What are some good examples from the novel of the importance of marriage (linked with wealth and status) in the 19th Century conventions!?
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Position:Home>Books & Authors> Question for anyone who has read and understands JANE EYRE?Question: Question for anyone who has read and understands JANE EYRE!? What are some good examples from the novel of the importance of marriage (linked with wealth and status) in the 19th Century conventions!?
10 Points to most helpful, accurate and informative answer!Www@QuestionHome@Com Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In the 19th century, it was important for a young lady to marry well, so that she could have all of her material needs taken care of for the rest of her life!. There were not many career choices available to women, unless they wished to be governesses (like Jane Eyre) and even that was not a terribly well paid position!. For wealthy 19th century families, it was also very important that they should marry well!. The goal, for both men and women, was to marry into a family that was equal or better to them in wealth and status!. This meant that two good, rich families were now joined together through the marriage!. For women, this meant that they would be taken care of and live in the lifestyle to which they were already accustomed!. For men, it could sometimes mean more money and power (particularly if the bride had a large dowry!.) Blanche, Rochesters initial suitor was from a wealthy family!. Both families would gain from Blanche marrying Rochester!. Jane Eyre, by nineteenth century standards would have been unlikely to marry at all!. She had no family (apart from a cruel unloving aunt and an uncle who was unaware of her existence until a few months before his death)!. Jane had a career as governess and would have been regarded by someone of Rochesters status as little more than hired help!. The fact that he paid her any attention at all is extraordinary in itself!. Then again !.!.!. we are talking about a man who kept his wife locked in an attic!. Throughout the novel, both Jane and Rochester are shown to be rebels - the reject the ideals of the society around them!. (Personally, I've often wondered if Rochester really was Adele's father!.) However, their marriage does not take place until Jane inherits enough money to be considered Rochester's equal (his house has burned down and he has been shunned by most of the people in his social circle)!. Rochester is not much of a 'catch' by 19th century standards!. Nor is Jane, although she is now independently wealthy!. Only once they are away from their original place in society are they allowed to marry!. Www@QuestionHome@Com !.!. jane eyre is the prime example!. so is blanche!. but they differ in that they want to marry someone for different reasons!. blanche only wants to marry rochester for his wealth, but when she hears a little rumor that he's not as rich as she thinks, she loses interest in him!. on the other hand, jane loves rochester for the right reasons, but keeps holding him off because she thinks she is "below" him!. in the 19th century, people tended to stick their social classes and jane and rochester broke this "unspoken rule"Www@QuestionHome@Com |