Not a simple answer

Posted by Mark on September 30, 1997 at 13:22:14:

In response to Rochester's motive, written by Cheryl on September 30, 1997 at 12:49:09

] So what do the rest of you think? Was Rochester trying to make Jane jealous with his attentions toward Blanche, or was he trying to drive her away?

I think Rochester, himself, didn't know all the reasons why he did it. If you remember in the movie, "The Sound of Music", the Captain tried to go through with his engagement with the Countess, but finally realized that there was little point. I think the same sort of thing happened here.

I also suspect that he was testing everybody involved to see what they were made of. This guy had been hurt before. It is very common for someone like that to lash out and hurt their intended to see if they withstand the onslaught and remain true. Blanche failed. Jane excelled.

One of the my favorite sequences was the gypsy. His high-falutin' fiance who "loved" him didn't see through the disguise and chose to believe the rumours of financial ruin, but Jane wasn't fooled for a second.

So the upshot of the whole affair was he was in love with Jane more than ever. It sounds almost like a certain Fritzwilliam Darcy trying to shake off a certain Bennet girl, don't you think?

Mark

REPLIES:

• Rochester, Darcy , and cruelty Mary 08:07:11 10/01/97 (1)
  • Rochester and Darcy Rita 15:57:06 10/03/97 (0)
• yes! Lynn 13:41:22 9/30/97 (4)
  • the gypsy scene Hil 01:04:20 10/01/97 (3)
    • Mrs. O'Gall too Laraine 15:51:24 10/01/97 (2)
      • rochester's defenses greg 22:11:47 10/01/97 (1)
        • The games we play Denise 16:21:42 10/03/97 (0)

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