social class. This provides some conflict, as during this time it was not accepted if a man married a woman who was of a lower class. Even then marriage was arranged so that families could gain in either wealth or status. But Jane is different. Ms. Eyre is very much aware of the conflict between the classes of her and Rochester. However Jane still seeks some kind of relation with the master of Thornfield. Rochester has no family that could shun him if the couple were to be, however society would shun him for such a relation. Even cause jealousy among eligible bachelorettes such as Ms. Ingram. Dowager Ingram already dislikes Jane because of her lower status, so a marriage would only made her green with jealousy. Possibly leading to something far worst than just silent hate. Jane, in turn, would be seen as a woman who clings to Rochester as a means to gain money. Bronte presents all this to show how blind the elite are to their own ways. That by marrying someone because of what they present on the surface or because of their status and/or wealth is not correct. Marriage should be about love, not what the spouse can provide. Quite possible this may be why many celebrity marriages end in divorce or just any marriage ending.
ReplyDelete-Carmen Patricia "Patty" Arreola
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThey ways Jane and Mr.Rochester characteristics each other is different from anyone else because in this time it is only about how wealthy or not they are. For example in chapter 20," well, you too power over me, and may injure me: yet I dare not show you are, you should transfix me at once." This sentence in the book is trying to say that Mr. Rochester has "power" over Jane because she has feelings for him. But, it is not right because the status of there time is not to marry the love of there desire instead of to marry wealth between each other. Mr. Rochester is instead planning to maybe marry Ms. Ingram because she is not only beautiful but also wealthy and so is Mr.Rochester. Jane Eyre is not wealthy and that is why she has to keep quiet of her affection towards Mr. Rochester. - Bobbi Cordle
ReplyDeleteEngland's class system is evidently challenged, especially in these chapters, because that is when Miss Ingram is introduced to intervene between Jane's disclosed admiration for Mr.Rochester and how she is initially privileged to be acknowledged by him because of her status in society, which is much higher than Jane's. "Why can she not influence him more, when she is privileged to draw so near to him? Surely she cannot truly like him, or not like him with true affection!" pg.212-213, Jane criticizes the relationship between Miss Ingram and Mr.Rochester and how she comprehends that the advantage that Miss Ingram had over Jane (social class) is a waste if she cannot contain a genuine relationship with Mr.Rochester but more of a forcible one. Jane asserts that there was no form of jealously she had encountered towards Miss Ingram because as she says, "If Miss Ingram had been good and noble woman, endowed with force, fervour, kindness, sense, I should have had one vital struggle with two tigers-- jealously and despair.." pg.212, her character of being of not only with herself but towards Mr.Rochester, allows for Jane to have certainty that the relationship between Miss Ingram and him was nothing but a failure of connection and almost obligatory, which makes Jane feels no need to bring upon herself an envious person.
ReplyDelete-Evelynn Simmons
Jane and Mr. Rochester have a very special relationship, in the publics' eye there is only evidence of an employer to employee relationship, however, when they are in private, true signs of an unworldly relationship are present. For example Mr. Rochester is able to perceive Jane's feelings and thoughts without her saying a word, this was evident on page 205: "But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes..." Showing he is attuned to her. Jane is unconventionally loyal to Mr. Rochester, not only does she do everything he says, including his request of her diving into the horror filed 3rd floor to aid Mason, but she would stand aside him in opposition to many, for example " 'If all these people came in a body and spat at me, what would you do, Jane?' 'Turn them out of the room, sir, if I could' " (page 233). In modern terms, Jane is Ride or Die with Mr. Rochester, her loyalty to him is unreal. Jane's profound loyalty and Mr. Rochester's ability to understand Jane may not be supernatural in comparison to the events occurring at Thornfield, however the characteristics of their relationship Is superior in terms of love to the relationship between Mr. Rochester and Miss Ingram. Because of this, along with the suspected failure of the Rochester/Ingram marriage, it is likely that their relationship will surpass social caste restrictions.
ReplyDelete-Lorenzo Lambert
Bronte uses Janes character as a tool to challenge England's class system, because she doesn't believe in the ways of the class system. For example, the introduction of Miss Ingram was brutal on Jane in the sense of making her jealous because she was Mr.Rochesters lover. Jane doesn't think Miss Ingram is better than her despite being in a higher class but rather she is a "fake" person as she states on page 211("She was not good; she was not original...etc.). She doesn't believe in the class system because in a higher class doesn't earn respect from her nor does she build a relationship based on someone's social class. She likes people for their true elves therefore ignoring the class system and challenging it as well.
ReplyDelete-Christian Jose Rodriguez Cabral
Bronte challenges England's class system the character of Jane because Jane believes her and Mr Rochester will be together even though she is in a different class. " I saw he was going to marry her for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love..." (pg.212) Jane knows Mr.Rochester has love for Jane but is in titled to marry Ms. Ingram because if both their rank in the class system, and Jane was below them. That doesn't stop Jane though because despite the class system Jane is determined they will end up together because of their love for one another, not the class.
ReplyDelete-Lensie J Wilson
Jane Eyre is a poor individual who has been living in a wealthy environment for most to all of her life now. Bronte challenges England’s class system through Jane’s very independent and bold character by overlooking the system. Jane judges people not so much based on how poor or rich they are but on one’s personality and values in life. Like for example, Jane far more values her education and hard work than those who are wealthy as Miss Ingram “had a fine person, many brilliant attainments; but her mind was poor…” Because poverty makes it hard to be happy in a wealthy environment she values much more and challenges the class system by digging deeper o find something that means more than money. She realizes that Miss Ingram and Mr. Rochester are getting married for all the wrong reasons and only for “political reasons-because her rank and connections suited him.” Jane has her priorities for herself set and works hard to be where she is at, because others only care about wealth and status and morally or ethically misguided.
ReplyDelete-Illiana Placencia
Bronze challenges England's class system with Jane because she thinks different, she acknowledged the idea of it but doesn't live by it. Jane felt as she wasn't inferior of Miss Ingram, because money and power have nothing to do with who you are and she knew inside she was a better person than Ingram. "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." Jane considers her education more meaningful and relevant than being wealthy. Jane knows Mr. Rochester and Miss Ingram are together with wrong judgement "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons" he had not given Miss Ingram his love, on the other hand Rochester truly knows Jane and she knows there's a chance for them.
ReplyDelete-Kate Morales
#2
ReplyDeleteMany people believe that love knows no boundaries, and that's a strong theme that Brontë has woven into the novel by creating the character of Jane Eyre. However, Jane does and does not challenge the class system of England. Jane does this, by deciding and realizing that she cannot help/resist the love she has for her employer, Mr. Rochester: a wealthy, important, and respected man: the complete opposite of Jane. Another interesting way she challenges the class system, is by making the reader infer that Mr. Rochester may reciprocate Jane's love. "...but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish... Good-night, my -' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me." On page 206, when Jane tells the reader of this incident, this really shows that Mr. Rochester my be infatuated with his governess, despite the fact she's not in the same class system as he. But, even if they are, "in love" England's class system is too important to Rochester because he will still marry the beautiful and wealthy Miss Ingram, even if he doesn't love her the way he loves Jane. Technically, Brontë only slightly challenges the class system.
~Breanna Bailey
Jane and Mr. Rochester try to have a good relationship as employer and employee since there is visitors in thee house. As soon as they are alone their relationship changes to more loving and caring for each other. As in chapter 19, Mr. Rochester says, "Jane, you offered me your shoulder once before; let me have it now... My little friend, I wish I were in a quiet island only with you..." (pg.235-236) From this Jane feels more intrigued to Mr. Rochester and is falling in love for him. Sadly is that they are not marry since society thinks is a bad thing to marry an employee so Jane and Mr. Rochester try to be alone to be themselves. Since Jane thinks that the only way is that Mr. Rochester knows about her feelings is by the supernatural but in reality those feelings are just happening as normal love.
ReplyDelete-Daniela Galindo
Eyre and Rochester clearly have feelings for one another but the England class system does not accept relationships of their kind. Rochester attempts to make Jane jealous by claiming his marriage to Ms. Ingram whom is of wealth. Jane shows resentment towards the class system, and challenges it with her love for Rochester. "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill-adapted to win from him that treasure." Jane knows Rochester is not at all infatuated with Ms. Ingram, yet the class system is important and branded on Rochester and marrying Ms. Eyre is pushing the risk of being shunned, just as Eyre's parents.
ReplyDelete-Ciara Fields
The reasons why Jane's and Mr. Rochester's love isn't acceptable is because they are both from different social classes. Miss. Ingram was quickly to judge Jane because she was the governess and thought that she wasn't callable of doing things that she could. "No". I heard her say: "she looks too stupid for any game of the sort"". (176). This shows that if Mr. Rochester was to ever act upon his feelings for Jane, he would be judged because they are simply from different social systems. Their live would be frowned upon since she is just the governess if the child he took in and because Mr. Rochester is "superior" to Jane.
ReplyDeleteSonia Villegas
"She was very showy, but she was not genuine.. her mind was poor, her heart barren by nature." "She was not good; she was not original..." stated Jane on page 211 of Miss Ingrams nature, also after making the remark to Ingrams inferiority to Jane herself. All of these words are thrown because of one man, Mr. Rochester. Rochester is Eyre's employer. It is obvious the two have very strong feelings for each other , BUT because of the England class system, it cannot be. Jane is used by Bronte since Jane's character only accepts the fact that the England Class System exists rather than truly believes in it, causing her to believe that Rochester and herself can be together. Therefore, Bronte takes this predicament with them because it challenges the class system. Unfortunately for these two star-crossed lovers, Rochester has the system set at a major importance, so regardless of the fact that he truly loves Jane he would marry Ingram.
ReplyDelete- Jordan Ocampo
Even though Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester are in love I don't believe that it has reached a stage that lets them escape from social restrictions, nor truely removes them from this world. "Good-night, my-' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me."(Page 206). In this quote Mr. Rochester, obviously wanting to address Miss Eyre in a more intimate way, is still confined by social norms. Later, Rochester starts calling Jane as his "little friend" no doubt trying to find a socially accepted substitute for the words he could not bring himself to speak earlier. Also a love so powerful should be able to stop a marriage or at the least make Mr. Rochester have second thoughts about wedding the beautiful indiffernt(by character) Lady Ingram. Not only that but the love that Jane has nearly confessed to her master doesn't exact seem to be leaving this world or to be moving foward to a relationship that could create this imaginative place. This is because Mr. Rochester, unlike Jane, has better concealed his "love" although their "love" can not be expected to liberate itself from this world, espically when Rochester seems to want to stay in a socially controlled one.
ReplyDeleteWhen Jane claims that Mr. Rochester can read her unspoken thoughts, and that he possess powers that are out of this world could all be drawn back to the many incidents that she might feel this pull and other world between Mr. Rochester and her. Jane says,"Mr. Rochester had sometimes read my unspoken thoughts with an acumen to me incomprehensible:...never had I loved him so well." (pg. 277-279; Chapter 22) Jane begins to feel that, since coming back from visiting her family and discovering that there is no wedding talk going about, that she still has some connection, some bond that is only between Mr. Rochester and her, making her feel more pulled towards Mr. Rochester. Since she feels that his "powers" are so peculiar to her, that feeling is because of how she regards her romantic views with him, being that he is the only one who can understand her with little words and actions, as if they were each others halves and completing each other in this other world of just Mr. Rochester and Jane, even though there is the social standing between the two, Jane feels that pull still there, that is why it seems "out of this world"; because it is new, unexplainable, and different for her and Mr. Rochester.
ReplyDelete- Ana Cranfield
In truth, I belive that their relationship does escape the boundries of the metaphysical world. In this I mean that their love is out of this world because its good enough to aviod social resriction. Yes, such love shouldn't have any resrictions, but one can argue that Mr. Rochester doubts such a relationship to prosper due to social suicidal caused by his peers."'My dearest, don't mention governesses; the word makes me nervous. I have suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency and caprice. I thank Heaven I havenow done with them!'" (Page 201). The result is this relationship will be socially resricted as long as Mr. Rochester decides otherwise. However, Jane understands that Mr. Rochester cannot be fascinated by Miss Ingram. "But, as matters really stood, to watch Miss Ingram's efforts at fascinating Mr. Rochester,to witness their repeated failure-- herself unconscious that they did fail..." (Page 212). Not only does Jane fascinate Mr. Rochester but by the end of chapter 22 he seems to have distanced himself from Miss Ingram. "Almost everyday I asked Mrs. Fairfax if she had yet heard anything decided: her answer was always in the negative. Once, sahe said, she had actually put the question to Mr. Rochester...but he had answered her only by a joke and one of his queer looks, and she could not tell what to make of him."
ReplyDelete-Isaiah Martinez
#1
ReplyDeleteJane and Mr.Rochester are from different class systems so they're viewed as unequal, however their love for each other is strong enough that social barriers don't affect them. Here is a quote from chapter 37 "“And there is enchantment in the very hour I am now spending with you. Who can tell what a dark, dreary, hopeless life I have dragged on for months past? Doing nothing, expecting nothing; merging night in day; feeling but the sensation of cold when I let the fire go out, of hunger when I forgot to eat: and then a ceaseless sorrow, and, at times, a very delirium of desire to behold my Jane again. Yes: for her restoration I longed, far more than for that of my lost sight. How can it be that Jane is with me, and says she loves me? Will she not depart as suddenly as she came? To-morrow, I fear I shall find her no more.” This quote shows how Mr.Rochester has grown to have deep affection for Jane and one day fears that she will no longer be there. Showing that he wants to keep her close so he doesn't lose her.
Bronte challenges England's class system through Jane by Jane believing that one day her and Mr. Rochester will be together. Jane respects the class system but she does not live by it. "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt that he had not giving her his love, and that her qualifications were ill-adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point-- this was where the nerve was touched and teased-- this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him." (page 212) Jane feels that the only reason Mr. Rochester is getting married is the simply because of the class system, Him and Jane are at different levels and she is not "qualified" to be his wife. Disregarding the whole class system, Jane feels that one day it will be her and Mr. Rochester.
ReplyDelete-Tyasia Priester
#1-
ReplyDeleteThe feeling Jane expresses towards Mr. Rochester goes against the England class system during the time period of the 19th century. Society in England saw them as two unequal human beings, but their transcendental powers are so strong the class system is not important to them. They express their love to each other in ways that the 19th century society would restrict them from being together. As their relationship grows and they stay together their love becomes so special it defies normal worldly definition. The feelings they express to one another are shown in chapter 19, Mr. Rochester says, "Jane, you offered me your shoulder once before; let me have it now... My little friend, I wish I were in a quiet island only with you..." or when Jane expresses her feelings in chapter 22, "but he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think it too good for common purposes: it was the real sunshine of feeling - he shed it over me now." Even with the restrictions their love keeps on growing.
-Yesenia Escobar
• Jane and Mr. Rochester are from different class systems, The society and time that they live in views them as different class systems, but the transcendental capability of their relationship pushes through the restrictions placed by society. The thought of a forbidden love or young love is one that is very enticing and both parties will shun those of society that will question them. Proof is, "but he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think it too good for common purposes: it was the real sunshine of feeling - he shed it over me now."(pg.282).This quote portrays Jane’s positive reaction to the way Mr. Rochester smiles at her.The purpose of this quote provides a form of proof that Mr. Rochester and Jane have a very strong connection, one that may be very uncanny.Even though society bars their relations with barriers of social restriction, they continue to Progress in their relationship through the will power of “young” loveand Jane’s theory that Mr. Rochester can read her unspoken thoughts.
ReplyDelete-Jack Touchstone
Although Jane and Mr. Rochester come from a very different background, their intelligence may be equaled. Jane will not allow Mr. Rochester to pull the wool over her eyes. Mr. Rochester is rude and mean and tries to show a sort of manipulative power over Jane, but Jane, the well-read strong willed individual that she may be, does not allow Mr. Rochester that power. Instead, it leads to him becoming fascinated by her and he falls in love with her. In a way, this relationship also challenges the class system of England, something that Jane never subscribes to. Mr. Rochester is of wealth, Jane is not. Mr. Rochester will marry a high class, snobbish type of woman in Blanche Ingram. Perhaps they had an out of this world type of relationship, Jane and Mr. Rochester, or perhaps it was more of a meeting of two intellectual persons. In chapter 22 page 287, Jane says of Mr. Rochester, “"he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which
ReplyDeletehe used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think it too good for common purposes: it was the real sunshine of feeling - he shed it over me now." This made Jane feel that she was special, that Rochester saw her differently from others, even if she might not have been of the same social class as he. She was though of the same intellect as Rochester, as Jane is a well-read person. Like this summer book I am reading, when one reads, they become more educated, or in Jane’s case, more of a fantasizing person.
With Jane and Mr. Rochester being from different class systems, their love for one another is quite impossible for during this era it wasn't allowed for a wealthy man to marry a woman of lower class. Yet if Jane and Mr. Rochester were to ever marry, Mr. Rochester wouldn't get frowned upon by his family, but instead society would immediately judge him due to him being seen as a higher rank/class man and Jane would obviously be judged too and be seen as a woman who is only grasped to Mr. Rochester only for his money. Even now that Jane and Mr. Rochester aren't married, Miss. Ingram still judges Jane, as seen in pg.176, it states likes this, "One of the gentlemen, Mr. Eshton, observing me, seemed to propose that I should be asked to join them; but Lady Ingram instantly negatived the notion. "No," I heard her say: "she looks too stupid for any game of the sort."". And if Mr. Rochester were to marry Jane you could just imagine on how Miss. Ingram would have hatred towards Mr. Rochester. So Jane and Mr. Rochester would never be able to express their love towards one another because of society and frankly because Mr. Rochester seems to want to stay in a community in where can be social but with Jane as a wife, it just wouldn't work out.
ReplyDelete-Bryan Chavez
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteDue to the fact that Jane and Mr Rochester are completely different, class system, society doesn't accept their relationship. Even though society doesn't accept their love, they have a certain bond that seem to be to supernatural to be true. On chapter 16 Jane exclaim about Mr Rochester "His deportment had now for some weeks been uniform towards me than the first". Mr Rochester manners attract Jane closer to him. As even even though he never changes Jane fells closer to him than first time she met him. Causing their love to look magical or very supernatural in some cases.
-Anthony Sida
Although Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester are in love, they cannot escape what society excepts from them. Mr. Rochester tries to use a more kind words to describe her but stops during his sentence and leaves as stated in chapter 7, "Good-night, my-' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me." He tries to take the relationship to the next level but is stopped and is forced to obey the social rules. Jane having exposed her love for her master thinking it can move mountains and break the social norms as it should is not the same thing Mr. rochester is prepared to do. He wants to be socially accepted and as it looks, having this relationship with Jane could never work. Having this said, Mr. Rochester after a while starts to call Jane his "little friend" because he is trying to show his love for her in a way that will still be socially accepted.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2:
ReplyDeleteJane challenges the English class system by her perspective on people and how she deals with them. Jane is on a lower level of the class system than the guest who is staying in Mr. Rochester's home. Jane pays close attention to the guests action and notices one in particular intentions. Miss Ingram is very clingy to Mr. Rochester but it's not genuine in Jane's eyes. "She had a fine person, many brilliant attainments, but her mind was poor, her heart barren by nature," reflects Miss Ingram's true self. Jane is very aware she is going to be the future bride of Mr. Rochester but does her best to treat her with respect despite the ugly remarks and rude gestures she receives. - Victoria Hernandez
#1:
ReplyDeleteJane and Mr.Rochester are two different people because Mr.Rochester is known for being in charge of the house and Jane is just shown as a normal person. As for both of them society doesn't really accept them because many people don't see them together and also they are not really supposed to be together but both of them they somehow always know how to break it and keep each other company always and mainly when needed. For example in Ch.22 Jane expresses herself by saying,“I am strangely glad to get back again to you; and wherever you are is my home,my only home." Shown by that example Jane really does care about Mr.Rochester and also all the other staff in the house as well.
Bronte challenges the contemporary English society by showing the struggles of a poor and plain girl that defied the hierarchy. Jane knew she could control her own life and her will to fight the system allowed her to not have to conform to spending her entire life being submissive to those above her doing what was expected of her, that is, live and die a poor servant. For instance as a girl living at Gateshead, Jane explodes on Mrs. Reed and unleashes her hatred upon her, an example of defying authority and the rich. Perhaps Bronte’s best example of challenging the class system is Jane’s absurd romance with Rochester. Jane has no romantic feelings for Rochester at first, but she’s allured by how different he is from whatever she expected a wealthy decent man to be. Jane understands she isn’t adequate for Rochester, what with her being a servant of sorts and Rochester being her master and a member of the elite society. In chapter 16 she realizes she has feelings for Rochester after she learns that he’s gone with Blanche Ingram, a woman of his class he intends to marry. Jane checks herself saying ”You gifted with the power of pleasing him (Rochester)? You of importance to him in any way? You have derived pleasure from tokens of preference…shown by a man of the world to a dependent and novice…It does no good to no woman to be flattered by her superior, who cannot possibly intend to marry her.” However, Jane percieves in chapter 18 that Ms. Ingram is a phony, flashy, but lacking good character and genuine emotion. “…she was very showy…but not genuine…her mind was poor…she was not good…not original…I saw he (Rochester) was going to marry her, for family, perhaps for political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him.” Jane then rants about how her great pain is that Mr. Rochester intends to marry Miss Ingram even though she is not noble or kind. Jane didn't blame Rochester for intending to marry a woman of his class, she knew it was expected to do so, even though he didn’t love her, but she doesn’t accept that it should be right to blindly follow custom and accept that which isn’t desired.
ReplyDeleteEngland's class system was extremely important during the time period Jane was written in. The rich were to socialize and court the rich, and vice versa for the poor. Acting out of the class system was frowned upon. Jane summed it up while discussing Miss Ingram and Mr. Rochester with Mrs. Fairfax. She questions Miss Ingram's relationship status saying; "But I wonder no wealthy nobleman or gentleman has taken a fancy to her; Mr. Rochester, for instance. He is rich, is he not?" (p. 181) It was expected of a wealthy female to attract other wealthy men. Bronte uses Jane, a working class woman, to show that you can have relationships outside the set class system. Jane doesn't judge based on material things and money, she looks at the personality. Jane stepped outside of society's rules for class boundaries and found genuine love.
ReplyDeleteTameka Smith
Throughout the years Jane had trouble finding her place. As she grew up she learned it was really hard for her to win arguments and to speak her mind, due to her place in society, that even if she was right it was invalid. Bronte uses Jane as an example of what poor people had to deal with during this certain time in England. " 'Dear Mrs.Reed,' said I, as I offered her the draught she required, 'think no more of all this, let is pass away from your mind. forgive me for my passionate language; I was a child then; eight, nine years have passed since that day.' ". Jane as an innocent child ,who had no fault to be born in poverty, was well hated by her aunt for being born such differently that herself which caused many injustices to Jane. She had to apologize for her actions that her aunt thought were so tormented when she was just a clueless child. Jane is the reflection of what most people in poverty had to go through in England's class system and what they had to over come in order to make it in life.
ReplyDelete-Julia Martinez
#2
ReplyDeleteBronte can be seen to challenge the class system of England by the love that Jane feels for her employer Mr. Rochester. She says she can’t resist him and that even though she wants to not love him she can’t help but to. By these times standards a marriage with someone with such a low status would be considered unthinkable and wrong in every way. Mr. Rochester seemingly feels the same way as she does "...but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish... Good-night, my -' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me." On page 206 but he cannot act upon his feelings because they are from two different worlds pretty much. she is just a lowly governess and him a Nobel of England. But yet they feel this way mutually or seemingly so but no good can ever come of it. Sometimes love just isn't enough in this world and cant overcome some boundaries that are too large.
- Aaron Pingo
#2
ReplyDeleteBronte challenges England's class system with Jane by making her disobedient to it. She doesn't respect or honor those of higher class than her just because of what class they are in because she doesn't view them as anything different. If she viewed them as anything, she views them with pity. She pities Georgiana because of her selfish attitude, Eliza because of her inability to be happy, and Mrs. Reed for her blindness to her children. Evidence of this is on Chapter 22, when she help Georgiana: "It is only because our connection happens to be very transitory, and
comes at a peculiarly mournful season, that I consent thus to
render it so patient and compliant on my part.” (p. 244) She doesn't view them any better than anyone else because she judges a person by their character and not their financial standing, which is something unthinkable in the England class system of the time, especially for someone in the working class. With this, Bronte is challenging the class system by claiming that the higher class should not be treated any more special than anyone else by making a character who defies it all together; Jane.
- Joshua Kelley -
"But I wonder no wealthy nobleman or gentleman has taken a fancy to her; Mr. Rochester, for instance. He is rich, is he not?" As stated in (Pg. 181) in Victorian era, for the family's reputation and "best". You would have to marry a Wealthy family's child in order to not be hated by your family or some. For instance what happened with Jane and her mother. In (Pg.212) "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill-adapted to win from him that treasure." Shows how Mr.Rochester is with Ingam for the respect of his family and himself and also for the money, even if no true love is there just for the society's respect. (Pg. 211) "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 may be what could help him earn the respect by society but she wasn't the smartest or best! Jane wants Rochester regardless of what people think as there is love as stated in (Pg. 211) "I have told you, reader, that I had learnt to love Mr.Rochester. I could not unlove him now..." and he would get him as she would never stop loving him even if she just a governess.
ReplyDelete- Sergio Jonathan Palacios
This is a classic Shakespeare. They are like Romeo and Juliet in love but cannot show it due to social reasons. Although Jane and Rochester are not aloud to "speak" to another because of their families they face some of the same social situations Romeo and Juliet did. Jane and Rochester have a love that can't stand the judgemental society they live in. They can have a conversation with looks. "His presence in a room was more cheering than the brightest fire." They make each others day just being in each others presence.
ReplyDelete-Angel Franco
*can
DeleteBronte challenges England's class system with Jane going against everything it should stand for. Jane would always treat others the way she thought they should be treated. Even if they were in higher classes she would do what she was ok with. She showed them no honor unless she thought they deserved it. She also goes against it with her love for Mr. Rochester. With her being in a lower class then him it was never heard of a master of the house and worker to love each other. In chapter 22 she said "it is only because our connection happens to be very transitory, and comes at a peculiarly mournful season, that u consent to render it so patient and compliant on my part." Shows how she thinks that even if they are in a higher class they should be treated equally.
ReplyDeleteDarrin Forrest
Although Jane and Mr. Rochester are from different class systems, the transcendental powers amongst their relationship are so abundant that the two of them simply do not care. Society has completely judged people by their social standing and class, therefore labeling Jane and Mr. Rochester as unequal's. The social restrictions do not seem to effect the connection that they share... On page (282) a section states, " which he used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think it too good for common purposes: it was the real sunshine of feeling- he shed it over me now." At this very moment Jane is talking about Mr. Rochester's smile and the effect that it has on her. He makes her feel wanted and important. So aside from him knowing her "unspoken thoughts", I feel it is more of just the strong connection that they have with one another. Therefore, although society tells them that it is wrong and places restrictions upon them, they still connect on a level that nobody understands, making their love seem out of this world.
ReplyDelete-Isaac Combs
Response to the second question
ReplyDeleteBronte challenges class systems by giving love to a lower class woman and a wealthy man. The way that Bronte truely challenges the class system is by making the reader understand society's faults with the upper class reasoned marriages. "I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons..."(Page 212). From this quote we see how the author questions certian social ques that seems completely out of the usual system.
Mr. Rochester and Jane come from different social classes Mr. Rochester obviously being wealthy and jane being the complete opposite. their love for each other is not as how people expected it to be, falling in love beacause of how rich either one is instead Jane and Rochester fell in love in the opposite view of society with each other the quote in chapter 22 " but he smoled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used on rare occasions." thus explaining that both Mr. Rochester and Jane have fallen in love for each other. and yes their love is special again because during their timeline it was considered normal to marry someone for their wealth and their social class not themselves
ReplyDeleteJaime Salas
Bronte challenges Englands class system in Janes relationship with Rochester. Traditionally, people from the same class have relationships with one another because that is what society tells them to do. People who dont follow that rule are seen as outcasts and are shunned by many of the people who actually follow these ways. In this situation Jane is the poor person and although she has been living in a wealthy environment for quite some time, she is still from a poor background. Rochester on the other hand is very wealthy and comes from a wealthy background. Jane does not care about the class system. She believes that personality and education should determine how a person is judged. Which is why she believes Miss Ingram and him did not belong together. She describes her in chapter 18 when she says "she had a fine person, many brilliant attainments; but her mind was poor..." So Jane challenges them being together since it is for all the wrong reasons, and she thinks her and Rochester should be together because they have actual chemistry and love.
ReplyDelete-Kayla Quintero
#2
ReplyDeleteThe way Charlotte Bronte challenges the social class system is by making someone of a lower-class, Jane, fall in love with someone of higher class, Mr. Rochester. Bronte uses the love they have for each other to challenge the class systems. Because there from two different classes, society does not approve on their love. Jane has many thoughts that were not normal for a woman to have in the victorian era.
Throughout this whole book, it is quite noticeable how the class system is formed and structured. In the very beginning of the book, it elaborates on how and why Mrs. Reed despises Jane Eyre, because of her low social and class status from her parents; that her mom married a poor man which is, in their eyes, truly immoral and sinful in a way. Jane Eyre isn’t a person who intends to conform to that norm of society during that epoch, she thinks it unjust to have such system but she only keeps these unorthodox beliefs to her own self. Even though she doesn’t fancy obeying these rules, she believes she has no other choice but to follow for she is one of those people who has a low class status. She (one of many examples) attempts to participate in her “role” (a role of a low class status) when she realizes she loves Mr. Rochester, “I thought: “he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine;-I am sure he is-… did I say, a few days since, that I had nothing to do with him but to receive my salary at his hands?” (37%). As she realizes she cannot be with such a man, she tries to avoid intimate contact with him, but the author- Charlotte Bronte- would steadily make the two be with each other’s company frequently and make it somewhat personal on every occasion. Mr. Rochester becomes fond of Jane, more and more, as the book progresses; more often he desires her company. Ignoring the fact that she is just a governess- who they are “detestable” according to Blanche Ingram- Jane is a person who is really close and intimate with The Master of Thornfield (closer than most) who shouldn’t interact because of the difference of Class, however this is clearly not the case, in other words, the class system is being challenged.
ReplyDelete-Adan Rivas
Bronte challenges the social ranks through Jane by making Jane's mindset different than the average England woman. Bronte has created a connection between Jane and Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester sees how different Jane is and is intrigued by this. Jane is aware of the fact that she is not a high class person, but is still infatuated with her wealthy employer. Jane does expect Mr. Rochester and Miss Ingram to get married because of their equal wealth but knows she is able to please him more than Miss Ingram. "This was the point- this was where the nerve was touched and teased- this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him." Miss Ingram is stunning and wealthy yet she cannot fufill Mr. Rochester's happiness. Jane is plain and is just part of the help at Thornfield, but she pleases Mr. Rochester and he seeks out for her company.
ReplyDeleteJane does not automatically bow down or believe a person has a beautiful soul because they own beautiful items. Basically Jane calls it like she sees it. Since she is from a lower class her views should never be thought and she should wait on the wealthy without any benefits. "... Mr. Eshton, observing me, seemed to purpose that I should be asked to join them; but Lady Ingram instantly negatived the notion. I heard her say she looks too stupid for any game of the sort." "She had, likewise, a fierce and hard eye; it reminded me of Mrs. Reeds's..." Jane is seen as beneath the rest of the guests by Mrs. Ingram, but Mrs. Ingram is similar to the cruel Mrs. Reed. Just because Mrs. Ingram has more money does not make her superior to Jane. Jane has more essence making her superior to Mrs. Ingram even though society would rule against it.
Celeste Molina
Brontë both challenges and does not challenge Englands class system through the character of Jane, by showing how strong the bond that her and Rochester have, but also that they can not be together, because of their class. Showing that love has no boundries, of what rank a person may be at. For example, on pg. 206, Rochester states, "My little friend!” said he, “I wish I were in a quiet island with only you; and trouble, and danger, and hideous recollections removed from me.”, to say this Rochester shows that he wishes to be with Jane, and just her, but because of how people thought back then, and how others would have thought or felt about a relationship like their's, society would not approve of it. In these forms Brontë challenges England class system by showing us a love that is not common, a love that is real and genuine, but also does not for the fact that Rochester can not be with Jane, because of societies standards.
ReplyDelete-Emily Sierra
During the Victorian Era, the England class system didn't allow the upper class like Mr. Rochester and the lower class like Jane to be in a relationship of any sort. So Bronte uses challenges the class system by having Mr. Rochester and Jane fall in love. By having people from opposite backgrounds fall in love, this allows the society to disapprove of the matter. For example, when Miss Ingram is first introduced to Jane, she is aware that Jane is in love with Mr. Rochester which causes Miss Ingram to make Jane jealous showing that She is with Mr. Rochester. By Jane stating that "she was very showy, but she was not genuine... her mind was poor, her heart barren by nature...she was not good; she was not original" it shows the true side of Miss Ingram and how even though she is wealthy, she is inferior to Jane. The class system then means nothing to Jane and allows her to continue her love for Mr. Rochester.
ReplyDelete-Savannah Ortivez
#2 Bronte challenges the social class system by making two lovers fall in love from different social classes. Which is frowned upon in England, it's like Bronte is going against and proving that there is really nothing wrong with two people falling in love in different social classes. Eyre and Mr. Rochester love goes past any England social class system, there is more to it than that. Bronte sees past that and challenges it through the use of these two characters in the book. In chapter 18 Jane gets jealous of how Blanche and Rochester flirt and she assumes he's going to marry her for nothing but the social class system. So that was the thing back then the social class was such a huge thing for marriage and Bronte goes against that.
ReplyDeleteThe only reason that Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship is surviving is because they are able to mask their relationship as Mr. Rochester shows his dominance over Jane on the sight of the public in this particular social practices, which displays that Jane only works for Mr. Rochester. They are a unique pair that stand out from other social restricted relationships because they truly share each other. "I have told you, reader, that I had learnt to love Mr. Rochester...Hours passed in his presence and he would never once turn his eyes in my direction....I saw he was going to marry her (Ms. Ingram), because of her rank and political reasons." Mr. Rochester is fighting against his true self, because he want to keep his image, which is very important to be remain successful in the era set in the story, although he truly is affectionate of Jane. Their relationship is so well hidden from public eyes, that it really remains as a relationship removed from the eyes of the world set by society.
ReplyDelete-Gustavo Pereda
During the time, the English class system was mainly to insure that high class will stay with high class, and vise versa with lower class. Since at the time it was the right thing to do, financially and spiritually wise, many would follow the rule wanting to or not... not many had a choice. As for Jane she waned to believe that although it was considered "a law to live by, or right" it really wasn't. In fact the situation would deeply bother her without her even realizing, causing her to slightly compare herself to Miss. Ingram , perhaps out of jealousy or perhaps out of spite. As in mentioned, (pg.182)"... in my position, could presume to be jealous of a woman of Miss. Ingram's . But I was not jealous: or very rarely" and "Ingram was a mark beneath jealousy: she was too inferior to excite the feeling...She was very slowly, but she was not genuine she had a fine person, many brilliant attainments; but her mind was poor...". Reason in why she had said this was because she didn't believe that Miss. Ingram and Mr. Rochester were right for other even thought financially they might have been. She trusted her feeling that classification by society didn't mean anything in the world of romance.
ReplyDelete-Eurydice Siqueiros
The affection between Jane and Mr. Rochester is kept hidden to the guests residing at Thornfield as this relationship would compromise Mr. Rochester's reputation in the upper class. The love they share is one of mutual respect for one another and understanding. They both are able to read each other's facial expressions and tone of voice very well which can be proven when Mr. Rochester is disguised as the gypsy. Jane is the only one out of the other women to be able to determine that it was him from having seen the ring on his finger from all the times they had been together. This form of love is greater than the one between Miss Ingram and Mr. Rochester, which seems like the only reason they are getting married is because that is what is expected of two high class people.
ReplyDelete-Michael Hipps
During 19th century England, people would get married based on the class system. The wealthy would marry other wealthy due to the fact that wealth provided security, good social status, and purpose, while the lower class of society had fewer options. People that had the same social status as Jane, didn't have luxuries of wealthy connection, abundance of time or perhaps the fortune of education to assist them in changing their socioeconomic status. Jane through her profession intermixed with the wealthy class, and her heart and soul didn't know the "rules" of society while her brain did. For example when she states..."It seemed to me that, were I a gentlemen like him, I would take to my bosom only such a wife as I could love; but the very obviousness of the advantages to the husband's own happiness by this plan convinced me that there must be arguments against its general adoption of which I was quite ignorant: otherwise I felt sure all the world would act as I wished to act."(pg212) This shows that Jane admits to her heart's ignorance and disagreement of the intentions of which people got married and wished to act differently. She loves Mr. Rochester, even though they are of different statuses. Jane sees them as equals, when society doesn't. As noted in the quote "...it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal--as we are!" (Pg291) I believe that Bronte does this with the character of Jane because she too challenged the idea of the class system when she got married to a man of lower class, despite her hesitation and father's disapproval. I feel that it is interesting that Bronte, made the choices that she made in her short 39 years of life, not only to challenge society through marriage, but also through written word that lasts forever. Bronte teaches readers to continue to challenge society, and not follow, but to think and feel for themselves. -Dominique Lopez
ReplyDeleteAt his party, Mr. Rochester bids Jane and Adele to join him and his guests. Jane is fairly content with being a part of the background, observing the upper class guests interact with each other. But when the subject changes to that of governesses, Miss Ingram says, "I have just one word to say about the whole tribe; they are a nuisance." Clearly most of the party has differing views on the subject, but Mrs. Dent is quick to point out that she is "a judge of physiognomy" and she sees in Jane "all the faults of her class." The entire party thinks of her as an inferior, when Jane has the best personality of the lot. Bronte challenges the class system through Jane because she characterizes Miss Ingram as "not genuine" and "not original". Miss Ingram is the representation of England's upper class and Bronte makes Jane the exact opposite. Jane is intelligent and holds her own opinions and can converse freely with Mr. Rochester. In the end, Jane is the one that has Mr. Rochester's affections, because for all the possessions and beauty Miss Ingram has, she doesn't have the sincerity that Jane has. Giving such different characteristics to Jane and Miss Ingram shows how huge the gap is between their social class. But it is Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester that challenges the social boundaries because they harbor deep feelings for each other despite their class.
ReplyDelete-Cristina Rodriguez
Bronte challenges society with Jane through the relation she has with Mr.rochester. Jane being poor and Mr.rochester being wealthy their romance isn't excepted. " I saw he was going to marry her for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love..." (pg.212) although Jane sees that she does not belong in his class and he is suppose to marry Ms.ingram , Mr.rochester and jane have love between them shown in chapter 22 " but he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used on rare occasions."
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, there is a connection between Jane and Mr. Rochester. She starts to develop feelings for him and Mr. Rochester also has something for Jane, but he knows that at his position in society he can not be seen with Jane, which is why he only speaks to her privately. Jane has never felt like in her life before and definitely feels an out-of-this-world connection to him.
ReplyDelete-Dominique Briddell
2. Bronte is challenging England’s class system by the affection that Jane and Mr. Rochester feel about each other. Mr. Rochester is a wealthy man who according to society he had to marry someone of his class; but he is falling for a governess such as Jane that belongs to the lowest point of the class system. Bronte challenges the class system of how this individuals don’t belong together do to their class. And according to what Bronte is saying in Jane’s character is that class should be found in personality and education not in wealth challenging the way of thought in that era.
ReplyDelete-Ailyn Flores
#2. Bronte is challenging England's class system through the character of Jane by putting two different classes together. Jane is a low class compare to Mr.Rochester. Mr.Rochester is a wealthy man who according to society he has to marry someone of his class; for example Miss Ingrams. A fine, showy and brilliant women. It's obvious that Miss ingram feels that she has a big chance with Mr.Rochester for being high class but that's not going to stop Jane she knew she would be marrying him. Jane says " If ever her dark and imperious eye tell on me by chance, would withdraw it instantly as from an object too mean to merit observation. I couldn't unlove him, because i felt sure he would soon marry this very lady" (pg.211) Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester challenges society.
ReplyDelete-Jennifer Arreola
Question #1
ReplyDeleteJane become upset when she hears that Rochester might go to Europe for a year. The prospect of Rochester's absence forces Jane to confront her true feelings for him more fully. When she was going back to Thornfield she was very glad to see him, "I am strangely glad to get back home to you; and where ever you are is my home - my only home." (Pg 181 Chp.22) Jane's emotion comes from her belief that her social position will make it impossible for Rochester to love her. She senses a connection so deep and she is well aware that the relationship cuts across social boundaries. Even though society says that their love can not be and that he will marry Ms. Ingram, their bond remains and they mask their relationship.
- Kimberly Gibson
I find that the way Mr. Rochester and Jane have developed a connection that is unquestionable despite their backgrounds not only challenges England's class system through the character of Jane, but it also represents how Jane and her "master" Mr. Rochester defy their world of reality when they're with each other. Although it would be very much looked down upon if they were ever to be together, they both can not seem to be without each other and only grow closer as they are in each others company which defies social restrictions and takes them to a world of their own where they can be themselves and speak freely of how they feel whether it just be as companions for right now. Blanche Ingram is suitable for Rochester, and Jane knows that, she is also aware that with her low social standing it would be impossible for her to marry a man such as him. However, Jane believes that she can love and make him content compared to Blanche who does not have the same connection to Rochester as Jane does. It is not just Jane who wishes to love openly, but Rochester does too, his past just restricts him from doing so and keeps him from admitting to Jane how he feels towards her. On page 222 Jane expresses how she truly feels about why people should marry. "...I had thought him a man unlikely to be influenced by motives so commonplace in his choice of a wife; but 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 ideas and principles instilled into them, doubtless, from their childhood... were I a gentleman like him, I would take to my bosom only such a wife as I could love..." She then contradicts her last words and realizes that some people like Rochester just don't have the choice of choosing just anyone to marry because of the life they were born into which consists of social restraints and limits. The challenge here is though that Jane wants the social class to not matter so she can be with him and love him without scrutiny from others.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Nunez
No doubt Charlotte Bronte is challenging England's class system. In these chapters I have read there are several pieces of evidence to support this. For instance her current relationship with Mr. Rochester demonstrate this. Mr. Rochester is a wealthy high class man. Instead of associating himself with another women of the same stature he chooses to associate himself with Jane which at the time, would be highly frowned upon. The fact that this book is told in first person really emphasizes the views of Charlotte Bronte. Jane first experiences the negative effects of class structure when she is at Gateshead Hall and is horribly mistreated by John Reed. He informs her that she is an orphan with no money and he tries to show how low of a person she is and how he is superior to her. Also, the way Jane is setup as a character also challenges the the class system. Jane seeks freedom and adventure she finds the need to belong somewhere. This behavior in a woman at this time period would have been unacceptable. Charlotte Brontë may have created the character of Jane Eyre as a means of coming to terms with elements of her own life. I have done some more research on the author to back up this post and much evidence suggests that Charlotte Bronte also struggled to find a balance between love and freedom and to find others who understood her. At many points in the book, Jane voices the Charlotte Bronte's opinions on religion, social class, and gender.
ReplyDelete~Joshua Ascencio
#2
ReplyDeleteBronte is definitely challenging England’s class system with the character of Jane. Jane’s love for Mr. Rochester defies the class system simply because they are not equal to the eye of society. England’s class system views it morally wrong to be in love with your employer and a lower class. Bronte obviously doesn’t believe in the class system because she made Jane and Mr. Rochester love each other. Bronte is also saying that love can’t be stopped by a class system because Jane and Mr. Rochester eventually defy society and fall in love with each other. Mr. Rochester has to hide his love for Jane because of the class system. “ so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening.” (pg. 206) Jane and Bronte disagree with the class system which is why Jane continues to love Mr. Rochester after basically being told I don’t want to be seen with you. This is how Bronte challenges England’s class system.
-Matthew Foley
Bronte challenges England's class system though Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship. During the 19th century social norm was the rich to stay with the rich and vice versa for the poor very similar to The Great Gatsby quote "Rich girls don't marry poor boys." This was a very heavily enforced social norm during this time which Jane knew that Mr. Rochester must be with Miss Ingram but not for love only for class as she stated "I saw he was going to marry her for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love." Yet in secret Mr. Rochester chose Jane to fall in love with defying society's views on class mixed with marriage. Though Mr. Rochester did eventually tell Jane he must not be seen with her Jane choose to defy this and continue her pursuit for love.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Bronte defies the old caste system in this masterful representation of a character that defies all expectations of women in the 19th century by characterizing Jane Eyre as a woman with a fierce passion for justice and an artful mind beyond most people's ability to express.The character Jane Eyre holds a number of relationships that exceed social expectations , chiefly her relationship of near intimacy with Mr.Rochester, the owner of the Thornfield estate. One instance of Jane's extraordinary standards for justice and self respect is when she righteously denounces the wicked succubus Mrs.Reed, stating,"I am glad you are no relation of mine: I will never all you aunt again as long as I live.-The very thought of you makes me sick-You think I have no feelings, and that I can do without one bit of love or kindness; but I cannot live so: and you have no pity.-"Jane attacks Mrs.Reed in this instance, for the first time finding her voice against social inequality, and setting a foundation for her audacious personality throughout the novel.
ReplyDelete2. Bronte challenges England’s class system by developing Jane’s character to be a bit daring. Jane forms opinions on people based on their character and her experiences with them, rather than simply looking at the class. In chapter 18, Jane states, “I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connections suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill-adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point—this was where the nerve was touched and teased—this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him" (pg 215). She was able to see that Mr. Rochester and Miss Ingram were ready to jump into “marriage” without love, mainly because they were in similar classes and was not impressed. Yet, their “engagement” was more approved than Jane and Mr. Rochester’s strong connection.
ReplyDelete-Victoria Gonzalez
Bronte challenges the restrictions of the social class system in England and creates problematic situations and events in the novel to highlight the social pressures of conformity inflicted during this time. She is cleverly pushing the boundaries created both for women and the lower classes by creating a character that stereotypically is in opposition to the norm. Jane, however, does not break every social rule as she refuses to marry Mr Rochester when she finds out the truth about his marriage.
ReplyDeleteIsaac Dominguez H.
Bronte brilliantly challenges England's class system through the character of Jane by creating her to be quite the rebel in her time and era. Throughout the book, you see the way females ought to conversate in public view, the correct forms of etiquette, and the proper way to be in the eyes of society. , we can conclude from the chapter sixteen that Jane's character is quite different from the forms of etiquette--outspoken and rather capricious--I mean, the reader does not know what to expect from her other than her boldness! "...I had reason to congratulate myself on the course of wholesome discipline...my feelings to submit...had they found me unprepared, I should probably have been unequal to maintain, even externally." (Chapter 16, Page 182) By this thought from Jane, it's her thanking the strict forces and lessons she was taught back at Lowood, because without it, she would have pulled another Aunt Reed incident and exploded! This right here grasps the reader's attention, and shows how Bronte not only confronts an opposition in Jane's refusal of femininity, but Bronte simply packs all of what NOT to do in a small child to a grown woman! By doing so, we can see the differences of the other women Jane Eyre interacts with throughout the book, and to compare their forms of femininity to the main character. This, is how Bronte challenges England's class system.
ReplyDelete- Tehvanee Tuialu'ulu'u
Question 2:
ReplyDeleteJane was created in a time where questioning the way the world treated and looked at women was becoming a worldly movement. Jane though very challenging as a speaker never was made out to be unruly. Unlike the women of the time she spoke her mind so freely and at the time it would have been frowned upon highly. Yet due to Jane's free tongue Rochester loves her more for it and falls deeper into her. "'Do you doubt me, Jane?' 'Entirely.' 'You have no faith in me?' 'Not a whit.'" though she ought to have had faith as a woman Jane spoke her true feelings as a person. This challenged the entire idea of how women could speak and understood.
Jane and Mr. Rochester were distinctly different in ways of social class. Although they have this social barrier Jane still senses this vibe from him. She feels as if they have this special connection. For example when Jane says he can "read my unspoken thoughts" She makes the reader start to realize that she is truly gaining feelings for this man. She thinks that he is able to read her like a book. Bronte portrays Jane as a woman who is outspoken and who is questioning the typical way a woman should be looked at during this time period. Jane due to her outspoken nature is even at one point labeled as a liar due to her questioning her teachers view. Blanche portrays Jane as a woman who is in charge of her own destiny and a woman who also will not conform to society rules.
ReplyDeleteJane and Rochester have the universal "forbidden love " tragedy. Mr. Rochester is a man of wealth while Jane is a socially isolated poor orphan. Their relationship shouldve only been of employee and employer but as they started to confide in each other magic began to spark. In no time Jane's loyalty is proven and Mr.Rochester himself begins to develop feelings for Jane."Jane, you offered me your shoulder once before; let me have it now... My little friend, I wish I were in a quiet island only with you..." This quote proves Mr.Rochesters affection and feelings for Jane. However the class system would never allow such a couple, therefore washing away the magic and creating forbidden love.
ReplyDelete-Kathleen Rivera
#2
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Brontë Has made Jane Eyre define the laws of English society. She would be considered a poor person because of the fact she has no money from any line in her family. Though she is very well educated, up there with the rich folk of society. Jane has beat the odds and is considered middle class because of her education.
-Zulema Pena
#2
ReplyDeleteBronte challenges the English class system with her character Jane's growing love for her employer Mr. Rochester. Though Jane knows she cannot love him and wishes not too, she cannot find a way to resist her feelings for him. During this era in England, someone in the high class that Mr. Rochester Is in would never even be imagined to marry someone like Jane, seen as having low status. Luckily though Mr. Rochester seemingly feels the same way as she does "...but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish... Good-night, my -' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me." On page 206 he cannot act upon the obvious feelings he has for her due to the restrictions in place dude to the class differences. Jane is simply a lowly governess, while he is a Nobel of England. While they both seem to feel love and affection for one another, no good can come of their relationship. In this era of classes they live in, their love would be crushed and destroyed under the immense boundaries society has set up.
Sebastian Burns
Jane characterizes the relationship between her and Mr. Rochester as something she finds beauty in, despite its plainness. Jane goes into her description of Mr. Rochester as: "My master's colourless, olive face. square, massive brow, broad and jetty eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features, firm, grim mouth-all energy, decision, will- were not beautiful, according to the rule; but they were more than beautiful to me..." (pg. 198) Jane is drawn by the way Mr. Rochester's plainness can entice and intrigue her, only because she knows it's him. In the same way that Mr. Rochester can make her open herself up to him, and yet, can say or draw in what Jane thinks, verbally or nonverbally. Because he hasn't so much as given a reason not to trust him to do so, so she feels more comfortable with him; which is something she is not accustomed to because of her class.
ReplyDelete-Destin Scott