JANE EYRE: Rochester and St John's proposal

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JANE EYRE: Rochester and St John's proposal

Similarities

  • Both are in a private place; not public declarations of love
  • Can appear possessive over Jane - Mr Rochester wants her 'entirely' to himself and St John wants her to do as he says

Differences

  • Rochester claims that Jane shall 'decide [her] destiny whereas St John claims that she was 'intended' as a missionary's wife. Furthermore, she is formed for 'labour, not for love' which indicates her purpose in a a patriarchal society
  • St John's proposal is full of imperatives commanding her what to do, restricting her ability whereas Rochester enables her some time to decide for herself
  • The ideas of entrapment is prominent through St John's with similes 'like a rayless dungeon' and 'fettered'. Juxtaposes the sense of liberty which is conveyed in Rochester's with 'I am a free human being'
  • As Jane later points out, Mr Rochester's proposal had depth and emotion with the ideas of souls and the string that connects them. St John lacks this emotion completely
  • The associations between the two men: Rochester is linked to nature; their proposal was outside. She contrasts this with 'iron' which is industrial and cold
  • St John's is 'calculated' which illustrates his cold and clinical approach to love which makes Mr Rochester's appear genuine and spontaneous
  • Jane's voice in the two proposals is significant. She argues and defends herself with Rochester exploring this equality which somehow falls between them. St John dismisses Jane's concern and there is little reported speech from Jane symbolising how she has been cut off
  • The form of the passages reflect the passion/lack of it for Jane. The punctuation with Rochester demonstrates their passion and the questioning reflects their open portrayals to each other. In comparison, St John has not fully understood Jane and this is reflected in the long sentences which reflects no emotion towards Jane
  • There is a connotation of death in St John's proposal with 'shroud' which highlights the lifeless relationship and lack of sincere emotion towards her
  • St John treats this as a business transaction and this contrasts with Rochester's want for her to reciprocate his love

Overall comparison

Although they share the act of proposal, they are starkly different in their portrayal. Bronte has included some direct comparisons to highlight the preference of suitor for Jane. 

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