The equality within the relationship between Jane and Rochester can be seen when he proposes to Jane, ‘my bride is here…because my equal is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me?’(Jane Eyre, Wordsworth Editions, pg. 224). Rochester’s desire to marry Jane as equals is crucial to him,’ I ask you to pass through life at my side—to be my second self, and best earthly companion’ with the phrase ‘at my side’ implying they must be equal to marry. Critics have often said that it is the character’s actions that are important because it is ‘By their actions do we know them’ (AQA, 1992), and Rochester demonstrates a virtuous character with Brontë highlighting how much Rochester loves Jane. Both he and Jane must be equal irrespective of society’s
