Relationship between Jane and Rochester in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre
The relationship between Jane and Rochester, in Jane Eyre is an intriguing, captivating and unconventional one, right from their first meeting. Throughout the novel, Bronte conveys the struggles in which Jane is faced with, in order to have a genuine loving and equal relationship with Rochester, without betraying her own personal beliefs and principles. Also the issues of social class standing, social rules, gender roles and religion in the nineteenth century Victorian culture present as obstacles to Jane in her quest. Jane finds a companion in Rochester who can offer her the love, acceptance and sense of belonging she so yearns for. However Jane must find a way around the issues I have presented, which are a result of Victorian attitudes in society during the nineteenth century,
In order to further explore the issues I have outlined above, we must first consider historical context behind this novel, and gain a deeper insight into the time in which it was set and published. It is important to realise the unspoken rules of society in the nineteenth century, and the societal view around social class, gender roles and religion during this era. During this period of time different social classes were set in place, based on a variety of factors including power, wealth, education, and living conditions. These were the working class; the least superior of society, and the middle and upper classes. The upper class were usually titled and made up of the wealthiest ‘ladies’ and ‘gentlemen’ of society. The working class generally served the upper and middle classes in roles such as servants, maids and valets. Relationships other than professional ones, between classes, would not be highly regarded by society or a common occurrence at all. This is why class difference was a major obstacle in the romantic relationship that blossomed between Jane and Rochester.
As the governess at Thornfield Hall, the position of Jane’s social class could be seen as rather ambiguous in the
In order to further explore the issues I have outlined above, we must first consider historical context behind this novel, and gain a deeper insight into the time in which it was set and published. It is important to realise the unspoken rules of society in the nineteenth century, and the societal view around social class, gender roles and religion during this era. During this period of time different social classes were set in place, based on a variety of factors including power, wealth, education, and living conditions. These were the working class; the least superior of society, and the middle and upper classes. The upper class were usually titled and made up of the wealthiest ‘ladies’ and ‘gentlemen’ of society. The working class generally served the upper and middle classes in roles such as servants, maids and valets. Relationships other than professional ones, between classes, would not be highly regarded by society or a common occurrence at all. This is why class difference was a major obstacle in the romantic relationship that blossomed between Jane and Rochester.
As the governess at Thornfield Hall, the position of Jane’s social class could be seen as rather ambiguous in the