Using the scenes in chapters 13 and 14, describe the relationship between Jane and Rochester. How do their conversations strike you, and what do they say about the two of them? How are these dialogues similar to or different from the early dialogues of Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice?

I think Mr. Darcy and Mr. Rochester are much different characters, yet with several similarities. For instance they are both rich with great inheritance, land, property, and wealth. They both also come across as prideful, above everyone else, serious, and powerful. From the readers perspective they both seem to think they are better and know more than those around them. I really couldn’t stand Mr. Rochester in chapters 13 and 14. He kept asking Jane so many questions, right after the other, going from one subject to another, challenging her and challenging what she knows. He questioned her and her character, questioned whether she was lying or embellishing or if she was really capable of the things she said she was. If I was Jane Eyre in this section of the story I would be very insulted by the way he was speaking and interrogating. But really, I think Mr. Rochester is probably not this conceited, but rather he has walls and barriers that he doesn’t let anybody past. He probably has trust issues. Because of this, he is very inquisitive and suspecting. Jane is pleasant, sweet, and kind natured toward him regardless of his attitude toward her and everyone else. She answers his questions patiently and I don’t get the feeling that she feels like she has to defend herself, or gain his absolute approval. She is a confident woman with upstanding character beyond her years.

Some other differences between the conversations between Jane and Rochester and Elizabeth and Darcy, are that Jane and Rochester have longer conversations, Rochester asks a lot of questions and we see that their relationship blossoms very soon after their meeting. They seem to have more intimate conversation than Elizabeth and Darcy.