One of the most interesting changes in Jane’s life is how she becomes independent. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre depicts that independence can only be gained through money and solitude. When I think of this, I think it's true. Jane does receive her independence through this process. She leaves to have a time of solitude and after a while, she inherits money. Bronte clearly writes how these factors can lead to independence.
After she leaves Thornfield, Jane actually learns that life can be harsh. Jane lives the life she could have had with her deceased family. Jane describes her life as hell: " Nature seemed to me benign and good; I thought she loved me, outcast as I was; and I, who from man could anticipate only mistrust, rejection, insult, clung to her with filial fondness."(329). What good is a life if people think of you as an abominable person? This is what Jane asks after awhile of solitude. In my experiences in life, I can see how Jane sees that her life is worthless and meaningless now. I asked myself the same question in some point in my life. I said that life puts you out in the open and in the wild to learn to take care of yourself. This is the way to independence. Jane is learning the answer to this question while she was in poverty.
Bronte writes about how Jane inherits twenty thousand pounds as her uncle dies. Bronte also metaphorically states that your place in society was marked by how much money you have. Jane is ignored by many when she searches for a new life because she doesn't have anything. She is then given a new start after she learns that her uncle has died.Mr. Rochester and St. John also refer to money as a way to gain independence. St. John says, "Your own fortune will make you independent of the Society's aid; and thus you may still be spared the dishonour of breaking your promise and deserting the band you engaged to join"(421). Even Mr. Rochester has a conversation with Jane about how she became independent:
"'No, sir! I am an independent woman now.'
'Independent! What do you mean, Jane?'
'My uncle in Madeira is dead, and he left me five thousand pounds.'
'Ah! this is practical--this is real!' he cried: 'I should never dream that. Besides, there is that peculiar voice of hers, so animating and piquant, as well as soft: it cheers my withered heart; it puts life into it.--What, Janet! Are you an independent woman? A rich woman?'"(442)
These are examples of how money is depicted as a factor of independence. But even in modern times, money still illustrates how high in society are you. Ale in her blog, You got what you wished for Jane, says, “She doesn’t have to live in someone else’s house, and depend on someone else’s money. Jane has her own school and a small apartment, but even though Jane is independent; she has now found happiness." To me, that says that Ale believes that money does make a person independent.
The biggest question is: how does these factors work? The answer is that they are sufficient and necessary conditions.What I mean is that one can't live without the other. Money is necessary to become independent. For example, a rich person has people doing all his jobs. Technically, he is not independent. He doesn't not know how to live by himself and therefore it is not sufficient. Solitude woks the same way. In order to be independent, you have to learn how to take care of yourself. In order to do that, you have to have money. Therefore, you need both to be independent.
In the end, it all works out. I will agree when Angelica says, "Over the years she has become independent and has control over her own life. She has grown morally and I believe she is now ready to marry"(Things do happen for a reason). She definitely grew up to be an independent person. There were also little factors like faith that made her who she was. In Marcus' blog, Time to break free, he states, "I believed it happened by faith that Jane finally gets married to Mr. Rochester, but that faith was influenced by Jane's will to find her true self and gain her independence from the normal society." He was right about this. It was Jane's will that made her keep on going when she was down and her luck and faith that she became rich.
Showing posts with label jane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jane. Show all posts
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Surprise
Happy Family
(Title: erdinand Schröder mit Familie Artist:unknown copyright:Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Germany License. Website:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-2006-0207,_Ferdinand_Schr%C3%B6der_mit_Familie.jpg)
"'Jane, I will be your brother--my sisters will be your sisters-- without stipulating for this sacrifice of your just rights.'" (394)(St. John)
"'Brother? Yes; at the distance of a thousand leagues! Sisters?'" (394)(Jane Eyre)
Jane has a new family. At last she has found people who are related to her. St. John reveals himself as St. John Eyre Rivers. This meant that they are related as cousins because both of their uncles were Uncle John. Jane feels that she has found the family she wanted. This is not the only thing that happens. She finds out that Uncle John dies and has left her 20,000 pounds. She actually splits the money with her relatives. This is another act that adds another aspect to Jane's character. She shows that money isn't everything and that family is more important. That is why she splits the money with her family.
Family
"It seemed I had found a brother: one I could be proud of,-one I could love: and two sisters, whose qualities were such, that, when I knew them but as mere strangers, they had inspired me with genuine affection and admiration." (391)
At this point Jane has found out that she has a family. St. John, Diana and Mary are her cousins. Jane's uncle John left her twenty thousand pounds after he passed away. Jane Eyre was willing to share her money and give each five thousand. Jane never really had a real family. She was willing to start a family with Mr.Rochester but he broke her heart. So her dreams of starting a family were ruined. After she left from Thornfield she was homeless then ended up meeting St. John, Diana and Mary. At first she was hiding her identity from them and had no clue that they were her family. St. John found out that she was Jane Eyre and that they were family.
When Jane Eyre was little she lived with her uncle's wife. Before Jane's uncle died he asked his wife to promise to take care of Jane. She treated Jane like she was nothing. Jane had a bad childhood. Now I think that Jane should let the past be the past and move on. Even though she didn't have a family growing up it shouldn't affect her in any way because now she has a true family. Below is a link to a picture which is of a road. This represents that Jane should move on with her life.
Future tense
By: kevindooley
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/4114167117/
At this point Jane has found out that she has a family. St. John, Diana and Mary are her cousins. Jane's uncle John left her twenty thousand pounds after he passed away. Jane Eyre was willing to share her money and give each five thousand. Jane never really had a real family. She was willing to start a family with Mr.Rochester but he broke her heart. So her dreams of starting a family were ruined. After she left from Thornfield she was homeless then ended up meeting St. John, Diana and Mary. At first she was hiding her identity from them and had no clue that they were her family. St. John found out that she was Jane Eyre and that they were family.
When Jane Eyre was little she lived with her uncle's wife. Before Jane's uncle died he asked his wife to promise to take care of Jane. She treated Jane like she was nothing. Jane had a bad childhood. Now I think that Jane should let the past be the past and move on. Even though she didn't have a family growing up it shouldn't affect her in any way because now she has a true family. Below is a link to a picture which is of a road. This represents that Jane should move on with her life.
Future tense
By: kevindooley
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/4114167117/
Patience, the key for love to find you
"I have been married ten years. I know what it is to live entirely for and with what i love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blest--blest beyond what language can express; because I am my husband's life as fully as he is mine." (459)
Jane is talking to us here, she is trying to send a message to realize that if your patient you will find your one true love. She waiting so long for this moment. Since she was a little kid she didn't have any love from her aunt. But she was still patient. When she was a grown woman she met Mr.Rochester. She found out he was married and thought that if she wasn't going to be his wife then she waasn't going to be happy. When she left she met St. John who wanted to marry her. But again she was patient and didn't marry him because they weren't in love with each other. After all of this she still tried to keep her head up. She got 20,000 pounds from her uncle. And after this she found Mr.Rochester and this time Grace Poole was dead after an accident. So now they could get married with nothing to hide from each other. This time shes's in love and there no one that can take that from her.
You'll find this blog simliar to Otilio's No Compromises. Here you will find how Jane mad eno compromises until she was in love with nothing to hold her back.
Jane is talking to us here, she is trying to send a message to realize that if your patient you will find your one true love. She waiting so long for this moment. Since she was a little kid she didn't have any love from her aunt. But she was still patient. When she was a grown woman she met Mr.Rochester. She found out he was married and thought that if she wasn't going to be his wife then she waasn't going to be happy. When she left she met St. John who wanted to marry her. But again she was patient and didn't marry him because they weren't in love with each other. After all of this she still tried to keep her head up. She got 20,000 pounds from her uncle. And after this she found Mr.Rochester and this time Grace Poole was dead after an accident. So now they could get married with nothing to hide from each other. This time shes's in love and there no one that can take that from her.
You'll find this blog simliar to Otilio's No Compromises. Here you will find how Jane mad eno compromises until she was in love with nothing to hold her back.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Rejections of Loneliness
"Not a tie holds me to human society at this moment--Not a charm or hope calls me where my fellow-creature are--none that saw me would have a kind thought or good wish for me. I have no relative but the universal mother, Nature: I will seek her breast and ask repose"(328)
There comes a moment in everyone's life where they feel that everyone is against them. Jane feels this after leaving Mr. Rochester's estates because of the marriage incident. Jane believes that leaving is the only way that she can escape her problems and be free, but even after leaving, it seems that everyone she encounters on her journey as a vagabond, knows her problems and are rejecting to give her aid. Jane is forced to starve for 2 days and live in the living room of nature. Jane becomes a beggar, which you can almost compare to a homeless person, by the way she is rejected by the people she asks for aid. Now she didn't leave her house because of financial problems, but she is forced to live on the streets and beg for food. Even though she was still well dressed and didn't look like a homeless, she was still rejected, such as how many homeless are when they ask for money or food. This is when the feelings of loneliness and rejection from the people of the world are felt. If you are homeless, you feel the only thing you have to cling on to is mother nature, which is exactly how Jane feels.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Don't Run
Some time in the afternoon I raised my head, and looking round and seeing the western sun gilding the sign of its decline on the wall, I asked, "What am I to do?" But the answer my mind gave--"Leave Thornfield at once"-- was so prompt, so dread, that I stopped my ears: I said, I could not bear such words now. (302)
Jane has now found out about Mr. Rochester's first marriage. Jane is filled with confusion and sadness; she has no idea what to do. We all know that Jane decided to run away, but was this really the best option for Jane? I believe that Jane should not have run away from Thornfield. Yes, Mr. Rochester did Jane wrong, but I don't believe that she should have run away. Jane should have faced her fears and consequences another way.
Jane has now found out about Mr. Rochester's first marriage. Jane is filled with confusion and sadness; she has no idea what to do. We all know that Jane decided to run away, but was this really the best option for Jane? I believe that Jane should not have run away from Thornfield. Yes, Mr. Rochester did Jane wrong, but I don't believe that she should have run away. Jane should have faced her fears and consequences another way.
By leaving, Jane only inflicted more pain on herself. She left with absolutely nothing; no money, no place to go, and it seems to me with no state of mind. I believe that Jane should have looked over the situation once more. Mr. Rochester was married, but does Jane realize the circumstances. It seems to me that Jane did not think of the consequences of her future before she left Thornfield. Her main goal was only too run away from the challenges that were brought forth to her, and that is where I think she made the wrong choice. Like Adolf said, " You should, when leaving, make sure that you have all the resources necessary to leave that way you do not end up like a vagabond or bum like Jane." Jane did not do this. Jane made a rather bizare choice by leaving without anything, which could have killed her, but thankfully it didn't. Jane really needs to take a moment and think before she chooses what road to take; If not she could really be in for some trouble.
Homeless
“A weakness, beginning inwardly , extending to the limbs seized me, and I fell: I lay on the ground some minutes, pressing my face to the wet turf. I had some fear-or hope-that here I should die: but I was soon up; crawling forwards on my hands and knees, and then again raised to my feet-as eager and as determined as ever to reach the road.” (327)
In my opinion homeless people must struggle with this all the time. They must constantly fight with themselves; one half urges to shrivel up and die, and the other to get back up and fight for life. Like my classmate Ana said "Jane has now degraded herself ;she use to have a job and earn money now she has hit rock bottom. She has sunk into some kind of depression." Jane has hit rock bottom. But she still struggles to climb out and get back to the top. How strong their will must be to get up everyday and beg for anything knowing that they will most likely get nothing. The shame they must experience everyday when they beg; it must be unbearable. Willing to do any work that comes their way, but no work comes their way because of their appearance. They can't even hope to improve their appearance because they lack the proper resources to do it. They do anything they can to try and make a living, but poverty is a nearly unbreakable bond. People judge you from what they see, and if you come from poverty thats what they see. They don't see your willingness to do anything to leave it or or drive or determination. Here is a link to one of Pablo Picasso's paintings. It shows a poor man doing the only thing he can to make a living; he is playing a guitar. He finds enough strength to get up and try to live. Despite how shriveled and starved he is, despite how the weather has beaten and tortured him. Regardless of how hopeless his situation is, he somehow finds the strength to get back up and fight for every last breath, every last bite of food and drink of water. That is true strength, and Jane shows her true strength in the quote above. Despite how much easier it would be for her to just give up and die, she fights on. But just like so many homeless people today Jane can't hope her situation will get better, because she knows that it most likely won't. Yet, even though she knows this she continues her efforts, never giving up.
In my opinion homeless people must struggle with this all the time. They must constantly fight with themselves; one half urges to shrivel up and die, and the other to get back up and fight for life. Like my classmate Ana said "Jane has now degraded herself ;she use to have a job and earn money now she has hit rock bottom. She has sunk into some kind of depression." Jane has hit rock bottom. But she still struggles to climb out and get back to the top. How strong their will must be to get up everyday and beg for anything knowing that they will most likely get nothing. The shame they must experience everyday when they beg; it must be unbearable. Willing to do any work that comes their way, but no work comes their way because of their appearance. They can't even hope to improve their appearance because they lack the proper resources to do it. They do anything they can to try and make a living, but poverty is a nearly unbreakable bond. People judge you from what they see, and if you come from poverty thats what they see. They don't see your willingness to do anything to leave it or or drive or determination. Here is a link to one of Pablo Picasso's paintings. It shows a poor man doing the only thing he can to make a living; he is playing a guitar. He finds enough strength to get up and try to live. Despite how shriveled and starved he is, despite how the weather has beaten and tortured him. Regardless of how hopeless his situation is, he somehow finds the strength to get back up and fight for every last breath, every last bite of food and drink of water. That is true strength, and Jane shows her true strength in the quote above. Despite how much easier it would be for her to just give up and die, she fights on. But just like so many homeless people today Jane can't hope her situation will get better, because she knows that it most likely won't. Yet, even though she knows this she continues her efforts, never giving up.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Let Go
"One instant, Jane. Give one glance to my horrible life when you are gone. All happiness will be torn away with you. What then is left? For a wife I have but the maniac upstairs: as well might you refer me to some corpse in yonder churchyard. What shall I do, Jane? Where turn for a companion, and for some hope?"(321)
At this point Jane has found out the Mr. Rochester is married to Bertha Mason. She doesn't know what to do. Mr. Rochester had shown that he loved her and was willing to get married with Jane. But, could all of what he said have been a lie. If he knew that he was already married why would he want to hurt Jane. She would have found out about this sooner or later. Mr. Rochester is saying that if Jane walks out of his life now then he will be miserable. If his intentions weren't to hurt Jane, why would he have done this? What Mr. Rochester did was a horrible thing. He could have told Jane that he really did love her but he was already married to someone he didn't even like, it was an arranged marriage.
Now Jane is confused as to what she should do. Should she escape and run from all her troubles? Should she forgive Mr. Rochester? It is clear that Jane fell in love with Mr. Rochester. But, Jane has no one in her life. Mr. Rochester was the only person she had. She may consider herself a fool for falling in love. Now, I think that she won't ever fall in love again because she may be scared that something like this could happen again. Even though it may be hard to forget about Mr. Rochester, the right thing could be to let go.
Let go
By:[nati]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/natita2/2515513630/
At this point Jane has found out the Mr. Rochester is married to Bertha Mason. She doesn't know what to do. Mr. Rochester had shown that he loved her and was willing to get married with Jane. But, could all of what he said have been a lie. If he knew that he was already married why would he want to hurt Jane. She would have found out about this sooner or later. Mr. Rochester is saying that if Jane walks out of his life now then he will be miserable. If his intentions weren't to hurt Jane, why would he have done this? What Mr. Rochester did was a horrible thing. He could have told Jane that he really did love her but he was already married to someone he didn't even like, it was an arranged marriage.
Now Jane is confused as to what she should do. Should she escape and run from all her troubles? Should she forgive Mr. Rochester? It is clear that Jane fell in love with Mr. Rochester. But, Jane has no one in her life. Mr. Rochester was the only person she had. She may consider herself a fool for falling in love. Now, I think that she won't ever fall in love again because she may be scared that something like this could happen again. Even though it may be hard to forget about Mr. Rochester, the right thing could be to let go.
Let go
By:[nati]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/natita2/2515513630/
Can love cure deceit?
"Little Jane's love would have been my best reward," he answered:"without it, my heart is broken. But Jane will give me her love: yes--nobly, generously."
Up the blood rushed to his face; forth flashed the fire from his eyes; erect he sprang; he held his arms out; but I evaded the embrace, and at once quitted the room.
"Farewell!" was the cry of my heart as I left him. Despair added,"Farewell, for ever!"(324)
Jane is in love with Mr.Rochester, as he is with her. However, she can't be with him for this treacherous deceit. Deceit as defined by Dictionary.com is "the act or practice of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading; duplicity; fraud; cheating". This is exactly what Mr.Rochester did. He lied to Jane, but is he justified for his actions?
Most people think that Jane shouldn't forgive Mr.Rochester. Though his cause was okay the truth shall set us free. His legal wife is not fit to be married. She has a disease. However, he is such a good person that he didn't want to put her in an insane asylum. In this time period people in insane asylums were tortured. Though his wife should be in some mental hospital:she didn't deserve to be tortured. So if that isn't justified enough he was also freeing Jane from the burden of knowledge.
Mr.Rochester's actions were selfish, but wouldn't Jane be happy with him? He knew if she knew the truth she wouldn't marry him. He was being deceitful; he purposely tricked Jane. However, had he not, Jane wouldn't even come close to feeling the love she felt for him. Though she was tricked and lied to, she was also given true happiness.
In the end it seems that even though Mr.Rochester's actions are justified:love wasn't enough. Jane loves him: Jane can forgive him, but she will not stay with him. Love can cure many things but honesty unfortunately comes first. Like in the web link below and Sophocles agree. Honesty is number one.
http://writingjunkie.net/honesty.jpg
Mr. Rochester and The Black Gates
(Photographer: Gwinva, Title: Iron yett Blackness Castle, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iron_yett_Blackness_Castle.jpg)
"'Sir, your wife is living: that is a fact acknowledged this morning by yourself. If I lived with you as you desire, I should then be your mistress: to say otherwise is sophistical--is false.'" (Jane)(309)
"It gazed and gazed on me. It spoke to my spirit: immeasurably distant was the tone, yet so near, it whispered in my heart - (Jane)
'My daughter, flee temptation.' (Jane's mother)
'Mother, I will.' (Jane)
So I answered after I had waked from the trance-like dream." (Jane)(325)
“The great gates were closed and locked; but a wicket in one of them was only latched. Through that I departed:it, too,I shut; and now I was out of Thornfield.” (Jane)(326)
Mr. Rochester is an evil person. He tries to marry Jane while he is currently married to Bertha Mason. This could have sabotaged Jane's future. If Jane would have married this guy she would not be his wife but a concubine. The only thing that is worse is that Jane was sucked in by his lies and fell for him without taking caution. This makes Jane look like a fool for falling into something she could have investigated. There is the chance that Mr. Rochester could have divorced Bertha, but he cares more about his ego and what people would think of him if he divorced Bertha. If he really did care for Jane, he would have divorced Bertha, explain to Jane about his past with Bertha, and ask Jane's hand in marriage. If things went more like this, Jane would have most likely married Mr. Rochester, but instead Mr. Rochester has to lie his way into marriage. Jane you did the right thing when you ran away from Thornfield.
Eduardo's blog, Can love cure deceit?, talks about how love can overcome hardships. I agree with this statement but there is a line to which love cannot overcome difficult hardships. The situation of Jane and Mr. Rochester crosses that line. I don't think love can solve this problem.
There is also a symbol in the book. The gates in which Jane opens to leave Thornfiled is a symbol. She destroys her life at Thornfield and creates a new life. The gates are the threshold to a new world. She is skeptical at first because Jane realizes that once she steps out there is no turning back. Jane leaves after she dreams about her mother telling her to leave.
Friday, November 13, 2009
"From a seed to a plant"
Jane I feel that you have blossomed into a mature young lady. You have learned to forgive and leave your past behind. Even though what your aunt did to you when you were younger and even just a few years ago has not stopped you from being the bigger and better person. Lowood has shaped your perspective about your attitude and life that has brought you to a higher level. You have realized that wealth and status has brought the Reeds family to witness destruction. Just take a look at your cousins who you once lived with, they are all having a rough time because they let wealth and status determine their future. Even though you were claimed to have had the lowest status at Gateshead Hall you are now in first place against the Reeds. I honor your gratitude and sympathy towards your aunt because she was a ruffian towards you even though you were just a young child, ready to explore. Most people in the 21st century would take advantage of this moment by taking revenge on her for the evil acts that she presented upon you. I think most of your attitude has to be related to your religious factor with the way you act. Mrs. Reed is not fit to be a mother, she didn't even raised her on children, she left that major duty up to the servants and the money which lead them all to corruption. Jane we really need more people with that type of attitude to set a good example of how people should perform in certain situations like yours. i can honestly say that your killing Mrs. Reed with kindness.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelbest/2198340937/
http://images.easyart.com/i/prints/rw/en_easyart/lg/3/0/Young-Woman-on-her-Death-Bed-1621-Flemish-School-301442.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelbest/2198340937/
http://images.easyart.com/i/prints/rw/en_easyart/lg/3/0/Young-Woman-on-her-Death-Bed-1621-Flemish-School-301442.jpg
Reality
"As I rose and dressed, I thought over what had happened, and wondered if it were a dream. I could not be certain of the reality till I had seen Mr. Rochester again, and heard him renew his words of love and promise."(261)
Jane Eyre still can't believe what has happened between her and Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester has proposed to her. Since, she has never been in love before everything is new to her. She can't distinguish between reality and dreams. I think that to her love is a dream. Jane Eyre needs to understand that it was no dream. She has confessed her love to Mr. Rochester. Even though the chestnut tree split in half it doesn't mean things aren't meant to be. Signs like the chestnut tree shouldn't mean anything to her. As long as she is happy then everything else is good. I'm sure that Jane never thought this day would come or something like this would happen. I think she has dreamt of this day. Her dreams have finally come true.
Reality is real and dreams aren't. I think dreams are something that you might or might not want to happen in real life. Reality is something that just happens in real life. Dreams are something that you can control and reality is something you can't control. Sometimes you want your dreams to become reality.
In the picture below the flower repesents love which to Jane Eyre is a dream. The surrounding area is also a dream. So like the title says it's a dream within a dream.
A Dream within a Dream..
By: lil_miss_whit
Jane Eyre still can't believe what has happened between her and Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester has proposed to her. Since, she has never been in love before everything is new to her. She can't distinguish between reality and dreams. I think that to her love is a dream. Jane Eyre needs to understand that it was no dream. She has confessed her love to Mr. Rochester. Even though the chestnut tree split in half it doesn't mean things aren't meant to be. Signs like the chestnut tree shouldn't mean anything to her. As long as she is happy then everything else is good. I'm sure that Jane never thought this day would come or something like this would happen. I think she has dreamt of this day. Her dreams have finally come true.
Reality is real and dreams aren't. I think dreams are something that you might or might not want to happen in real life. Reality is something that just happens in real life. Dreams are something that you can control and reality is something you can't control. Sometimes you want your dreams to become reality.
In the picture below the flower repesents love which to Jane Eyre is a dream. The surrounding area is also a dream. So like the title says it's a dream within a dream.
A Dream within a Dream..
By: lil_miss_whit
The mark of a new beginning and possibly the end
Jane has been exposed to happiness recently, Mr. Rochester has proposed Jane to marry him. Jane has accepted to marry Mr. Rochester, but at first she thought that he was mocking her. She was very cautious in the fact, of not letting herself get over excited. Jane went from anger toward Mr. Rochester to excepting Mr. Rochester's proposal.
“ "Come to my side, Jane, and let us explain and understand one another."
"I will never again come to your side: I am torn away now, and cannot return."
"But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry."
I was silent: I thought he mocked me.
"Come, Jane--come hither."
"Your bride stands between us." ”
The whole conversation between Mr. Rochester and Jane happened in the orchard. The beautiful garden that was full of trees and flowers in blossom. A very romantic place to propose to someone. The same night that Mr. Rochester proposed to Jane something very symbolic happened: the great-chestnut at the bottom of the orchard had been struck by lighting while everyone was sleeping.
The fact that the great-chestnut tree has been struck; the tree where something wonderful and happy has happened for Jane was a very interesting part in the chapter. The tree that signified the spot and the time, when such happiness was about to start.
Jane is the type of person that grew up thinking that there's signs in dreams and in things that happen around her. That's why I think the whole thing about the tree getting struck is something Jane is going to take in account.
“ "Come to my side, Jane, and let us explain and understand one another."
"I will never again come to your side: I am torn away now, and cannot return."
"But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry."
I was silent: I thought he mocked me.
"Come, Jane--come hither."
"Your bride stands between us." ”
The whole conversation between Mr. Rochester and Jane happened in the orchard. The beautiful garden that was full of trees and flowers in blossom. A very romantic place to propose to someone. The same night that Mr. Rochester proposed to Jane something very symbolic happened: the great-chestnut at the bottom of the orchard had been struck by lighting while everyone was sleeping.
The fact that the great-chestnut tree has been struck; the tree where something wonderful and happy has happened for Jane was a very interesting part in the chapter. The tree that signified the spot and the time, when such happiness was about to start.
Jane is the type of person that grew up thinking that there's signs in dreams and in things that happen around her. That's why I think the whole thing about the tree getting struck is something Jane is going to take in account.
Do Signs Exist?
“Presentiments are strange things! and so are sympathies; and so are signs: and the three combined make one mystery that humanity has not found the key. I never laugh at presentiments in my life; because I have had strange ones of my own. Sympathies, I believe, exist: (for instance, between far-distant, long distant, long-absent, wholly estranged relatives; asserting, notwithstanding their alienation, the unity of source to which each traces his origin) whose workings baffle mortal comprehension. And signs, for aught we know, may be but the sympathies of Nature with man.” (223)
This is the opening paragraph of chapter 21. Jane is talking about the mystery of some things, such as signs, dreams, and future-telling, that can foretell the future. Jane believes that signs of the future do exist. Because of her past and the strange things that have happened to her, she agrees that everything is connected one way or another. Bessie told her that dreams have a meaning and when you dream about a young child, that is a sure sign that something bad is about to happen, either to one’s self or one’s kin. Humans haven’t proven that dreams or signs are sufficient enough to name their outcome as fact. Jane had been having a dream about a child for a week. She recalled the story that Bessie told her and was afraid that something bad was about to happen. Of course in the book, this is used to forebode that something bad is about to happen; Jane finds out that Mr. John dies and Miss. Reed is on the verge of dying. But what if signs do exist? What if there are some things out in the world that can predict danger or good? What if Déjà vu is a true sign of the future?
I believe that signs do exist. From a religious point of view, I believe that God is able to connect with us through signs that tell us about the future. Example: There is a party and there is going to be a lot of drinking. It is also a very hostile environment, due to rival gang members that were both invited. Your friends ask you to go with them, but you say no. You don’t know why you said no, because you really wanted to go to the party, but you immediately denied the request. Afterwards, on the news, you hear that a fire burned down the building where the party was located and everyone dies. I think that that is a sign from God telling you that you had no business going to the party and surrounding yourself with such people. Obviously I’m exaggerating the circumstances, but I believe that these are the type of things that may foretell about the future. Some signs, such as chickens predicting the coming of rain, are a bit unreliable because people can predict rain by looking at dark clouds in the sky. But I believe that there are signs that can serve as warnings for humans.
Here is a link to some common superstitions and signs that Martha Short has provided from her personal knowledge.
This is the opening paragraph of chapter 21. Jane is talking about the mystery of some things, such as signs, dreams, and future-telling, that can foretell the future. Jane believes that signs of the future do exist. Because of her past and the strange things that have happened to her, she agrees that everything is connected one way or another. Bessie told her that dreams have a meaning and when you dream about a young child, that is a sure sign that something bad is about to happen, either to one’s self or one’s kin. Humans haven’t proven that dreams or signs are sufficient enough to name their outcome as fact. Jane had been having a dream about a child for a week. She recalled the story that Bessie told her and was afraid that something bad was about to happen. Of course in the book, this is used to forebode that something bad is about to happen; Jane finds out that Mr. John dies and Miss. Reed is on the verge of dying. But what if signs do exist? What if there are some things out in the world that can predict danger or good? What if Déjà vu is a true sign of the future?
I believe that signs do exist. From a religious point of view, I believe that God is able to connect with us through signs that tell us about the future. Example: There is a party and there is going to be a lot of drinking. It is also a very hostile environment, due to rival gang members that were both invited. Your friends ask you to go with them, but you say no. You don’t know why you said no, because you really wanted to go to the party, but you immediately denied the request. Afterwards, on the news, you hear that a fire burned down the building where the party was located and everyone dies. I think that that is a sign from God telling you that you had no business going to the party and surrounding yourself with such people. Obviously I’m exaggerating the circumstances, but I believe that these are the type of things that may foretell about the future. Some signs, such as chickens predicting the coming of rain, are a bit unreliable because people can predict rain by looking at dark clouds in the sky. But I believe that there are signs that can serve as warnings for humans.
Here is a link to some common superstitions and signs that Martha Short has provided from her personal knowledge.
Happiness
“Human beings never enjoy complete happiness in the world. I was not born to a different destiny to the rest of my species; to imagine such a lot befalling me is a fairy tale-a daydream.” (262)
I find this quote very interesting. Mainly because I was always raised to believe that true happiness existed, and that one could be completely happy. But this quote makes so much sense to me; it's human nature to want more so we can never be completely happy. We will always want more; we will always have a void in our hearts. No matter how much we have no matter how happy we are we cannot and will not every be in complete happiness. We are unable to do it; we can always find something wrong. No matter how colored in our hearts are there will always be a spec of black, longing to be filled.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Chestnut Tree
The Chestnut Tree
“Before I left my bed in the morning, little Adele came running in to tell me that the great horse-chestnut at the bottom of the orchard had been struck by lightning in the night, and half of it split away.”(261)
Is it meant to be? In a previous blog I wrote about Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship and stated that I disagree with it, but Jane Eyre followed her heart, and in chapter 23 we learned, that she accepted Mr. Rochester's proposal. Mr. Rochester proposed to her under a chest-nut tree, and soon after a storm irrupted. Was this a sign? Is Jane making a mistake? Also, the same tree that Mr. Rochester proposed to her under was struck by lightning in that storm. It seems to me that Jane has done something terribly wrong, and the storm showed us that. Soon after Jesus was crucified an enormous earthquake broke out, and then the Romans realized what they had done, was wrong. This is the exact same message that Charlotte Bronte is trying to portray to her readers. As her mouth spoke "yes" the sun was overclouded by the dark storm, and at that moment, the storm irrupted. We are not sure what Jane has done wrong, but something bad is sure to happen. Although the tree was struck, do we know if it was killed? So this doesn't mean that Mr. Rochester and Jane's relationship won't survive, it just means that it will be a lot harder than Jane anticipated.
Happiness
Jane:"He kissed me repeatedly. When I looked up, on leaving his arms, there stood the widow, pale, grave, and amazed. I only smiled at her, and ran upstairs. 'Explanation will do for another time,' thought I. Still, when I reached my chamber, I felt a pang at the idea she should even temporarily misconstrue what she had seen. But joy soon effaced every other feeling;" (260)
From this quote I can tell that Jane is finally happy. She finally got what she wanted: to find love. Although she is very happy about Mr. Rochester proposing to her, not only did she find love with a man, but she also found the kind of love that makes her feel wanted. No one showed her love when she was a child, and now that she has found someone that loves her, it is only understandable that she is really happy. Every child deserves to be loved, but instead, Jane was treated with such cruelty by her aunt.
I'm kind of happy for Jane because I think she deserves to be happy with the one she loves after a life of bad treatment by others. It seems as if she doesn't care about anything else because she is happy where she's at. This isn't going to help her forget about her past, but instead deal with it. I'm really hoping that everything between her and Mr. Rochester work out.
Happiness is one of the things Jane never had as a child. Here is a picture of a happy child:
Title: Oh Happy Day!
By: OakleyOriginals
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakleyoriginals/3065393607/
From this quote I can tell that Jane is finally happy. She finally got what she wanted: to find love. Although she is very happy about Mr. Rochester proposing to her, not only did she find love with a man, but she also found the kind of love that makes her feel wanted. No one showed her love when she was a child, and now that she has found someone that loves her, it is only understandable that she is really happy. Every child deserves to be loved, but instead, Jane was treated with such cruelty by her aunt.
I'm kind of happy for Jane because I think she deserves to be happy with the one she loves after a life of bad treatment by others. It seems as if she doesn't care about anything else because she is happy where she's at. This isn't going to help her forget about her past, but instead deal with it. I'm really hoping that everything between her and Mr. Rochester work out.
Happiness is one of the things Jane never had as a child. Here is a picture of a happy child:
Title: Oh Happy Day!
By: OakleyOriginals
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakleyoriginals/3065393607/
Forgive and forget?
"The well-known face was there: stern, relentless as ever--- there was that peculiar eye which nothing could melt; and the somewhat raised, imperious, despotic eyebrow. How often had it lowered on me menace and hate! and how the recollection of childhood's terrors and sorrows revived as I traced its harsh line now! And yet I stooped down and kissed her: she looked at me?
Is this jane Eyre? she said
Yes, aunt Reed. How are you, dear aunt?" (234)
Dear aunt? How is she dear? When in her life did she ever treat you like a human being? How can you just forget all the pain? In this part of the novel Jane has been called by Mrs.Reed on her deathbed to come and talk to her. As if she has the right to ask for anything. However, Jane decides to go and spends about a month at Gateshead. I am so shocked at this reaction Jane had towards that evil woman. She never treated Jane with any type of love, why should Jane even recognize her as her aunt?
This scene in the book really shows how good Jane is. She's able to forgive and forget and even asks for forgiveness. However, while it may be a good thing that she is respectful, since when did we have to love those who cause us pain. Mrs.Reed has been nothing more than an evil witch to Jane. Casting her away from her family, treating her as if she were less of a human. She never earned the title dear aunt.
I was honestly anticipating a lot of conflicts between the both. Mrs.Reed hated Jane. Why should Jane even act courteous towards her. I understand that Mrs.Reed is about to die, but that does not excuse the way she treated Jane. I honestly hate the fact that Jane has forgiven her.
I myself have gone through the same thing with my father. It's been about ten years and it seems as if I will never forgive him. How can Jane so easily treat that woman with any respect? Where did she find the courage to return to that place that held all her painful past? Maybe Jane is nicer and a lot braver than I, but that woman did not deserve her forgiveness.
I am also not the only person to believe we shouldn't forgive those who cause us pain. Rodney Mullins in on of his pictures states,"How can I forgive when it hurts so much." Maybe Jane is no longer in pain about the past, but her past is why she is so careful. Why should she forgive her aunt?
http://rodneymullins.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/forgiveness.jpg
Is this jane Eyre? she said
Yes, aunt Reed. How are you, dear aunt?" (234)
Dear aunt? How is she dear? When in her life did she ever treat you like a human being? How can you just forget all the pain? In this part of the novel Jane has been called by Mrs.Reed on her deathbed to come and talk to her. As if she has the right to ask for anything. However, Jane decides to go and spends about a month at Gateshead. I am so shocked at this reaction Jane had towards that evil woman. She never treated Jane with any type of love, why should Jane even recognize her as her aunt?
This scene in the book really shows how good Jane is. She's able to forgive and forget and even asks for forgiveness. However, while it may be a good thing that she is respectful, since when did we have to love those who cause us pain. Mrs.Reed has been nothing more than an evil witch to Jane. Casting her away from her family, treating her as if she were less of a human. She never earned the title dear aunt.
I was honestly anticipating a lot of conflicts between the both. Mrs.Reed hated Jane. Why should Jane even act courteous towards her. I understand that Mrs.Reed is about to die, but that does not excuse the way she treated Jane. I honestly hate the fact that Jane has forgiven her.
I myself have gone through the same thing with my father. It's been about ten years and it seems as if I will never forgive him. How can Jane so easily treat that woman with any respect? Where did she find the courage to return to that place that held all her painful past? Maybe Jane is nicer and a lot braver than I, but that woman did not deserve her forgiveness.
I am also not the only person to believe we shouldn't forgive those who cause us pain. Rodney Mullins in on of his pictures states,"How can I forgive when it hurts so much." Maybe Jane is no longer in pain about the past, but her past is why she is so careful. Why should she forgive her aunt?
http://rodneymullins.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/forgiveness.jpg
Jane, what have you done?
(Credit:Fir0002/Flagstaffotos)(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chestnut_tree.jpg)
"'Because you gave me a new name--Jane Rochester; and it seems so strange.'" (262)(Jane)
"Before I left my bed in the morning, little Adele came running in to tell me that the great horse-chestnut at the bottom of the orchard had been struck by lightning in the night, and half of it split away." (261)(Jane)
Jane, I'm afraid you have made a terrible mistake. You told Mr. Rochester that you love him. What is worse is that you still haven't learned the secrets of Mr. Rochester's past with Grace Poole. If Grace finds out that you will be marrying Mr. Rochester, she will definitely be after you. The thing with Grace is that she tries to damage Mr. Rochester's life. Grace will be after you just to do damage to Mr. Rochester.
Even you feel uncomfortable being called Mrs. Rochester or Jane Rochester. What are you going to do now that you realize that you are going to marry this guy? You were in the moment and didn't think about what aspects of your life would change. The other thing that changed was the way he acted around you. He turned into a guy that wants to dress you up like a Barbie doll.
There was also a sign that made me think about your relationship with Mr. Rochester. The tree that split is a sign that your relationship with Mr. Rochester isn't going to last long. Mr. Rochester proposed to you under that tree. That is a superstitious sign that the marriage won't last long.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Watch the road on which you travel
Dear Jane,
I understand that you have developed feelings for your boss, Mr. Rochester, and to this I have only one thing to say: proceed with caution. You are in a very delicate situation, Jane; you seem to have fallen for a man who has many secrets and is very deceptive. He is a very odd character. He isn't someone who seems like he can stay in one place too long. He regularly leaves Thornfield and returns for moments at a time; he doesn't seem like the type of man that would settle down for a woman. Also his past experience with Adele's mother more than likely made him very cautious and suspicious person. He will constantly be trying to keep an eye on you. Mr. Rochester is also a very confusing person. He leads you on in ways, for example, when he tells you “Good-night my _____” (184). Yet he continues to keep in touch with Miss Ingram, and he also plans on marrying her as shown in this quote: “'Well whatever I am, remember you are my wife'... She giggled and her colour rose” (187).
Well, Jane, in the end you must do what your heart tells you; it'd be too difficult for you to live with yourself wondering what if. But at the same time you must be cautious of your actions; don't just throw yourself at him because this could end very badly for you. Jane you must listen to your heart but let yourself be guided by your mind.
I understand that you have developed feelings for your boss, Mr. Rochester, and to this I have only one thing to say: proceed with caution. You are in a very delicate situation, Jane; you seem to have fallen for a man who has many secrets and is very deceptive. He is a very odd character. He isn't someone who seems like he can stay in one place too long. He regularly leaves Thornfield and returns for moments at a time; he doesn't seem like the type of man that would settle down for a woman. Also his past experience with Adele's mother more than likely made him very cautious and suspicious person. He will constantly be trying to keep an eye on you. Mr. Rochester is also a very confusing person. He leads you on in ways, for example, when he tells you “Good-night my _____” (184). Yet he continues to keep in touch with Miss Ingram, and he also plans on marrying her as shown in this quote: “'Well whatever I am, remember you are my wife'... She giggled and her colour rose” (187).
Well, Jane, in the end you must do what your heart tells you; it'd be too difficult for you to live with yourself wondering what if. But at the same time you must be cautious of your actions; don't just throw yourself at him because this could end very badly for you. Jane you must listen to your heart but let yourself be guided by your mind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
