The character of Rochester is the character of a mechanical monster.
mechanical automaton, whose ever motion reveals that he moves not
by vital powers but by springs and machinery,-- Rev. of Jane Eyre, by
Charlotte Brontë. Graham's Magazine - 1848 the year after it was
written
c36. The servants say they never saw anybody so much
in love as he was: he was after her continually.
EQUALITY
"because my equal is here, and my likeness."
Byronic Hero
"My master’s colourless, olive face, "
c36."It was all his own courage, and a body may say, his kindness, in
a way, ma'am: he wouldn't leave the house till every one else
was out before him.
"Square, massive brow, broad and jetty
eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features,"
" were not beautiful, according to rule;
but they were more than beautiful to me"
SELFISH
C36"Some say it was a just judgment on
him for keeping his first marriage secret,
and wanting to take another wife while he
had one living: but I pity him, for my part."
CRUEL
IMMORAL
"Since happiness is irrevocably denied me, I have a right to
get pleasure out of life: and I will get it, cost what it may."
BEATEN DOWN
"some wronged and fettered wild beast or bird, dangerous to approach in his sullen woe"
REPENTED
"I did wrong: I would have
sullied my innocent flower "
"Divine justice pursued its course... I was forced to
pass through the valley of the shadow of death.
His chastisements are mighty; and one smote me
which has humbled me for ever."
RELIGION
"I began to see and acknowledge
the hand of God in my doom."
"I began to experience remorse, repentance;
the wish for reconcilement to my Maker. "
"I began sometimes to pray: very brief
prayers they were, but very sincere."