In Jane Eyre, the characters undergo a noticeable transformation as a result of their wealth. The individuals who possess money perceive themselves as superior to those without it, which is exemplified by Mrs. Reed and her family following Mr. Reed’s demise. Likewise, Blanche Ingram displays disrespect towards Jane at a party, dehumanizing her because of her social standing. Similarly, St. John’s behavior towards Jane changes after he receives 5,000? from her. Throughout the novel, it becomes apparent that money serves as the root cause of evil and the characters within the story personify this concept. It is worth mentioning that Mrs. Reed and her family treated Jane in a different manner while Mr. Reed was still alive.
After the death of Jane’s husband, Mrs. Reed exploited the situation to mistreat Jane. She maliciously poisoned her children’s minds against Jane, portraying her as unworthy and encouraging them to stay away from her (Bronte 23). Mrs. Reed justified her cruel behavior by viewing Jane as poor and not her own child. Moreover, she went to great lengths to fabricate a false story about Jane in order to evict her from the house, even deceiving Mr. Brocklehurst with lies. Mrs. Reed falsely alleged that Jane’s mother was the sister of her deceased husband and that he had asked Mrs. Reed on his deathbed to take care of Jane. Despite this supposed act of kindness, Mrs. Reed consistently treated Jane poorly, labeling her as spiteful and advising Mr. Brocklehurst to closely monitor her if she were accepted into Lowood School.
I regret to inform you that her most egregious flaw is deceit (Bronte 30). Mr. Brocklehurst believed Mrs. Reed’s accusations against Jane, leading to Jane being ostracized at Lowood School. He proclaimed, “And you, girl. [He has Jane stand on her stool] This is the pedestal of infamy, and you will remain on it all day long. You will have neither food nor drink for you must know how barren is the life of a sinner. Children, I exhort you to shun her, exclude her, shut her out from this day forth. Withhold the hand of friendship and deny your love to Jane Eyre, the liar.” (Bronte). Jane later becomes a teacher at Lowood after Mrs. Temple leaves. However, she eventually seeks employment elsewhere and finds a position as a governess for Mr. Rochester of Thornfield (Bronte 89). Several years pass, and Betty’s husband informs Jane that Mrs. Reed is on her deathbed. Mrs. Reed has been calling for Jane while she has been ill (Bronte 233). When Jane arrives at Gateshead, Mrs. Reed requests forgiveness (Bronte 253). Mrs. Reed receives her just punishment for tormenting someone who was less fortunate.
On her deathbed, she is losing all her money and regrets not being kind to Jane. The influence of money can alter people’s attitudes and impressions towards others. Blanche Ingram, a character in the book, symbolizes both poverty and wealth. Throughout the story, she consistently displays unkindness towards Jane. Blanche represents an entitled individual who requires a life lesson. Her attraction to Mr. Rochester stems from his wealth. She was included among the guests when Mr. Rochester invited some friends over for a few days.
Rochester invited Adele and Jane to the party with him. However, Blanche Ingram insulted Jane by calling her a “Poor child. I had about half a dozen in my day. All detestable incubi” (Bronte). This deeply affected Jane’s self-esteem as Blanche Ingram spoke about her without considering her feelings. Despite being aware of Jane’s presence, Blanche Ingram did not acknowledge her or treat her with any respect. It was evident that Blanche, being wealthy, had no regard for others’ opinions. She caused Jane to cry and displayed a complete lack of empathy. Moreover, it was apparent that Blanche lacked true education, as she merely read books and copied what they said.
The text emphasizes the negative character traits and consequences faced by a woman referred to as “she”. She is described as good-looking, wealthy, and ill-mannered. As a result of her actions towards Jane, she ultimately receives justifiable retribution. This woman was initially intended to be married to Mr. Rochester, but he rejects her in favor of Jane (Bronte 269-272). The text suggests that ignorance and lack of remorse for one’s actions will inevitably lead to negative outcomes. It also argues that money should not change a person, but rather should facilitate personal growth. Furthermore, the text highlights how St. John, who is related to the woman, becomes deranged when he learns that Jane possesses a large sum of money. He had been kind to her when she was poor, but his attitude changes upon learning about her monetary windfall. After acquiring the money himself, he demands that Jane marry him (Bronte 430).
According to St. John, God and nature intended Jane to be a missionary’s wife. He emphasized that this decision was not based on personal emotions but on the intellectual abilities she possesses. St. John believed that Jane was destined for work rather than love. He insisted that she would become a missionary’s wife and claimed her not for his own pleasure but to serve his Sovereign (Bronte 430). Instead of asking Jane if she would marry him, he demanded it, asserting that refusing would be an act of disobedience towards God. When Jane declined his proposal, he became disturbed. In response, Jane informed him that she would go to India, but not as his wife; rather as his sister.
He was incredibly furious and cautioned her about the potential consequences of disobeying God’s instructions. In response, she declared that she would willingly accept damnation because he no longer desired her love (Bronte 434). This only intensified his anger. Consequently, he rejected holding Jane’s hand and ignored her for a period of time. Eventually, Jane could not endure the suffering any longer and agreed to go to India, not as his sister but as his wife. That very night, something extraordinary happened – a familiar voice called out “Jane, Jane, Jane” (Bronte). Immediately, Jane got out of bed and exclaimed “I am coming! I cried. Wait for me!
Jane was resolute in her quest to locate Mr. Rochester following St. John’s departure to bid farewell to his acquaintances. Upon reaching Thornfield, however, she uncovered the devastating truth that it had been reduced to ashes by Bertha Mason. Subsequently, Jane retreated back to the inn where a member of the staff apprised her of the unfolding events and disclosed Mr. Rochester’s location. Eagerly desiring to reach Ferndean before night’s end, Jane doubled her payment to the coachman and arrived precisely at midnight. As she alighted from the carriage, she caught sight of Mr. Rochester inspecting for any signs of rain.
Bronte writes that the protagonist is blind, has lost one eye, and has one arm. After Mr. Rochester goes to his room, Jane encounters the individuals who have been caring for her, named John and Mary. Jane asks Mary to inform Mr. Rochester that someone wishes to see him. Mary informs Jane that Mr. Rochester wants to know her name and the reason for her visit. Jane retrieves the tray that Mr. Rochester requested and delivers it to him. It is at this moment that Pilot the dog recognizes Jane, but Mr. Rochester only realizes who she is when she hands him a glass of water. Instantly, a connection forms between them.
Jane agrees to marry Rochester, even though she already loves him. They have a child together. St. John is unable to win Jane’s affection and chooses to travel to India by himself, suggesting that he will meet his death (Bronte). In Jane’s life, those who meddle always suffer tragedy or loss because they wrongly believe their wealth makes them superior. Nevertheless, being poor does not decrease one’s value as a human being; every individual deserves equal respect regardless of their financial status. This emphasizes the notion that money is the root of all evil.
