It does work and obviously it did. Jane is aware of her looks but that doesn't mean it's not an insecurity. Yes she knows she's ugly but she's also been told that her whole life. How much nicer would it have been to hear Rochester instead compliment the features that he does find attractive. Or lie! Rochester manipulates her throughout the entire book. He's hot and cold and it's very effective. He really does play with her emotions. He would have these private conversations with her and then court another woman in public and let Jane be treated as just the servant. Jane is very strong in some ways but she is still incredibly insecure and she has been treated terribly for basically her entire life. When Rochester gives her any kindness at all, she feels *gratitude*. If we're talking abusive relationships that have a power inequality, the dynamic in Jane Eyre is worse than what's in twilight by an order of magnitude.



You mean Jane Eyre is problematic, right? Well there's a lot that's problematic in Jane Eyre. Wide Sargasso Sea really is a great book. If you like Tanith Lee, you will like Wide Sargasso Sea. I wrote a paper on it- reconciling the Rochester in Jane Eyre with the Rochester in Wide Sargasso Sea. I did like having a book from the perspective of the women in the attic, because naturally as soon as I found out about her I wasn't Jane any longer, I was immediately transferred to the attic