Themes - Marriage

"I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connexions suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point – this was where the nerve was touched and teazed – this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him." (189)

Jane is bothered by the idea of Blanche and Rochester getting married. Yes, Blanch has the money and social class that is suitable for a man like Rochester, but they are not compatible in any other way. Marriage in this novel is looked down upon if it is for status or riches. The important aspects for marriage are compatibility, passion, and ethics. Jane believes marriages can only work between like-minded individuals with similar attitudes and outlooks on life. Those that marry for the social power and money do not know what love is, and are only marrying for the benefit of their lifestyle.