“I might as well ‘gild refined gold’ I know it; your request is granted, then—for the time. I will remand the order I dispatched to my banker.”
Gild refined gold is an expression derived from "gild of lily." This phrase is referring to something that has unneeded decoration or is extravagant or to cover something already lovely with extra. It also symbolizes trying to improve an object that does not need to be improved. Bronte is showing that Mr. Rochester understands Jane’s desire not to “crowned with roses.” All Jane desires is Mr. Rochester's love; she wants to be treated as an equal in the relationship and for Mr. Rochester to show her his love for her through this treatment rather than gifts. "Crowned with roses" may be another tie in to the religious theme. Catholics recite the rosary as prayer; the holy rosary is known as Mary's "crown of roses." Throughout the book, Jane is trying to figure out her own religious beliefs. Ties to the theme of religion are seen as Jane meets and interacts with different characters and sorts out what she believes and what she doesn't believe about religion.
“Gild refined gold, paint the lily.” The Phrase Finder. 29 November 2009.
"The Holy Rosary." The Congregation of the Apostolic Carmel. 17 Jan. 2010. 17 Jan. 2010. http://www.catholic-church.org/apcarmel/rosary.htm
how can you finish off that conversation.. how does the crowning with roses tie into the bigger ideas.. make the connections just a little more explicit?
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