Originally Posted by Karen 5th November 2005

We've discussed the 2 Elizabeths, now let's look at Jane and how she fits in. Jeffreys' has written some interesting women in a play about men.

We realize that in her own way, early on, that Jane holds a very powerful position in the story. And, we know that this story is also about power, it's perception and it's actuality and how it's used by people. The "food chain" in essence, in Rochester's world.

We know she's street savvy and has learned, on her own, the ways of the world. For example, the scene where the Wits are looking for "good bits and bad bits" and Jane finds one by smell and says "See, next bit's got a gravy stain. When men do a good bit they reward themselves straight away."

What else do we know about Jane and how she fits into the group? What makes you like her...or dislike her? Why?

What does Jeffreys tell us about her? What purpose does she serve?

Deppraved

Jane almost seems like "one of the boys", in a way. She is Wilmot's confidant, she understands his baser needs but also knows him well. (Bartenders, hairdressers, whores...) I like her--she has more than street smarts, she has access to her woman's intutition, and common sense. She seems to like her work. LOL

As for her purpose, I'll leave that to the more erudite readers who can figure these things out, then I'll know!

Karen

I'm on record as liking Jane, she does seem like "one of the boys" to me too. I wonder if she was a character that could weave herself through the story, rather like a thread in a quilt? In and out of the scenes, moving from situation to situation without disruption. She was a common thread?

Hibblette

Yes, I like Jane too.

And yes she is one of the boys.

But mainly I like her because she has a very realistic attitude towards all of it. She knows that all of them are just full of it-and actually this includes Rochester. Perhaps that's why he likes her.