Edward Rochester

Edward Rochester was an extremely important character in Jane Eyre. Mr.Rochester first met Jane when he badly injured himself when his horse slipped on the ice. At first, Jane had no idea who he was other than a stranger, but quite shortly after she learned that he is Mr.Rochester, the owner of Thornfield Hall. Edward Rochester is described as not being particularly handsome. "I recognized his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils, denoting, I thought, choler; his grim mouth, chin, and jaw-yes, all three were very grim, and no mistake" (Bronte, page 148, paragraph 3). Although, not beautiful, Jane loved him and he unmistakeably loved her. Mr.Rochester wished to marry Jane, but of course on their wedding day the truth is revealed. Mr.Rochester was exposed of his marriage to Bertha Mason, a mad woman who has caused problems in Thornfield Hall quite craftily. This causes Jane to deny his hand in marriage until he is legally able to marry her. Mr.Rochester goes into a deep depression when Jane leaves him with out a trace and he was unable to get over the loss of his love. To make matters worse, one night he wakes up to Thornfield Hall being consumed by a fire started by Bertha. He manages to get everyone out of the house safely, but he loses his eye sight and his hand to the flames and smoke. Bertha Mason died that night leaving Mr.Rochester free at last. He later is reunited by his true love Jane, and finally gets to marry her.

Bronte, Charlotte. The Illustrated Jane Eyre. New York: Viking Studio, 2006. Print.