Jane Eyre (Grades 9–1) York Notes

This first description of Rochester is used by Brontë to introduce some important information about him, and about his relationship with Jane. The first sentence uses the setting to hint at a change: the ‘daylight still lingered’ as if night is on the way, possibly highlighting the change that is about to come in Jane’s life through meeting Rochester. Not only is ‘daylight’ still lingering but ‘the moon was waxing bright’, which reinforces the idea of brightness that he will bring to her life. This contrasts with the references to Rochester’s ‘darkness’ later in the passage and possibly suggests that there is a mixture of dark and light in the effect of the relationship on Jane, as well as a ‘darkness’ to Rochester’s mind and soul. The ‘waxing’ of the moon relates to natural forces, as the moon is known to have influence over the tides. Brontë is possibly suggesting that the relationship between Jane and Rochester is an elemental force and linked to the powerful forces of the natural world. It could also hint at the force he has over her, as if it is also something natural and elemental.

When Jane says that ‘I could see him plainly’, this has a metaphorical as well as literal meaning. Jane ‘sees’ Rochester for the man that he is; she is not worldly-wise enough to be swayed or captivated by ‘beauty, elegance, gallantry’ but instead ‘sees’ the true character of Rochester the man. This central idea, of Jane being able to look beyond the superficial and grasp the essence of who Rochester is, is further developed as the novel progresses. This is one of the reasons he falls for her, and reflects his own capacity to see the ‘real’ Jane, ‘equal as we are’.

This first description of Rochester gives an unconventional view of a romantic hero. He ‘had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow’ - the darkness and the heaviness all hinting towards a troubled mind and of someone carrying a heavy burden, which of course is shown to be true with the revelations of his ‘living wife’ and the part that his family have played in his misery. The fact that he doesn’t smile at Jane shows someone who has little use for common courtesies or ‘gallantry’, which is again highlighted by his manner to Jane when he meets her later and questions her about her life. Brontë’s depiction of Rochester is very much in the style of the ‘Byronic’ hero and demonstrates the influence of Romantic ideas about passion: dark, troubled and potentially dangerous, rather than conventionally handsome, light-hearted and courteous. This isn’t a conventional romance in many ways; Rochester is only seen as attractive as a potential husband for Blanche Ingram due to her perception of his wealth and she quickly decides not to marry him when he implies that this might be less than she thought. Although Rochester can play the role of ‘gallant’ man of society, Jane sees this as false and recognises that he has an ‘absence of passion’ towards Blanche. On the other hand, Rochester and Jane are completely suited to each other in much more important ways than social status or physical appearance. When Rochester talks about the ‘cord of communion’ between them, Brontë is referring to the emotional and spiritual connection that is shown to be far more important than financial wealth or physical beauty.

To sum up, in this first description, Brontë highlights many of the aspects of Rochester, and of Jane’s relationship with Rochester, that underpin their relationship and the themes of equality and true love that are explored in ‘Jane Eyre’.