Modern readers often ask why Rochester did not simply divorce his wife once he discovered she was insane. Apparently it was for medical reasons, as Rochester explains to Jane: Jane Eyre was published in 1847, 170 years ago. Marriage law […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ “I hold the key to her cell as it were, and she hates me for it. Given the means and opportunity, I know she would kill me.” He said nothing. […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ ~ “You will hear the truth!” With a swift blow I slapped him across the cheek. ~ His eyes went wide, more with fear than pain. He ceased struggling and let […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ ~ It is quite the reverse, Mason. Everyone is this house is at the mercy of her demons. She is mad, you know. Quite insane.” ~ He staggered. For […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ Almost shaking, he whispered, “These reports, Fairfax, concern not my sister’s conduct—but yours.” “My conduct?” I swallowed another mouthful of tea. “What sort of nonsense is this?” He turned away, […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ I fled back to Alta Arboleta, full of shame and self-loathing. My humiliation now was so complete, I thought nothing else could bring me lower. But an unexpected visitor proved […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ ~ But my triumph was hollow: it was a rigged game after all – and the prize? Nothing more than a fetter of servitude to madness!” ~ “My God, Edward. […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ I could not move. Misguided ambition? Will come to nothing? Who the hell did he think he was? Well, damn him. Oh, damn him! Resentment burned through me as I […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ After thumbing through the letters, Campbell took up another. “Here is the odd epistle, sir. It is addressed to Mr. Mason…from a Mr. Rowland Rochester.” “Rowland? He was my elder […]
Ξ From the Journals of Edward Rochester – 1811-1815 Ξ ~ Mason had been dead perhaps a year, when one afternoon, Lucias, the old butler, informed me that a gentleman—a lawyer, in fact—had come to Alta Arboleta, and he was looking for […]
