Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart!
Jane Eyre to Mr Rochester in chapter 23 when she tells him that she must leave his employment because of his supposed marriage to the beautiful but cold Miss Ingram.
Full quote
Where? You, sir, have placed it before me.”
“In what shape?”
“In the shape of Miss Ingram; a noble and beautiful woman, — your bride.”
“My bride! What bride? I have no bride!”
“But you will have.”
“Yes; — I will! — I will!” He set his teeth.
“Then I must go: — you have said it yourself.”
“No: you must stay! I swear it — and the oath shall be kept.”
“I tell you I must go!” I retorted, roused to something like passion. “Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you, — and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh; — it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal, — as we are!”
“As we are!” repeated Mr. Rochester — “so,” he added, enclosing me in his arms. Gathering me to his breast, pressing his lips on my lips: “so, Jane!”
‘Jane Eyre’ is a novel, written by Author Charlotte Bronte (b. 1816 – 1855 Haworth, Yorkshire, UK) under her pen name ‘Currer Bell’ and was published by Smith, Elder and Co of London in 1847. The book is considered a feminist book in a non political way, because it explores the heroine’s search for equality in a Victorian world. The heroine also questions and criticises the Class system, her place in society, religion and sexuality. The novel is a a vibrant love story with many trials and tribulations that lead Jane to eventual happiness. The story is told in a First person narrative, making it intimate and compelling.
Click on a previous post of mine Did the real Charlotte Bronte just stand up?
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