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Are They Both Doing The Dishes?
Are They Both Doing The Dishes?
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:
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.