Rochester and St. John Rivers are both extremely interesting characters. They have deep personalities so that it requires some thought to fully understand their actions. They can both do the same thing, under the same circumstances, with different motivations and in different ways. Rochester was born into a wealthy family, of high rank. The Rivers name was also well spoken of and highly respected. Both men had highly intellectual minds. Each, in their own way, thought themselves superior over other people. Rochester bluntly behaved in a proud manner, whereas St. John quietly held himself above others Rochester is an unkempt bachelor, owner of several estates. He is a globetrotter who rarely stays in one place long. He has a tendency to be loud and demanding. St. John Rivers is a well-kept minister in a small town who feels called to work as a missionary in India. He is quiet, if he says anything it is to the point and very clear.
Bronte associates Rochester with fire and passion whereas she associates St. John Rivers with cold and detachment. I think Bronte does this basically to display Jane's feelings toward each. Simply put Rochester is associated with passion because Jane is passionate toward him, "I think it is a glorious thing to have the hope of living with you, Edward, because I love you." (Brontë, 264). In contrast St. John is juxaposed with ice and cold. "the cloak that covered his tall figure all white as a glacier." (Brontë, 353). This ice and cold compared to fire and passion are comparsions between the two men who asked for her hand in marriage. It's only up to Jane to chose which route to take.
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