Elodie Grace Orkin

7th Grade English

Ms. Julie Jarvis
December 15th, 2017

Are They Both doing the Dishes?

A Study of the Relationship between Jane and Rochester in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane
Eyre

In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, evidence suggests that a marriage between Jane and

Rochester shows signs of both equality and inequality. However, there is more evidence

that suggests their marriage would be more equal in standing. There are two clear

examples of how the novel suggests the marriage will be unequal. The first instance is

when Rochester apologizes to Jane, ‘‘‘go into the library. - I mean, I you please -(Excuse my

tone of command; I am used to say, “Do this,” and it is done: I cannot alter my customary

habits for the one new inmate)’’’(78). Rochester reveals that he is accustomed

automatically to take the role of the superior. Even though he is not speaking directly about

marriage, it is clear the dynamic between Rochester and Jane would not be balanced. In a

more telling example, when socialites come to stay at Gateshead Hall, the aristocrats tease

Jane by lowering her status as a governess, and Rochester does not attempt to speak out to

defend Jane’s value. Blanche talks to Rochester loudly enough for the entire room to hear,

including Jane, and rudely states, ‘‘‘My dearest, don’t mention governesses; the word makes

me nervous. I have suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency and caprice…. I noticed

her; I am a judge of physiognomy, and in hers I see all the faults of her class’’’(111). Not

only are the words cruel, but also the fact that Rochester does not correct Blanche is

crueler. Rochester’s silence leaves the reader wondering whether or not he agrees with

Blanche’s statement that governesses are not only inept, but also of a lower class. This

implies that in their marriage there could very possibly be a lack of equality due to societal
prejudices. While there are many signs of potential imbalance of power, there are more

signs that a marriage between Rochester and Jane would be equal. In one of Jane and

Rochester’s initial conversations, Jane hesitates to laugh and Rochester tells Jane what he

sees in her:

‘‘‘The Lowood constraint still clings to you

somewhat; controlling your features,
muffling your voice, and restricting your
limbs; and you fear in the presence of a man…
to smile too gaily, speak to freely, or move
too quickly; but in time, I think you will
learn to be natural with me, as I find it
impossible to be conventional with you’’’(88).

Rochester implies Lowood represents society and that women are expected to be

respectful around men and to be subordinate to men. But Rochester sees something

different in Jane; he sees a quick-witted, laughing, and strong lady. Further, Rochester

doesn’t want to conform to the expected role of the male dominance in his relationship

with Jane. Another compelling example of how the marriage would be equal is when Jane

takes control of the situation and tells Rochester she doesn’t want to be spoiled or become

a housewife. ‘‘‘Oh, sir! – never rain jewels! I don’t like to hear them spoken of. Jewels for

Jane Eyre sounds unnatural and strange…. And I shall not be your Jane Eyre any longer, but

an ape in a harlequin’s jacket – a jay in borrowed plumes… I love you… far too dearly to

flatter you. Don’t flatter me.’’’ (163). Jane is confident enough to confront Rochester on his

actions: If Rochester tries to be superior, or confine her to the superficial role of a “lady,”

Jane swiftly puts him in his place. Overall, a marriage would be more equal because Jane

knows how she wants to be treated. And Rochester, although he is accustomed to lead,

prefers that Jane is her own person and is strong in her convictions.