is companioned with another character who, similar to Jane, represents nature, Rochester. Rochester rivals Jane with his harsh and natural honesty: “Not quite: you have secured the shadow of your thought; but no more, probably. You had not enough of the artist’s skill and science to give it full being; yet the drawings are, for a schoolgirl, peculiar. As to the thoughts, they are elfish” (117; Ch.13). A development of Rochester’s character can be seen toward the novel’s end. This change in Rochester, due to fire, death and desertion, gives Rochester animal-like characteristics: “The governess had run away two months before; and for all Mr. Rochester sought her as if she had been the most precious thing he had in the world, he never could hear a word of her; and he grew savage . . . He never was a mild man, but he got dangerous after he lost her” (409; Ch.36). Jane, upon seeing Rochester, describes him as a “fettered wild beast or bird, dangerous to approach in his sullen woe” (412; Ch.37). The animal imagery continues until the novel’s end. When Jane and Rochester finally reunite, Jane notices the changes Rochester has experienced: “your hair reminds me of eagles’ feathers; whether your nails are grown like a bird’s claws or not, I have not yet noticed” (117; Ch. 37). Jane, noting Rochester’s changes, continues to love Rochester and decides that she will never leave him again: “Certainly – Edwards 3unless you object. I will be your neighbor, your nurse, your housekeeper. I find you lonely: I will be your companion – to read to you, to walk with you, to sit with you, to wait on you, to be eyes and hands to you” (416; Ch.37). The relationship Jane describes to Rochester resembles a symbiosis. Both being a type of nature, it is only fitting that Jane and Rochester’s relationship should evolve into such a nat...
