Travel as Experience in Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre Essays

Travel as Experience in Jane Eyre In his essay "The Progress of Error" William Cowper writes: Returning he proclaims by many a grace, By shrugs and strange contortions of his face, How much a dunce, that has been sent to roam, Excels a dunce, that has been kept at home. (Buzard 99) In the novel, we are presented with the tale of Jane Eyre and her travels around the English countryside. What she has seen and done are not considered extraordinary but rather common to a woman of her social standing. On the other hand, Rochester as a man of wealth and land has traveled the world and seen the sights of many nations. He has been to the new world and has also completed the Grand Tour of Europe that so many aristocrats before him have done. Yet when he returns home jaded, he finds in the plainest of women something that he had not found in his countless expeditions. When Jane is betrayed by Rochester, she leaves on her own tour with only a hope of survival without him. She eventually returns from her trek and has learned what she truly desires is to be with Rochester. Rochester’s advantageous trip abroad does not deliver the hope and satisfaction that the Grand Tour promises. On the other hand, Jane’s inconvenient journey around her homeland proves reveal ing to her independent nature. These details closely mirror the questions that arise when the value of travel as a learning experience is considered. Ultimately, Jane learns that where one goes is less important than how one spends the time. We see both sides of this argument in their first real conversation. While trying to explain why he finds her so interesting and at the same time must condescend to her, Rochester tells Jane that "†¦I have battled through a varied experience wit+h many men of many nations, and roamed over half the globe, while you have lived quietly with one set of people in one house" (140; ch. 14). Rochester believes this view of conquering more of the world makes him a stronger, better person. Jane retaliates that Rochester shouldn’t feel superior just because "†¦you have seen more of the world than I have – your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience" (140; ch. 14). Rochester responds by admitting he has "made an indifferent, not to say a bad use of both advantages" (140; ch.