"You should hear mama on the chapter of governesses: Mary and I have had, I should think, a dozen at least in our day; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi - were they not, mama?"(179).The character of Blanche Ingram is flat because some of the most notable qualities about her is her disdain for those below her and her haughtiness. This quote is Blanche Ingram speaking to Mr. Rochester on the topic of governesses, and how it would be financially responsible to send Adèle to school, rather than have a governess. Blanche believes that because all governesses during her childhood were supposedly less than moral or unlikable, all will be. While Blanche is saying this to Mr. Rochester, Jane is sitting within hearing range of the couple, however, it doesn't stop Blanche from saying it anyways. Her haughtiness associated with her class is something taught to her by her mother, shown by her asking her mother for confirmation of her beliefs. Another notable fact is that of a dozen governesses that Blanche and Mary had as children, none were remotely likable. Her mother's agreement with Blanche about governesses being horrible shows that this prejudice exists between the two, and possibly Mary.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Characterization: Blanche Ingram
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I agree with your characterization of Blanche Ingram. I also think that she is a flat character because we as the reader only see her in one personality. We only see one side of her which is very little. We only know that Blanche is a high-class, spoiled woman who wishes to marry Mr. Rochester for his money. Blanche is also a static character because throughout the novel, she stays consistent with her opinion and personality. Once Mr. Rochester told Blanche that he was not as rich as she thought he was, Blanche lost interest in Mr. Rochester as a potential husband. She kept her opinion of wanting to marry for money. She never changes her character. Overall, very nice analysis!
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