Parallels
In Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece, Jane Eyre, of the Victorian period and the Romance of Tristan and Iseult, as retold by Joseph Bedier, the couples that find themselves in love are Jane Eyre with Edward Rochester, and Tristan with Iseult. Both couples face major obstacles that jeopardize or destroy their relationship. Some of the characteristics of romantic love used in these two works are suffering for one another in a variety of ways, constant thought of one another, and most vital to these particular tales, the overcoming of obstacles. The parallels between the two novels extend beyond these, but there are some obvious differences. In both novels, the love of the two protaganists is forbidden by social obstacles, all very important. In the case of Tristan and Iseult, it is the marriage of Iseult to King Mark, and in Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester's instance, it is Edward's marriage to Bertha, his insane wife who is contained in the attic. Iseult and Mark could never be divorced, as that was not an option in feudal times. Edward and Bertha also could not be divorced, for several reasons. The only truly acceptable cause for divorce in Victorian times was infidelity. Bertha was always faithful, she only late
A parallel of small detail is an action that both men make. Disguised as a gypsy, he reads the fortune of Blanche Ingram. They die in the end longing for each other. They drank together out of thirst, but instead found "Passion and Joy most sharp, and Anguish without end, and Death. (229; ch 19)This proves to Rochester that money actually was her main purpose, and does not desire to pursue another marriage like his marriage to Bertha. If Iseult resents her marriage to Mark, or Tristan resent his to Iseult of the White hands, they do not make it clear. The deception by Rochester is for personal gain, as he already feels for his governess, Jane Eyre. Iseult's desires are of no interest to Mark, as she is a woman, and in feudal times, they were never considered important. Jane expresses her feelings instead of hiding them. Edward highly resents Bertha, and makes it clear. In their case, they don't feel comtempt for their spouse's, only desire for one another outside of their marriages. " (43) In the case of Jane and Rochester, it is purely by their choice that they love each other. I know she considers the Rochester estate eligible to the last degree.
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Acceptance Essays
