Abby's Blog Post

     Poor Jane really thought she could get over Mr. Rochester just like that. As soon as he returns, now accompanied by a fashionable entourage of gentlemen and ladies, she quickly must admit to herself that despite all her efforts, she is very much in love with him. She first observes Mr. Rochester's guests from her not-so inconspicuous seat in the corner during their poorly timed conversation about how awful governesses are. My favorite more tense and flirty moment in this chapter occurs after this unfortunate first impression, when Jane obviously feels out of place and decides to slip away. She is then confronted by Mr. Rochester in the hallway, who, after briefly questioning her as to why she looks depressed (isn’t it obvious?), almost calls her something MUCH more affectionate than would be conventionally appropriate to say to an employee. Next we more specifically get to know the character of Mr. Rochester’s lovely bride-to-be, Miss Ingram. Although Miss Ingram seems to be the absolute picture of perfection, Jane can see her for what she really is: a sarcastic, inconsiderate, unoriginal, prideful, and shallow young woman intent on Mr. Rochester’s fortune. And what is most torturous to Jane is that Mr. Rochester knows it too. Everyone is happy indoors, but Jane’s mood is reflected in the rainy weather outside, especially since Mr. Rochester has now commanded her to make an appearance in the drawing room every night just to witness him pretend to flirt with Miss Ingram. Then Mr. Rochester decides to dress up as an old gypsy woman and tell the fortunes of the young, unmarried women in the party. I love Mr. Rochester and all, but that’s extremely questionable behavior. Genuinely, what was the thought process there? To Miss Ingram, Mr. Rochester says something she obviously doesn’t like and that remains a mystery to us. Then he requests Jane’s presence. Reading over their dialogue with the knowledge that it’s Mr. Rochester in the red cloak, many things are revealed to us. To be very frank, Mr. Rochester can tell that Jane is in love with him, Mr. Rochester is in love with Jane, and he clearly wants her to MAKE A MOVE. In my opinion, make your own move, Mr. Rochester!! Why does Jane have to be the one to take the leap when she’s conventionally in the worst possible position to do so? But then again, if she cares as little for convention as she claims, how come she hasn’t made a move?