Chapter 34 – Jane refuses marriage proposal

Question 1

‘she can bear a mountain blast, or a shower’

Answer 1

St John wants to marry Jane because he believes that she would make a good wife, not because he loves her. This goes against everything Jane goes against and also breaks stereotypes based on historical/social context

Question 2

you are docile, diligent, disinterested, faithful, constant and courageous

Answer 2

This highlights that St John does not fully understand Jane as a person and doesn’t recognise the ‘fire’ in her

Question 3

‘if I join St John, I abandon half myself.’

Answer 3

Jane is not willing to give up her independence for a love that does not involve passion; with Rochester, she gains another half to herself, but with St John she loses

Question 4

I scorn the counterfeit sentiment you offer

Answer 4

Exemplifies further that Jane believes in true love