Jane was able to survive due to her agressive nature and an unshakable faith in God. At Gateshead Hall, she was persecuted but resisted the tyranny of its occupants:"John thrust his tongue in his cheek whenever he saw me, and once attemted chastisement; but as I instantly turned against him...he thought it better to desist, and ran from me." (pg 23). At Lowood, she was accused of being a liar. After some encouragement from a friend, she challenged the claim and proved her own innocence. Later, at Thornfield, Jane fell in love with E. Rochester, her master, and agreed to marry him. At the wedding she found out that Rochester was already a married man. Afterwards, she was left with a choice, either enter into a false union with the man she loved, or leave him and be at peace with herself. When she was most vulnerable, Jane looked to Providence to guide her. And so she chose: "I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man."(pg 342)
TimD.
Well-written and well-argued, Tim. Do you think that Jane borders on self-righteous? If it is a faith in God, why doesn't she choose St. John? I also appreciate the comments you've left on other posts; it contributes to the overall discussion.
ReplyDeleteJane tries to do the right thing based on common sense; she doesn't preach ethics. She was ready to work alongside St. John, but a loveless marriage with him was out of the question. I don't think God had anything to do with her decision, this marriage was at odds with Jane's character/nature.
ReplyDeleteAnd a major reason she left Rochester was her unshakable faith in God also, right? She says that she leaves him because it is "God's will".
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought I explained that part...
ReplyDelete(On my followers your picture says bannanaganouch)?