- I do think that Mr. Rochester truly loves Jane. Mrs. Faifax begins this question in chapter 24 when she says, "Equality of position and fortune is often advisable in some cases: and there are twenty years of distance in your ages." From her point of view and many readers, she believes like most people at this time, that marriage between two people should match up in their rank in society and amount of wealth. People of higher status did not usually marry "lower" than their own status. The age difference is also a big issue to Mrs. Fairfax and audiences. Since Mr. Rochester is almost old enough to be Jane's father it does seem awkward in today's present times. However, I do think that Mr. Rochester and Jane do truly love each other. They are able to understand each other and connect on a personal level. Jane is also not just interested in Mr. Rochester for his wealth, he could probably be dirt poor and it would not matter to Jane. When Jane discovers Mr. Rochester's hidden wife he is very distressed by her reactions to him afterwards. He wants to touch her, kiss, her, and love her again but she cannot be compelled to do that because of moral obligations. He becomes angry and wants her to forgive him and marry him again but it is of no use. We discover later in the book that after Jane leaves Mr. Rochester is a mess. In chapter 35, the innkeeper said that "Mr. Rochester sought her as if she had been the most precious thing he had in the world, he could never hear a word of her; and he grew quite savage." I think that this is a good description that proves that Mr. Rochester did love Jane. He became extremely distressed after she had left him and these aren't characteristics of a man who really did love someone.
2. "St. John Rivers - pure-lived, conscientious, zealous as he was - had not yet found that peace of God which passeth all understanding..." What are your thoughts on this?
- I agree with this statement. Although St. John Rivers is called a good man many times, he had a few dark characteristics. He was very rigid and tried not to show any emotion at all. He rejected his love for Rosamond Oliver because she was not "missionary worthy." He only wanted to marry Jane because she was hard working and told her that she was not made for love but for labor. St. John is very forceful in his convictions and we see that in his behavior after Jane rejects his marriage proposal. He becomes very harsh and distant, essentially throwing a fit because she won't come with him to India. He claims that God is calling her to become a missionary and marry him and to reject him is to reject God. This is very unbiblical and not right at all. I think that if he had truly found the peace of God he would learn to be understanding and not forceful. He would be loving like how Jesus loved all people and forgave them. The Gospel is not about forcing it on people but showing them love and kindness like how Jesus was when He came. Jesus did get angry at times but it was a righteous anger, a justified anger. It would have done St. John well to find this true peace of God and become understanding and loving of others even when they do things against what he would prefer.
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