Mr Rochester and Jane are equals, if not in social status, certainly in intellect, spirit and temperament. How far do you agree that Jane and Mr Rochester are suited for one another, with one close reference to the text? Jane Eyre.

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Mr Rochester and Jane are equals, if not in social status, certainly in intellect, spirit

and temperament.

How far do you agree that Jane and Mr Rochester are suited for one another, with one

close reference to the text?

        I agree that Jane and Mr Rochester are suited to one another, not in most of the novel, but at the end when they become of equal social status.

At the time the novel was written, the difference in social status between Jane and Mr Rochester would have meant that they were not suited to one another and people at that time would not have accepted their relationship. Jane is considered to have a lower social status than Mr Rochester because she is only a governess that works for him and is supported by him. Mr Rochester is clearly of a higher social status because he had lots of money and land. This shows that they were at opposite ends of the social ladder, which means therefore that any relationship that they had with each other wouldn’t be accepted by the Victorian society. Charlotte Brontë is telling us that their relationship wouldn’t have been accepted and that it never would be as long as the social status between them differed. It is a message to the reader that no matter how much Jane loves him, she knows it won’t work which is probably why later on in the novel she feels very uncomfortable with her trying to be of equal status.

        Although they are not of equal social status, they are certainly equal in intellect, spirit and temperament from the very beginning. An example of this is how Jane seems to take his comments well and always has something to reply with. This is shown when Mr Rochester says ‘you are not so unsophisticated…’ and Jane replies ‘Oh, don’t fall back on over-modesty!’ It shows she is very intelligent as she can think of quick come backs to his comments. Their temperaments are the same as they both don’t want to show their feelings for one another when it becomes apparent to us that they are fond of each other.

They have both got strong spirits as they are both very opinionated and determined. This is shown in the discussions they have together as they both have very strong opinions and won’t back down. Mr Rochester encourages discussion with Jane to develop her sense of equality with him and develop a good friendship throughout the novel.

        When Mr Rochester tells Jane about his past it shows that he is very open and at ease with her, like a friend, even though that hadn’t known each other that long. When he is telling Jane about his affair with Celine Varens and of the time when she found out he was married which lead to the end of the affair, this would appeal to Jane because it shows he was a man of morals like her. This again shows that they are of equal spirit and temperament.

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        After the fire, even though Mr Rochester was the one in the fire, he was looking after Jane and making sure she was alright. This shows that he is superior to her and more masterful. This also shows his feelings for her in that he wanted to take care of her and protect her. He seemed very masterful when he told Jane to ‘just be still……..remain here until I return.’ This also tells us about Jane because she didn’t want to ‘risk Mr Rochester’s displeasure by disobeying his orders’ which illustrates again the difference in social status affecting the relationship ...

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