Throughout chapters 23-28 of “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, we are introduced to Jane’s thoughts on the concept of marriage. In chapter 23, Rochester and Jane confess their love to one another. Jane becomes rather nervous about their impending marriage, despite loving Rochester she fears that something will cause the wedding to be called off. She is unwilling to accept her happiness as reality. Jane’s dreams greatly contribute to her fears. She finds it difficult to distinguish reality from her dreams.
In chapter 26, Jane and Rochester are set to be wed when the wedding is interrupted by Mason who proclaims that the wedding cannot take place because Rochester is already married to Bertha. After proof is produced, Rochester admits this is true, but that the only reason he decided to take a second wife was because Bertha is insane.
The reader discovers that the mentally ill Bertha is indeed alive and still living within Rochester’s manor hidden from view. Bertha is a violent character driven mad by her ill treatment. This speaks of the outdated methods in which the mentally ill were cared for. Instead of seeking help often these individuals were hidden or locked away. Bertha also represents the secrets that people keep hidden, things they might be ashamed of.
Jane first meets Bertha in chapter 26 after Rochester admits his secret. Bertha is representative of the fears Jane holds inside herself. This insecurity and vulnerability allow her to sympathize with Bertha. Jane’s fears of marriage are confirmed when she sees Bertha’s fate. By chapter 28, Jane feels that she must leave Rochester. She is unwilling to accept the travesty he has committed with Bertha.
Works Cited:
Bronte, C. (2010) Jane Eyre Penguin Classics. Print.
