Topic > The evolution of Rochester's character in Jane Eyre

In the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, the characters develop and change considerably; in particular, the character of Mr. Rochester demonstrates this clear character development. Mr. Rochester initially appears to be a deeply unpleasant person, who acts contemptuously towards others and follows a moral code that serves his best interests. Brazenly uses others to gain advantage. He lacks the ability to consider the consequences of his actions. Furthermore, he seems to ignore the pain he causes and continues his life as if he has done nothing to regret; he constantly acts deceitfully and betrays even the people he claims to love, ultimately driving people away from him. It seems that he has no intention of stopping his behavior and appears satisfied with his living situation. However, when he loses everything he considers valuable, he recognizes the countless mistakes he has made and must fully accept the consequences of his behavior. Only by losing everything that gave him a sense of entitlement does Mr. Rochester evolve from a man who acts only in his best interests to a caring and genuine person, as his experience forces him to repent of his past actions and realize the humility. no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayMr. Rochester initially comes across as self-centered; does not recognize or pay attention to the fact that his poor treatment of others has negative effects. The day he plans to marry Jane is a perfect example of his lack of respect for others. As Jane prepares for her wedding, Mr. Rochester makes no secret of his frustration when he yells at Jane in the same way he would address a servant. "'Jane!' called a voice, and I hurriedly descended. I was received at the foot of the stairs by Mr. Rochester.' his disrespect in his tone of voice and the words he chooses. Jane always reacts when she hears Mr. Rochester speak, regardless of the tone he uses. When Mr. Rochester shows love towards Jane, she describes his behavior in a romantic way, but in this case it surprises her because he shouts abruptly. Throughout the novel, Jane never refers to the sound of Mr. Rochester's voice simply as a “voice,” but rather as something more significant. exemplifying the power he has over her because of her past behavior. She rushes to please him and fears his anger. Furthermore, Jane points out that Mr. Rochester has “taken her in,” almost as if he thinks of her as an object. This further demonstrates Mr. Rochester's tendency to act in a condescending manner. As soon as he sees her, he immediately criticizes her. Of all the statements he could say upon seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day, he chooses a negative one. He continues to express his irritation and seems determined to make her aware of what he sees as her flaws. He describes that his "brain is on fire", making it clear that she causes him problems and pain. Even though he should treat Jane with kindness and show her his happiness and devotion, he instead does the opposite. He ends his verbal attack by reiterating that she takes too long. As they head to the church, his condescending behavior continues. Jane describes the moment: “My hand was held by an iron grip: I was carried forward with a pace which I could scarcely follow; and to look at Mr. Rochester's face was to feel that not a second's delay would be tolerated, for that matterno reason. I wonder what other groom ever looked like him, so purposeful, so darkly resolved: or who, under such firm brows, ever revealed such blazing eyes” (430). Mr. Rochester shakes her hand tightly, without tenderness. It makes Jane think he doesn't look human; instead of feeling warm flesh, he feels a cold, stiff grip around his hand. He rushes at Jane so that she has to struggle to keep up with him. True to his stern nature, Mr. Rochester does not seem to notice his affection on Jane. His actions drive Jane away because he seems so distant and cold when she believes he should appreciate this bright and happy day in their relationship. His behavior leads her to wonder if the other newlyweds act and appear like Mr. Rochester. The fact that she doesn't see any glimmer of genuine interest and doesn't feel that he loves her makes Jane doubt his motives and suspect that he may not be genuine. This example shows Mr. Rochester's disrespect, impatience, and condescension; serves as proof that, due to his selfishness, he treats Janes badly. Rochester's character evolves only after he loses everything he considers important and sees the roles reversed in his relationships. When Jane visits Ferndean, she finds him in a weakened state. He immediately recognizes a striking change in his behavior. He tells her that her absence has caused him much suffering: “I wanted you, Janet! Oh, I desired you with my soul and with my flesh! I asked God, both with anguish and humility, if I had not been desolate, afflicted, tormented long enough; and perhaps not soon taste bliss and peace” (673). He uses his term of endearment for Jane, demonstrating the sincerity of his remarks and his genuine love for her. The repetition of "I wanted you" emphasizes the extent to which he wants and needs her. He further describes his desire by stating that he desires her in “flesh and soul.” His statement that he strives to appreciate every part of her indicates his sincere love for Jane and that his experiences have led him to appreciate her. This authentic display of affection marks a point of evolution because he no longer focuses on himself but exclusively on her. Furthermore, the fact that he claims to “ask God… with anguish and humility” demonstrates his willingness to give up his role of power. He gives up his pride when he begs God for peace, asking if he hasn't suffered enough. At this moment, he expresses humility by imploring God's mercy and help. He no longer occupies a position of power and has come to terms with his new reality, demonstrating his evolution. Finally, concluding his request to God with the words “one more time” implies that he acknowledges the blessings bestowed upon him before enduring the time of suffering. As he continues to recount the experience to Jane, he explains that “the alpha and omega of my heart's desires fell involuntarily from my lips in the words --- 'Jane! Jane! Jane!'” (673-674). The alpha and omega represent the beginning and the end, symbolizing that he believes Jane completes his life and expresses to her that his heart longs for her. He proclaims absolute devotion to her. Even though Mr. Rochester struggles with blindness and the inability to function as he once did, he prioritizes Jane as the most important thing in his life by desiring only her. This is a huge confession of his evolution because for once he puts someone else before his personal well-being. He describes his supplication to God as emerging from his lips involuntarily. By using the verb “broken” he demonstrates the strength of his love. Furthermore, the fact that he makes these statements involuntarily reinforces his inability to control his heart, since it remains the strongest and most)