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Analyze the differences and similarities between the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet and chapter XXIII in Jane Eyre
by María de la Iglesia Mata (2008-09, 5ºB)
An intimate atmosphere wraps two couples in a bubble full of strong, deep feelings. The darkness broken by the bright moon, in summer, the breeze amongst the fruit trees of the orchards, birds singing, and the flowing love, frame two romantic actions.
This night, it is the men that are in search of their beloved women. Romeo climbs the wall, a literal and a figurative one that embodies the obstacles between his forbidden love called Juliet, a Capulet, and himself, a Montague. However, Mr. Rochester is in his own mansion, he hasn't got difficulties to reach Jane, walking outside. Despite there also being a wall, Mr. Rochester hasn't to climb it, but, in some way, it also symbolizes a kind of barrier in their relationship. To both couples, there are two interpretations of the "sea", so inmense that represents a strong love, but so large that marks a distance.
Without noticing Romeo's presence, Juliet thinks of him in aloud voice; on the other hand, Jane knows she can be seen by Mr. Rochester. Former's ignorance and latter's precaution have different male's reception. Romeo is amazed at being rewarded with Juliet's love, but Mr. Rochester has to do his best to obtain Jane's correspondence.
In general, Romeo and Juliet's situation is represented explicity. Every difficulty that implies their love is represented by objects of the scenery. Juliet, being at the balcony, shows her high level – as Romeo sees her, comparing her with so bright a sun. The wall is another example, a physical obstacle that comes from their families' enmity. However, in Jane Eyre, these difficulties are shown in every chapter: social status, wealth and Blanche Ingram. Jane is assumed as the inferior, the governess, poor and with no connections. And Mr. Rochester, the master, the rich man, powerful and dominant, represents superiority. Here we also have two levels.
As for men's intentions, they try to get love in different ways. Romeo can't help flattering Juliet, while Mr. Rochester behaves in a very weak, pathetic way: firstly, by telling Jane to leave Thornfield, and then, by begging her to stay forever. Both are childlike behaviour, logical in Romeo's case, he being a teenager, but incongruous in thirty-five-year-old Mr. Rochester. Despite their immature behaviour, both men go against the world.*
It is Juliet and Mr. Rochester that want to get married: Juliet, as a woman in love, for security and possesion, and Mr. Rochester, due to his dark past, for getting peace and calmness with his angel. On the other hand, Romeo and Jane are afraid of the other's declaration being a dream, they want to be sure about their oath of love. Blind as Romeo is, he only flatters Juliet and appears not to listen to her; Jane is sceptical, no wonder, due to Mr. Rochester's changes of mind, which makes him so much more insecure.
Common to both is that, finally, none of them wants these lovely instants to finish, though, after all, they say: "Good night, my Darling" and "A thousand times good night".
Footnote
* Romeo says: "With love's light kings did I o'er perch these walls;/ for Stony limits cannot hold love out,/ and what love can do that dares love attempt;/ therefore thy kinsmen are not let to me". And Mr. Rochester: "Is there not love in my heart, and constancy in my resolves? It will expiate at God's tribunal. I know my maker sanctions what I do. For the world's judgement – I wash my hands thereof. For man's opinión – I defy it".