"The cloven halves were not broken from each other, for the firm base and strong roots kept them unsundered below; though community of vitality was destroyed -the sap could flow no more" (280)
This quote describes a chestnut tree that has been struck by lightning the eve of Jane and Mr. Rochester's wedding night. The tree is mentioned several times throughout "Jane Eyer" and it symbolizes Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester. The tree is split into two pieces that are burnt, but still alive and together at the roots. This is a natural warning to Jane that her bond with Mr.Rocheseter is soon to be torn apart and it will scorch the two of them badly. This image foreshadows hope for their future together because the roots underground are still alive and well. At the end of the novel Mr.Rochester talks of a "budding woodbine"(452)covering "it's decay with freshness"(452). This means that their love is regrowing from the shadow and soil of the old stricken chestnut tree in Thornfield orchard.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment