“Which is better? - To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort - no struggled; - but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flower covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time - for he would - oh, yes, he would have love me well for a while.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre, the protagonist Jane is reflecting on the idea of giving in to temptation and living a luxurious, carefree life as Mr. Rochester's mistress in France. She contemplates the ease and comfort of such a life compared to the struggles and efforts required to maintain her integrity and independence. This quote showcases Jane's internal conflict between her desires for love and luxury, and her commitment to her own principles and values. It highlights the tension between passion and duty, and the importance of staying true to oneself even in the face of temptation.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the protagonist Jane wrestles with the idea of succumbing to temptation and giving in to a life of pleasure and luxury. This internal struggle is relevant in today's society, where individuals are often faced with the choice between fulfilling their desires or staying true to their values and beliefs. Jane's contemplation serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of temptation and worldly desires.
Charlotte Brontë
In this passage, the protagonist contemplates the idea of giving in to temptation and becoming Mr. Rochester's mistress in France. The internal struggle and desire for luxury and love are evident in the character's thoughts.
Reflection Questions
In this passage, Charlotte Brontë presents a scenario where the protagonist contemplates succumbing to temptation and living a life of luxury as Mr. Rochester's mistress. Reflect on the following questions:
What are the pros and cons of giving in to temptation and pursuing a life of luxury without any effort or struggle?
How do you think the protagonist's sense of self-worth and values would be affected if she chose to become Mr. Rochester's mistress?
Consider the theme of morality and integrity in this passage. How do you personally define these concepts and how do they guide your decision-making in life?
Have you ever been tempted to take an easier path in life, even if it meant compromising your values or principles? How did you handle that situation?
Reflect on the idea of short-term pleasure versus long-term fulfillment. Do you believe that sacrificing temporary comfort for a greater purpose is worth it in the end?
Similar quotes
“Meantime, let me ask myself one question--Which is better?--To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort--no struggle;--but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flowers covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time--for he would--oh, yes, he would have loved me well for a while. He DID love me--no one will ever love me so again. I shall never more know the sweet homage given to beauty, youth, and grace--for never to any one else shall I seem to possess these charms. He was fond and proud of me--it is what no man besides will ever be.--But where am I wandering, and what am I saying, and above all, feeling? Whether is it better, I ask, to be a slave in a fool's paradise at Marseilles--fevered with delusive bliss one hour- -suffocating with the bitterest tears of remorse and shame the next- -or to be a village-schoolmistress, free and honest, in a breezy mountain nook in the healthy heart of England?”
“What good it would have done me at that time to have been tossed in the storms of an uncertain struggling like, and to have been taught by rough and bitter experience to long for the calm amidst which I now repined!”
“I would have got past Mr. Rochester's chamber without pause; but my heart momentarily stopping its beat at that threshold, my foot was forced to stop also. No sleep was there: the inmate was walking restlessly from wall to wall; and again and again he sighed while I listened. There was a heaven-a temporary heaven-in this room for me if I chose.”
“Now I have performed the part of a good host,” pursued Mr. Rochester, “put my guests into the way of amusing each other, I ought to be at liberty to attend to my own pleasure.”
“Because when she failed, I saw how she might have succeeded. Arrows that continually glanced off from Mr. Rochester's breast and fell harmless at his feet, might, I knew, if shot by a surer hand, have quivered keen in his proud heart - have called love into his stern eye, and softness into his sardonic face, or better still, without weapons a silent conquest might have been won.”
“You are going, Jane?""I am going, sir.""You are leaving me?""Yes.""You will not come? You will not be my comforter, my rescuer? My deep love, my wild woe, my frantic prayer, are all nothing to you?"What unutterable pathos was in his voice! How hard was it to reiterate firmly, "I am going!""Jane!""Mr. Rochester.""Withdraw then, I consent; but remember, you leave me here in anguish. Go up to your own room, think over all I have said, and, Jane, cast a glance on my sufferings; think of me."He turned away, he threw himself on his face on the sofa. "Oh, Jane! my hope, my love, my life!" broke in anguish from his lips. Then came a deep, strong sob.”