“You are no ruin, sir—no lightning-struck tree: you aregreen and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots,whether you ask them or not, because they take delightin your bountiful shadow; and as they grow they will leantowards you, and wind round you, because your strengthoffers them so safe a prop.”
Finding Strength and Support in Others
In this quote from Jane Eyre, the idea of finding strength and support in others is highlighted. Just as plants naturally gravitate towards a strong and nurturing source for support, humans also seek out those who exude strength and offer stability in their lives. This can be seen as a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive relationships in order to thrive and grow.
Feeling Strength and Support
In this quote from Jane Eyre, the speaker is reassuring the listener that they are not ruined or damaged, but rather strong and supportive like a tree that plants grow around for protection and stability. The imagery of plants growing towards the listener emphasizes their strength and ability to provide comfort and safety for others.
Analysis
In this quote from Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, the speaker is comparing the character Mr. Rochester to a tree that has not been ruined or struck by lightning. Instead, he is described as "green and vigorous," indicating his strength and vitality. The plants growing around his roots symbolize those who are drawn to him and seek his protection and support. The imagery of plants growing and leaning towards Mr. Rochester highlights his magnetism and the sense of security and stability he provides to others. This quote speaks to Mr. Rochester's ability to nurture and protect those around him, as well as the natural attraction people feel towards strength and safety.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Jane Eyre, the speaker is expressing admiration for someone's strength and vitality. Reflect on the following questions:
- Who or what in your life provides you with a sense of strength and support, like the sturdy tree in the quote?
- How does your own strength and vitality impact those around you? Do you provide a safe and nurturing environment for others to grow?
- Have you ever underestimated your own resilience and ability to weather storms? How can you tap into your inner strength during challenging times?
- Consider the concept of being a source of support and comfort for others. How can you offer your "bountiful shadow" to those in need of shelter and guidance?
Similar quotes
“You are no ruin sir--no lighting-struck tree: you are green and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots, whether you ask them or not, because they take delight in your bountiful shadow; and as they grow they will lean towards you, and wind round you, because your strength offers them so safe a prop.”
“Rochester: "I am no better than the old lightning-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard…And what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?"Jane: "You are no ruin sir - no lighting-struck tree: you are green and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots, whether you ask them or not, because they take delight in your bountiful shadow; and as they grow they will lean towards you, and wind round you, because your strength offers them so safe a prop.”
“Every time you feel lost, confused, think about trees, remember how they grow. Remember that a tree with lots of branches and few roots will get toppled by the first strong wind, while the sap hardly moves in a tree with many roots and few branches. Roots and branches must grow in equal measure, you have to stand both inside of things and above them, because only then will you be able to offer shade and shelter, only then will you be able to cover yourself with leaves and fruit at the proper season.And later on, when so many roads open up before you, you don't know which to take, don't pick one at random; sit down and wait. Breathe deeply, trustingly, the way you breathed on the day when you came into the world, don't let anything distract you, wait and wait some more. Stay still, be quiet, and listen to your heart. Then, when it speaks, get up and go where it takes you.”
“No matter how far you take it with your friends, whether you're fighting with them or you hate them for two months, you just really need them, because they're the ones who teach you the most about yourself.”
“If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.”