Jane Eyre Group

Question:

qtdany
qtdany
Student
High School - 10th Grade

Why does St. John have such a strong influence over Jane for a time? Why is it not a duty for Jane to marry him?

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Posted by qtdany on Tuesday June 3, 2008 at 2:00 AM and tagged with characters, jane eyre, marriage, st john.

Answers:


  1. podunc Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    eNotes Editor

    St. John's offer of marriage to Jane is one of convenience--he needs her as a helper in his missionary work, and the only socially acceptable way for Jane to join him is to become his wife. Since St. John makes a spiritual/religious argument for their marriage, it is much harder for Jane to turn down. She almost gives in to the pressure:

    "The Impossible--i.e. my marriage with St. John--was fast becoming the Possible. All was changing utterly, with a sudden sweep. Religion called--Angels beckoned--God commanded--life rolled together like a scroll . . ."

    When she hears Rochester's voice cry out to her, however, she finds the strength to refuse St. John's offer. Jane is under no obligation to marry her cousin, and now that she is an heiress, does not need him for financial support either.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/eyre/

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    Posted by podunc on Tuesday June 3, 2008 at 3:08 AM