In both novels, the love of the two protaganists is forbidden by social obstacles, all very important. In the case of Tristan and Iseult, it is the marriage of Iseult to King Mark, and in Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester's instance, it is Edward's marriage to Bertha, his insane wife who is contained in the attic. Iseult and Mark could never be divorced, as that was not an option in feudal times. Edward and Bertha also could not be divorced, for several reasons. The only truly acceptable cause for divorce in Victorian times was infidelity. Bertha was always faithful, she only later

I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had

This separates Jane and Iseult in a enormous way. Jane expresses her feelings instead of hiding them. This was not normal in Victorian times, either though. Another related difference is that Jane receives an inheritance from her uncle, which turns the tables. She has no need for Rochester as provider, however, he needs her. His estate is destroyed in a fire and it leaves him blind and poor, needing Jane Eyre to look after him. He is maimed and she is not considered to be a "catch." Their love for their personalities, not for their money. The two works differ by this condition also. Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester find happiness. Tristan and Iseult never achieve happiness. They die in the end longing for each other. Both married to one that is not their true love, and deception by Tristan's spouse keeps them from meeting for one last time in the end.

Kings of Logres and of Cornwall; my lords Gawain, and Kay and Girflet, and all of you that are my warrantors, by these holy things and all the holy things of earth, I swear that no man born of woman has held me in his arms saving King Mark, my lord, and that poor pilgrim who only now took a fall, as you saw.(127)

A parallel of small detail is an action that both men make. They both disguise themselves to serve their own purposes. In Tristan and Iseult, Iseult needs to clear her name of infidelity and to prove herself innocent, she must hold a burning hot iron and not be burned by it. Before the test, she sends for Tristan to come disguised as a pilgrim

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tristan Iseult, Blanche Ingram, Edward Bertha, Jane's Jane, King Mark, Jane Iseult, King Arthur, Jane Eyre, Jane Rochester, Iseult Iseult, tristan iseult, jane eyre, jane eyre edward, eyre edward, eyre edward rochester, edward rochester, romantic love, love tristan iseult, hot iron, king mark, characteristics romantic, attic iseult, edward rochester tristan, iseult jane, romance tristan iseult,
Approximate Word count = 1142
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)