01-04-2008, 12:53 AM
MysteryMind Wrote:My take on this is that St. John is blind to everyone else's point of view. His religious fanaticism does not allow him to understand more earthly, more human concerns. He feels he can submit a more feeble mind and tries to subdue Jane's will. It's surprising, though, that he didn't just marry Rosamund and force her to be a missionary's wife.
Edward is so proud that he could not allow anyone to know he married a mad woman. He suffered for this pride when he lost Jane, even though temporarily. He suffered quite harshly, since he lost a hand and an eye.
Jane's pride is more true and pure. Her pride is in her value for herself, her belief in God and moral values. It carried her through her early years and even though she did suffer unhappiness when she left Rochester, she was able to find a measure of happiness with the Rivers family.
I agree with you on each point. I'm embarrassed to admit that I usually skip the St. John part of the book. I find him a frustrating character that I can't connect with. His stubborn resistance to happiness is unfathomable to me. He claims to be religious, but I find him a hard and stubborn man who wants the prestige and the martyrdom of missionary work rather than the actual helping of human beings.
Edward is very proud and won't admit having a mad wife, but I also find him arrogant. He wants to control Jane, even though he loves her. Prior to the wedding, he wants her to buy certain clothes and he wants her all to himself. He is very selfish and wants her to become his platonic mistress after his secret is revealed. He is only humbled after the fire and his male arrogance is vanquished. He is now dependent on Jane and pride does him no good.
As for Jane, she has a healthy pride which is more like self-esteem. She takes care of herself, but feels no need to control anyone else.