Quote:
““No, you mean never do consider economy and common sense. You should hear mama on the chapter of governesses: Mary and I have had, I should think, a dozen at least in our day; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi – were they not, mama?”
Mrs. Dent here bent over to the pious lady and whispered something in her ear; I suppose, from the answer elicited, it was a reminder that one of the anathematised race was present.
“Tant pis!” said her Ladyship, “I hope it may do her good!” Then, in a lower tone, but still loud enough for me to hear, “I noticed her; I am a judge of physiognomy, and in hers I see all faults of her class,” (Brontè 204).”
Comment:
There is a consistent theme in Jane Eyre comparing the rich and poor. This can be seen in multiple scenes when Mr. Rochester invites his party of wealthy colleagues to his home, and is where the quote above comes from. Mr. Rochester and his colleagues are participating in a gathering meant to share art, music, knowledge, ect… Just from the context of the event, it seems obvious that these kinds of parties were conducted by the wealthy, and those who have the luxury of having an extensive education. This becomes even more obvious when these gatherings last for weeks upon weeks, which is not a privilege that poor individuals could not afford. There is also a disconnect between the rich and poor, which can be seen in the ways that the wealthy speak about the poor (or those of lower status than them) When some of the ladies find out that Jane is a governess there is an air of authority that they hold over her. They talk about all the different private tutors that they have had, and how they were horrible to them. One lady even comments how her governess was such a nice lady, and would get upset no matter how horrible they were to her. This disconnect shows that the wealthy in Jane Eyre (and in real life) only see the world that revolves around them, and anyone lesser can be taken advantage of. Like that one lady couldn’t even comprend that the reason why her governess was so kind and never got angry was because she couldn’t afford to lose her job. I think the way the disconnect between the poor and the wealthy in Jane Eyre is important because it shows how this dynamic was back in the 1800’s, which we can then compare to modern life.
Question:
How has the gap between the rich and poor changed since Jane Eyre was published? Has it gotten better, worse, what is similar and different? Do the upper class (as a majority) in today’s society have the same types of views about those in poverty?
