Jane Eyre- Conflict

In my opinion, the conflict in Jane Eyre is primarily based on the existence of Bertha Mason. The conflict is already set, although unknown, by the time that the story begins. Mr. Rochester marries Bertha Mason and shortly afterwards, she becomes a lunatic (Bronte 466). Since he was unable to divorce her according to the law at the time, he had her living upstairs and taken care of by a servant (Bronte 472). Years later when Jane comes to be the governess at Thornfield, she falls in love with Mr. Rochester- being unaware that he is already married (401). The conflict is increased when in the middle of Jane and Mr. Rochester’s wedding ceremony, it is revealed that Mr. Rochester’s wife is still alive (446). This realization causes Jane to feel confused, distrustful, and eventually pushes her to leave Thornfield Hall (453). The conflict is finally lost one night when Bertha Mason set the mansion on fire (652). She then jumped from the building and fell to her death (654). When Jane finally returns too Thornfield, she is informed of Bertha’s death as well as Mr. Rochester’s current position. Since Mr. Rochester’s wife is dead and he can now remarry, Jane and Mr. Rochester get married and live happily together (684).

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Reader's Digest, 1984. Print.