Comparing Jane Eyre And Blanche In A Streetcar Named Desire

While many of Jane’s moments alone in Volume One reveal her desire to explore the unknown, similar moments in Volume Two reveal why she does not take that risk and often remains in the familiar. As she falls in love with Rochester, Jane becomes more and more critical of herself and her social standing. After she learns of the possible engagement between Rochester and Blanche, Jane is especially critical of herself in a moment alone, imagining what Blanche might look like. This private moment of harsh truth reveals her inner insecurities, but it becomes vital in allowing her to maintain her composure in public. As Jane reflects on falling in love with Rochester, her tone becomes harsh as she lectures herself for stepping outside her social position. Her voice becomes reminiscent of voices of her childhood: …show more content…
These two different tools emphasize the contrast Jane means to depict between herself and Blanche. While Jane omits” no hard line” and does not “smooth away no displeasing irregularity” for her own portrait, she paints Blanche to have “harmonious lineaments,” with a “Grecian neck and bust,” and “delicate hand,” omitting “neither diamond ring nor gold bracelet” (168). These different portrayals emphasize how Jane sees herself in the world in Rochester’s eyes compared to Blanche, who is well born and can offer Rochester money and social standing. The titles of the two paintings “Portrait of a Governess, disconnected, poor, and plain” and “Blanche, an accomplished lady of rank” furthers this point. While Blanche’s name is the first word mentioned in the title, Jane replaces her name with “Governess,” deemphasizing her importance as an individual and placing it on her social status. Blache’s social standing allows her an identity within the