Rochester

• Edward Fairfax Rochester

  Jane's true love in the novel Jane Eyre
• Edward Rochester

  • Cuts a striking figure on horseback
  • Has broad and jetty eyebrows, a square forehead and black hair
  • Is a man full of anger, with nostrils denoting 'choler', a grim mouth and decisive nose
• Rochester's lack of attractiveness means he and Jane are physically suited as well as intellectually
• Byronic hero


  A later Romantic archetype, darker in nature than classic leading males, burdened with mysteries and a tortured past. Are not unnecessarily cruel but are often forced into circumstance behind their control
• Rochester


  • Stern and always skirting on the edge of violence with his temperament
  • Appealing through his intelligence, wit and rugged charm
  • Kind to his staff, fulfils his responsibilities, and is courteous to the women who encounter him
  • Chooses a penniless governess (Jane) as his wife, defying convention
• Rochester's secrets


  • Almost never stays at Thornfield (to avoid his mad wife Bertha in the attic)
  • Secures Jane's services as governess by proxy
  • Travels, takes mistresses and generally lives an unwholesome life, which is acceptable for a wealthy man
• Rochester's whole life is tinged with grief and sadness
• Rochester is not a particularly good man, but has better tendencies hidden deep inside
• Rochester meets and falls for Jane

  It is coincidental, not because of her looks but because of her strength of character and passionate nature
• Rochester tries to deceive Jane over the existence of his first wife Bertha


  His desperation to marry Jane makes his deception forgivable
• Rochester cares for Bertha, keeping her safe and protected, not abandoning or divorcing her
• Contemporary leaders of Jane Eyre challenged the relationship between Jane and Rochester, arguing it was immoral
• There is a significant age gap between Jane and Rochester, but this was not overly shocking at the time
• Rochester's attempt to commit bigamy, both legal and ethical, would have been seen as morally reprehensible
• Rochester sees himself as a guilty man to be condemned for his sin
• Rochester is far more nuanced than originally allowed, with true depth and complexity to his psychological make-up
• Rochester loses Thornfield Hall, a house of concealment and secrets


  Its destruction frees Rochester from burdens of responsibility
• Bertha's suicide is both tragic and convenient for Rochester, as he is now a single man free to marry Jane
• Rochester is punished for his transgressions, losing his sight and a limb in the house fire as he tried to save Bertha
• Rochester is transformed from the angry, defiant man to a humbled, vulnerable and reliant man
• Jane chooses to marry Rochester in his weakened state, demonstrating the strength of her love and loyalty
• Rochester is awarded a loving wife and finally an heir of his own
• ‘ He was proud, sardonic, harsh to inferiority.” 


  Asydentic listing as layer of harshness to him

  "proud" suggests Mr. Rochester possesses a sense of superiority or self-importance. This pride could stem from his social status, wealth, or perhaps his intellect. "Sardonic" add layer of cynicism or mocking humor to. He might be dismissive using sarcasm as a defense mechanism or a way to assert dominance.
• “ he was proud, sardonic, harsh to inferiority 


  ‘Harsh towards inferiority’ show he is intolerant or unkind towards those he perceives as inferior It suggests a lack of empathy or compassion, and perhaps a tendency to belittle or mistreat others who he deems beneath him. This harshness could manifest in his interactions with servants, people of lower social standing, or anyone he considers less capable or worthy.
• “His figure was enveloped in a riding cloak… he had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow“ chapter 12 


  This metaphorical description of ‘enveloped in a riding cloak‘ sense of mystery or concealment surrounding the character's future. The verb of being "enveloped" implies that his future is obscured or hidden much like one's form is concealed by a cloak. This foreshadow his character destiny holds secrets or uncertainties yet to be revealed.

  vivid description of adjective ’dark‘ and ‘stern’ establish him as this rugged Byronic male hero who is intriguing and alluring.
• “ Do you know mr Rochester?” Chapter 12 


  This question when they first meet show Mr Rochester has been playing mind games with Jane from the start but also invites readers to consider the social context and dynamics within the novel. It prompts readers to engage with the text on multiple levels.
• “he thought himself her idol, as ugly as he was“ 


  Mr. Rochester sees himself as someone Jane admires or worships. This sheds light to Mr. Rochester's self-image and possibly his ego. irony: The juxtaposition of being perceived as an idol despite one's ugliness introduces Mr. Rochester acknowledges his own physical unattractiveness while believing that Jane sees him an idol. This irony adds depth to his character, a complex blend of self-awareness and insecurity.This contrast highlights the complexity of human relationships and the subjective nature of beauty and admiration.
• “ he thought himself her idol as ugly as he was“ 


  Despite his status and wealth, Mr. Rochester seems to struggle with feelings of inadequacy particularly of Jane's regard for him. reveals vulnerability and humanises him more relatable to readers.
• “for the world judgement - I wash my hands thereof“


  Hyperbole he understand he making a social blunder in marrying Jane.The quote has an allusion to the biblical story of Pontius Pilate washing his hands of Jesus' fate. By echoing Pilate's actions, Mr. Rochester, metaphorically distances himself from the consequences of societal judgment. By rejecting the authority of worldly judgment challenges conventional notions of right and wrong, asserting their right to make independent moral decisions. This theme of moral autonomy through the novel of self-discovery and empowerment.
• “ the green snake of jealousy, undulating coils from the moon lit balcony glided within my waist coat ate it way in two minutes to my hearts-core. Strange!”


  Metaphor is externalising his jealously also sea imagery is a bryonic held metaphor
• “strange energy was in his voice strange fire in his look “ 


  The description of "strange energy" in his voice and "strange fire" in his look evokes a sense of mystery and power. This imagery suggests that there is something compelling and enigmatic drawing attention to his captivating presence. Repetition "strange" adds an element of intrigue, suspense and anticipation. This atmospheric quality heightens the dramatic tension drawing readers.The use of "energy" and "fire" symbolizes the character's inner strength, passion, and perhaps even inner turmoil. Energy and fire are both dynamic
• ”His whole face was a colourless rock: his eyes both the spark and flint“ 


  Metaphor "both spark and flint," The spark and flint imagery evokes the idea of ignition or the starting of a fire, hinting at the character's inner passion or strength. juxtaposition of "colourless rock" and eyes as "both spark and flint" . The "colourless rock" implies a lack of emotion or expression , suggesting a stoic or unyielding demeanor. Meanwhile, the "spark and flint" imagery symbolizes the character's hidden fire or resilience, hinting an underlying strength or determination
• “How his eye shone, still watchful and yet wild beneath!”


  Even though Mr Rochester is committing bigamy is still focussed on Jane.The image of his eye "shone" suggests brightness and intensity, conveying a sense of alertness and vitality. The description of his eye as "watchful and yet wild beneath" evokes conflicting emotionsThe juxtaposition of "watchful" and "wild" creates a striking contrast highlights the complexity of the character's nature, suggesting a tension between vigilance and untamed passion the eye as a symbol are often symbolic of perception, insight, and emotion
• “An agony of inward contempt masters me“


  alliteration of m he say this to Jane as of his marriage to bertha. The use of the phrase "agony of inward contempt" employs figurative language to convey the depth of the character's emotions. The word "agony" emphasizes the intense suffering experienced by the character, while "inward contempt" suggests a profound sense of disdain directed towards oneself. This figurative language enhances the emotional impact of the quote, evoking empathy from readers.
• “divine justice purses it course, disasters come thick upon me“


  At the end he lost his sight this is God way of punishing his past sinful behaviour.The phrase "divine justice pursues its course" personifies justice, attributing human-like qualities to an abstract concept. By portraying justice as actively pursuing its course, the quote suggests that there is a moral order to the universe that cannot be escaped.
• “ slight-less Samson“


  biblical figure Samson, known for his immense strength but also for being blinded and captured by his enemies. This literary allusion draws parallels between Mr. Rochester and Samson. It suggests that Mr. Rochester may possess strength or power, but he is also metaphorically blinded or impaired in some way also has alliteration
• “Come to the fire“


  The fire serves as a symbol of warmth, comfort, and intimacy. By inviting someone to "come to the fire," Mr. Rochester is extending an invitation for them to share in these qualities his desire for companionship and interaction, revealing a softer and more inviting side of his personality.