" ... but as his wife - at his side always,and always restrained, and always checked - forced to keep the fire of my nature continually low, to compel it to burn inwardly and never utter a cry, though the imprisoned flame consumed vital after vital - this would be unendurable" (415).
This is Jane talking about her feelings about marrying St John. She admits earlier that although she doesn't have the same calling for missionary work as he does, she would be content with going to India with him unmarried because her mind and heart would be free. If she went as his wife, she would be expected to be submissive to him, and that would tear her apart. She knows he sees her as little more than a tool he can use to do his missionary work. This role of a subordinate woman is something Jane continually pushes when she interacts with St John.
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