Rochester and St. John both propose to Jane, but their reasons for doing so are different
Marriages were often for money or social status
Bronte explores the theme of marriage through other relationships
Jane Eyre's plot
Focuses on the romantic relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester
Blanche Ingram
Beautiful and comes from a respectable family, wants to marry Mr. Rochester because he's upper class and wealthy
Mr. Rochester's arranged marriage to Bertha
Ruined his life, even before she went mad. He couldn't talk to Bertha because her mind was "common, low, narrow"
St. John's proposal to Jane
He doesn't think Miss Oliver would be a good missionary's wife, so he proposes to Jane "for my Saviour's service", even though he admits he doesn't love her
Jane Eyre promotes
Marriages where the couple are equal - financially, morally and intellectually
During the early 19th century, women were often considered to be inferior to men in many ways
When Jane and Mr. Rochester are finally able to marry
They are equals - Jane has inherited money, and Mr. Rochester has repented and been punished for his sins
Jane: '"almost worthy of such a wife"'
Diana, Mary and Jane all have happy marriages. They marry for love, and Jane describes her marriage to Mr. Rochester as well-balanced
Jane refuses to marry St. John
Because they don't love each other and there would be no chance of any equity - his martyrdom would be monstrous
