Jane Under The Wood-Tree Essay

Following Rochester’s proposal to Jane under the chestnut-tree, a violent storm breaks out and splits the tree down the center, leaving only a connection at the roots. Upon Jane’s return to observe the tree, she realizes that the two halves of tree are still partially connected. She ignores the violence of nature at the moment and still desires to marry Rochester, who eventually reveals that he is married already. Brontë utilizes Jane’s positive narration of the connection of the two halves of the split chestnut-tree in order to foreshadow her future longing to reunite with Rochester. Brontë employs Jane’s narration of the negatives of the chestnut-tree’s new state to display her desire to be with Rochester. While observing the chestnut-tree,

Jane observes the tree and describes the potential reunion of the halves: “however, they might be said to form one tree—a ruin, but an entire ruin.” Jane’s narration of the split halves of the tree as still being able to join one another, reflects her ideas of her love with Rochester. She sees that they are separate and both damaged, however her idea of “an entire ruin” in a positive light, displays her desire for unity with another. Jane’s narration from the future allows her to subtly reference the unknown knowledge of Bertha, Rochester’s wife. Bertha’s insanity causes him to be damaged like the tree because he cannot marry another woman and he is stuck with someone who is insane. However, Jane sees that together she and Rochester complete each other despite their impairments. Afterwards, Jane speaks to the chestnut-tree using dialogue, speaking positively about their connection. She states, “’You did right to hold fast to each other’”. Her use of dialogue adds increased significance to the line. She sees that it is “right” for the two halves of the whole to remain together. Similarly, this reflects Jane’s idea that she will remain with Rochester, despite any split in their relationship. This is seen later once the pair actually splits but then rejoins. So, Jane’s use of this line displays her confirmation that she is satisfied with