The Struggle Between Passion and Reason in Jane Eyre

Passion and practicality are strong sentiments that often control the way people think, feel, and even act. The three main characters of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre are faced with many struggles when it comes to dealing with matters of the heart. Each has their own unique way of approaching situations, though they do not always provide the equilibrium between these powerful feelings, needed to reach the desired outcome. Although Mr. Rochester's fiery emotions and St. John's pious senses influence Jane at times throughout the novel, her well-balanced conscience ultimately prevails.

Jane Eyre is faced with two potential loves, lives and marriages; one based upon passion, the other, practicality. Whereas Rochester is passionate, St John is austere and ambitious. Jane’s relationship with the two men are similar, her burning passion for Rochester vs. her brotherly love for St John. Her life story shows the difficulties and rewards of balancing passion and reason. Edward Rochester is her employer, and the first real man in her life. She falls madly in love with him, but for a governess to even consider romantic involvement with her rich employer was con

Balance between passion and reason is undoubtedly an essential part of an exultant life. Charlotte Bronte portrays this value, exploring the main theme of the book through the character Jane, who in the end finds the desired balance in her marriage with Rochester. Though their decisions always seem to lean towards one end of the spectrum, as opposed to a unity of these vital feelings, St John and Mr. Rochester remain true to what they believe to be best for them. Rochester is a passionate man, following his heart throughout the entire novel, and never looking back. He chooses the socially unacceptable relationship with Jane, over the prestigious and beautiful Blanche, while St. John on the contrary, wishes to marry for what will suit him best in his lifestyle. Passion and practicality are powerful emotions that have the ability to affect the way people think, feel, and even act. They are strong enough to influence life-altering decisions; drive loved ones away, and even makes one overlook what he or she may truly feel. Although their separate influence on an individual can be powerful, when present in the perfect balance of heart and head, the result is always complete fulfillment.

Mr. Rochester follows his heart over his head in Jane Eyre, though many would advise him otherwise. Mr. Rochester follows passion over practicality, and falls in love with his governess, Jane, though it is highly socially unacceptable. Edward Rochester was meant to be, “provided for by a wealthy marriage” (290). Being on the upper end of the middle class, it was meant for Rochester to marry a woman of a noble class such as Blanche Ingram. Blanche, a striking young lady, needs to marry for money and is willing to marry beneath her to do so. Although she is best suited for Mr. Rochester, he does not seem to care for Blanche, yet he uses her to tease Jane and get her attention. Although Rochester is Jane's social and economic superior, and although men were widely considered to be naturally superior to women in the Victorian period, Jane is Rochester's intellectual equal. He sees her as a strong individual, who is caring and compassionate. He genuinely loves Jane, and admires her for being able to stand up to him, and express how she really feels. He goes to elaborate lengths to reveal her feelings for him, inclu

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