Mr Rochester: Byronic Hero

A closer look at Jane Eyre’s true love

© Elizabeth Gregory

Nov 14, 2007
Charlotte Bronte was a great admirer of the work of Lord Byron, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the character of Edward Rochester.

Influence of Byron

Byron first introduced this type of character in his epic poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, published from 1812 – 1818, and continued to depict such individuals throughout his later work. We know that Bronte was much influenced by Byron’s poetry; indeed, Jane Eyre, published in 1847, even makes reference to one of his works, The Corsair.

Many readers of Jane Eyre over the years have been fascinated by Rochester, as he is not the type of love interest normally found in a romantic novel. He is rude, difficult, and far from handsome. However, Jane Eyre is no ordinary romance, and it seems in keeping with the novel’s gothic atmosphere that its hero should be decidedly Byronic.

Qualities of the Byronic Hero

So what exactly makes a hero Byronic? First of all, he is prone to moodiness. Rochester is often snappy or terse with Jane, but is also capable of shows of great affection and physical tenderness: “He kissed me repeatedly” (chapter 23). This passionate side to the Byronic hero’s nature means that he may have strayed sexually in the past, and slept with a number of women. This certainly seems true of Rochester: young Adele is “the daughter of a French opera-dancer, Céline Varens, towards whom he had once cherished what he called a ‘grande passion’” (chapter 15).

A Dark Secret

As well as these indiscretions, Rochester’s past also hides a much darker secret: the existence of a mad wife he married purely for her looks, and who now lives in the attic of Thornfield. The Byronic hero is usually widely travelled, and has often got into trouble whilst on one of these journeys: again, this reflects Rochester’s experience in Jamaica. Much as we may criticise Rochester for keeping such a secret, he does undeniably fall genuinely in love with Jane, demonstrating another Byronic trait: complete disregard for social rank. Rochester cares nothing of what people will think when he marries a former governess: “‘You—poor and obscure, and small and plain as you are—I entreat to accept me as a husband’” (chapter 23).

Physical Appearance

Rochester is certainly not possessed of traditional good looks: “with his broad and jetty eyebrows; his square forehead, made squarer by the horizontal sweep of his black hair. I recognised his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils, denoting, I thought, choler; his grim mouth, chin, and jaw—yes, all three were very grim, and no mistake. His shape, now divested of cloak, I perceived harmonised in squareness with his physiognomy” (chapter 13).

Yet he has an immense charisma: people are drawn to him despite the fact that he is, by nature, something of a social outcast. He seems ill at ease when hosting the Ingram party, and for many readers the most memorable scenes of the novel are those where Rochester seems most comfortable: talking alone with Jane by the fireside. Whilst some may prefer the more civilised charms of Mr Darcy, for many Mr Rochester remains the ultimate hero, perhaps because of his difficult nature rather than despite it.

Learn more about Charlotte Bronte’s life, and the use of gothic and supernatural elements within Jane Eyre.


The copyright of the article Mr Rochester: Byronic Hero in 18th & 19th Century British Fiction is owned by Elizabeth Gregory. Permission to republish Mr Rochester: Byronic Hero in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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Comments
Oct 13, 2008 11:14 AM
Guest :
I love the Byronic hero.
Greatest literature creation after Anna Karenina.
Nov 13, 2008 3:45 AM
Guest :
i myself have found this page to be of great use as i have chosen to do my A2 coursework on the presentation of Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre and it's supposed prequel Wide Sargasso Sea
Nov 18, 2008 3:15 PM
Guest :
i love Jane Eyre. Even more, Mr Rochester
Dec 4, 2008 10:56 AM
Guest :
Jane Eyre is the finest literary creation since the BIBLE! These words are from angels themselves! May it be proclaimed from the mountain tops that Charlotte Bronte is the greatest author of all time. We are all so lucky that we are fortunate enough to be graced with such literature.
Jan 21, 2009 10:57 AM
Guest :
So what exactly makes a hero Byronic? Well First of all, he is prone to His name. Rochester is physical tenderness:to the Byronic hero’s nature means that strayed slept with a number of women. This certainly seems true of Rochester: young Adele is “the daughter of a French opera-dancer, Céline Varens, towards whom he had once cherished what he called a ‘grande goodio’” (chapter 15).

Feb 10, 2009 7:20 AM
Guest :
Guest : Jane Eyre is the finest literary creation since the BIBLE! These words are from angels themselves! May it be proclaimed from the mountain tops that Charlotte Bronte is the greatest author of all time. We are all so lucky that we are fortunate enough to be graced with such literature.


You sir, are a complete and utter disgrace. Not only is this book TERRIBLE, but it is completely absurd to compare it to the BIBLE! You should be ashamed to even attempt to compare it to such a wonderful book such as the bible. Jane Eyre is one of the worst literary works of all time, possibly worse than Doctor Seuss himself.
Feb 10, 2009 7:21 AM
Guest :
Jane Eyre is the reason why i want to go back in time and kill Charlotte Bronte.
Feb 13, 2009 4:25 PM
Guest :
Byronic characters turns me ON ..

LOL
Feb 16, 2009 9:53 PM
Guest :
Guest: You sir, are a complete and utter disgrace. Not only is this book TERRIBLE, but it is completely absurd to compare it to the BIBLE! You should be ashamed to even attempt to compare it to such a wonderful book such as the bible. Jane Eyre is one of the worst literary works of all time, possibly worse than Doctor Seuss himself.

whoever posted that is the complete and utter disgrace. Maybe we should respect other people's opinions no matter how stupid they are to us. And then comparing how horrible something is to another author? two strikes. Did anyone ask for your negativity? Maybe you should go complain where you're asked to.
May 6, 2009 9:05 PM
Guest :
Jane Eyre is my favorite novel of all time! And Mr. Rochester is perfect, amidst his imperfections. This is truly the best among Bronte's work.
May 14, 2009 12:11 PM
Guest :
Oh how Jane Eyre has changed my life. I have two birthdays in my life, one being the day my mother gave birth (March 22nd) and the other...the day I finished reading Jane Eyre (October 21, 1996). This book is by far one of the greatest works of literature. I agree with the other person who wrote of Jane Eyre's greatness. To the other person who commented on Jane Eyre...you sir are a fool. Respect others opinions. I only wish that all could feel Bronte's words flow through them, as they have flown through me.
May 19, 2009 6:07 PM
Guest :
i loved mr rochester simply for the fact that he is a wholly unconventional character with deep flaws that many would not forgive, yet he is so real and human..he is deeply flawed but is so wildly passionate that you can't help but fall in love with him.

- i think that this is Charlotte Bronte's ultimate achievement.
its also amazing that she and her sisters had the courage in such a rigid society to publish such wild, gothic and dark novels with female characters of such strength and independence.
Sep 30, 2009 6:13 AM
Guest :
this peice of writing realllly helped me to write my essay /.... and ofcourse i love the novel :)
13 Comments