The human and fallible should not arrogate a power with which the divine and perfect alone can be safely intrusted.
Chapter 14 · Jane Eyre
Context
Rochester has just declared his intention to follow a morally questionable course of action, justifying it as necessary under unusual circumstances. Jane objects by invoking a principle that denies humans the authority to rewrite moral law.
Analysis
The parallel structure—"human and fallible" versus "divine and perfect"—sets up an absolute boundary between two kinds of authority that Jane insists cannot be crossed. By choosing the formal verb "arrogate," which means to seize power unlawfully, she frames Rochester's claim as not just mistaken but illegitimate, even blasphemous. The sentence refuses compromise: if you are human, you cannot safely wield the power to declare your own actions right.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Jane's resistance to Rochester is grounded in theological principle, not just personal scruple—she invokes divine authority to block his moral relativism, establishing a framework that will become crucial when she must later refuse him on religious grounds despite her love.