However, where Emily Bronte uses vivid descriptions of eyes to convey the inward workings of Heathcliff (which identify him as a Byronic character) Charlotte Bronte relies on telling descriptions of Rochester's hands to construct his Byronic identity. While Rochester and Jane stand at the altar listening to Mr. Wood's allegations, Charlotte Bronte describes the firm grasp of Rochester's hands. "Mr. Rochester heard, but heeded not: he stood stuborn and ridgid: making no movement, but to posses himself of my hand "what a hot and strong grasp he had!- (Bronte 247).
This description of Rochester's "hot and strong grasp- demonstrates his self assuredness and powerful Byronic influence over Jane. These few words shed the first rays of light into the dark and mysterious world of this Byronic individual. (add quote from "sparknotes-) Near the end of the novel, another description of Rochester's hands adds yet another perspective to his Byronic character. "He groped; I arrested his wandering hand, and prisoned it in both mine- (Bronte 369). Acting as a parallel to the earlier description of Rochester's "strong grasp,"" this quote underscores the "grope[ing],"" and "wandering- through life, common to all Byronic individuals. (add quote from "sparknotes-) Charlotte Bronte's use of intricately designed descriptions of Rochester's hands (to construct Rochester's Byronic identity) in Jane Eyre stands in contrast to Emily Bronte's use of eyes (as a tool for constructing the Byronic identity of Heathcliff) in Wuthering Heights. .
While Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre both feature dark and mysterious Byronic individuals, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre provides readers with telling glimpses into the day-to-day darkness of her Byronic hero (Rochester), day-to-day details which are absent from Wuthering Heights' Heathcliff. In Jane Eyre, Rochester eventually proposes to Jane, a proposal she gladly accepts.
