- "The picture you have just drawn is suggestive of a rather too overwhelming contrast. Your words have delineated very prettily a graceful Apollo: he is present to your imagination ... Your eyes dwell on a Vulcan ... You certainly are rather like Vulcan, sir." (p. 449)
There are twelve major deities in Greek and Roman mythology; two including Apollo and Vulcan. Apollo was a very important figure during this time, being recognized as the god of light, healing, music, poetry, prophecy, archery, and truth. Vulcan, named by the Romans, is identified as the god of fire and blacksmiths. Charlotte Bronte illustrates Mr. Rochester's jealously by comparing Mr. St. John's character to the well-known god, Apollo. To Mr. Rochester, Mr. St. John appears to possess multiple qualities that Jane would find attractive, therefore associating him with Apollo. Mr. Rochester expresses his inadequacy by relating himself to Vulcan, only then to experience a cutting surprise as Jane agrees with his statement.
Work Cited:
"Vulcan - Roman God of Fire."
Volcanoes and Mythology. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.crystalinks.com/volcanomyth.html.
"Apollo."
Encyclopedia Mythica. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/apollo.html.
Photo Credit:
Photograph.
WIlson's Almanac. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/images2/vulcan_venus.jpg.
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