1. 2. Create a character analysis of Rochester that either supports or denies him as a Byronic Hero.
Rochester is truly a very fascinating character, although I believe he is not a typical found love interest that you would find in an ordinary romantic novel. However in the gothic atmosphere of this narrative, his alluring personality in fact enthralls the reader to believe that his Byronic nature plays of great importance to his overall role.
What precisely defines a Byronic hero... a melancholy (meaning long lasting sadness), & rebellious young man who is distressed by a terrible deed he committed in the past.
Just by comprehending the above definition, I realized that Rochester possesses the traits of a Byronic hero. “Rochester has a terrible secret-a remnant from his past that could threaten any hope of happiness with his only love,” his past carries a grave and dark secret which only increases the complexity of the novel.
The biggest factor to his secret is the existence of his mad wife, Bertha Mason, “to burn people in their beds at night, to stab them, to bite their flesh from their bones, and so on,” Chapter 27, Page 306. Bertha, who he had married purely for looks and unfortunate circumstances with his family, led Rochester to misery and as a result influenced him to become the man he was present day.
He is distressed for numerous reasons such as…
- · “I now hate the recollection of the time I passed with Celine, Giacinta, and Clara,” Chapter 27, Page 317
- · “My father and my brother Rowland knew all this; but they thought only of the thirty thousand pounds, and joined in the plot against me,” Chapter 27, Page 311
- · “Bertha Mason, the true daughter of an infamous mother, dragged me through all the hideous and degrading agonies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once intemperate and unchaste,” Chapter 27, Page 311
The troubled past of Mr. Rochester has greatly influenced his role as a flawed hero. The mystery and imperfection of his character is what makes him stand out, “Jane! Will you hear reason? (He stooped and approached his lips to my ear) because if you won’t, I’ll try violence.” Chapter 27, Page 307.
The complexity of Mr. Rochester’s character portrays the image of a Byronic Hero.
1. 3. Examine Jane’s love for Rochester. Has it had a negative or positive impact on her life and her character?
Jane Eyre, is a story of a spirited young lady’s fight for her independence and respect in a society where she has continuously faced hardships and been an out cast to civilization. This tale, which has created an unforgettable romance between Jane, with her strong nature, & Rochester, with his enchanting appeal, and led to a powerful bond, has shaped the overall impact of passion in her life.
To sum up Jane’s affection for Mr. Rochester, I would have to say that she has highly valued three key factors, which are; Honesty, Self-Respect & Hope. Jane longs for true love and for Mr. Rochester, however when she is faced with the difficult task of acceptance she does not cave in. Instead she chooses her path of dignity. In regards to Jane, love is not blind.
Although at this point in the story, Jane has fled Thornfield, and the circumstances are not looking optimistic, I personally believe that her love for Rochester has played a positive impact on her life and overall character. Through her encounters and display of affection, Jane has awakened as a new being, “I looked at my face in the glass, and felt it was no longer plain: there was hope in its aspect, and life in its color,” Chapter 24, Page 261.
I believe that the image relates to the quote “I looked at my face in the glass, and felt it was no longer plain: there was hope in its aspect, and life in its color,” Chapter 24, Page 261. Whenever I look at this image I really feel that it symbolizes the key aspect that love is not blind, but in regards to Jane her love for Rochester was uncontrollable.
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