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RICHARD MASON:
THE HERO
OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S NOVEL
JANE EYRE
Copyright 2019 Christina M. Guerrero
DEDICATION
N/A
STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Read on.
ABOUT THE DRAFTS
Nothing yet.
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
The nineteen-year-old woman is about to get married.
The minister asks if anyone knows a reason for the marriage not to take place.
Richard Mason stands up.
Richard Mason says that the groom-to-be is already married.
The marriage is called off.
This is part of Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre.
Richard Mason has interacted with Edward Rochester, the former groom-to-be, several times. They have almost come to blows in front of the young woman. And now, Rochester must give an accounting. Rochester is reminded that he is in church, and to mind his words and actions.
He gives his accounting. Oh, does he.
It is one of the most satisfying stories ever written. Charlotte Bronte underscores the religious and social convictions of Jane Eyre so well, that it would be scandalous if she follows her beloved Rochester into bigamy. Yet, at times, it is terrible and heart-breaking that she does not.
From the beginning of the story it seems that no one truly cares about the well-being of the orphan Jane. But her uncle, and his friend and business associate Richard Mason, through persistence, are able to display concern and kindness and some financial support.
Rochester cares ... too much. His own story is just as wrenching as Jane’s. Once familiar with it, the reader may once again be reminded of religious convictions, and perhaps a famous Biblical phrase: “Judge not lest ye be judged ....” and perhaps shudder at what one would do if faced with circumstances such as his.
Jane’s uncle cares, but he dies before they can meet.
It is up to Richard Mason to live up to the standards of being a gentleman: observing, taking action, standing up for his convictions, being prepared for a fight, and speaking up when a situation appears to be hopeless and doomed.
He does so despite feeling ill. He is there in the church, to Rochester’s consternation.
While Rochester is quite the dashing, intelligent, mysterious love of Jane’s life ...
... Richard Mason is the true hero of the story.
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