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CHARLOTTE BRONTE

JANE EYRE

The AuthorCharlotte Brontë (1816 – 1855)Rev. Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell Brontë lived in Thornton, Yorkshire andhad six children, Maria, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell. Threeof these children were to become famous novelists and poets.Charlotte’s most famous work is Jane Eyre published in 1847. It is clear that Charlotte’s environment andher own life experiences greatly influenced her literary work. Her father was of Irish extraction and wasknown for his poetry and imagination, and clearly had an effect on Charlotte’s writing. She, along with her other two gifted sisters, only really started their literary careers when the two oldestBrontë children, Maria and Elizabeth, had died. It is clear that death at an early age was quite common inthis society, a fact that is mirrored in the collective works of the Brontë sisters.The death of Charlotte’s siblings affected her greatly, together with her brother’s rapid decline, and hisdeath of consumption in 1848.The sisters’ works had been published under the name ‘Bell’ with Charlotte using the male pseudonymCurrer Bell, Emily using Ellis Bell and Anne using Acton Bell. It was assumed by their reading audience thatall three ‘Bells’ were the one author. After the deaths of Emily and Anne, Charlotte disclosed to the readingpublic the true identities of the authors’ works such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey and TheTenant of Wildfell Hall, together with the sisters’ numerous poems.Emily only wrote the one novel in 1847, which was Wuthering Heights.Anne’s greatest work was Agnes Grey.Unlike her other two famous sisters, Charlotte traveled more extensively, going to London frequently, whereshe enjoyed the company of writer, William Makepeace Thackeray, and George Henry Lewes, a literarycritic. She also had a close friend in Elizabeth Gaskell who was to become her biographer. After the success of Jane Eyre, she completed her second novel, Shirley, and just before the completion ofher third novel, Villette, she contracted a liver infection.In 1854, she was married to the Rev. Arthur Bell Nicholls, her father’s curate, much to the disapproval ofher father who didn’t attend the ceremony. On honeymoon in Ireland she was thrown from a horse andalthough initially appeared unhurt, her health was to suffer. Whilst in the early stages of pregnancy, shecontracted tuberculosis and died on 31st March 1855 at the age of thirty-nine. At the time of her death shewas writing Emma, which was completed by her biographer and published posthumously.Having seen all his children die, Patrick Brontë was cared for by Rev. Nicholls until his death in 1861.Much of Charlotte’s childhood is mirrored in her narration of Jane Eyre, from the time she spent at theClergy Daughters’ School at Cowanbridge, where there was a strict code of behavior, and where her sistersMaria and Elizabeth died from tuberculosis, to the time where she found love with her husband Arthur.

ContextJane was orphaned as a very small child and was brought up by her aunt Sarah Reed reluctantly. She hadpromised her husband on his deathbed she would bring up his sister’s child, Jane, as one of her own.Jane was constantly bullied by the Reed children, John, Eliza, and Georgiana, and was never treated as oneof the family at Gateshead Hall. Her only friend was one of the maids, Bessie Lee. When she reached theage of ten, she could no longer keep silent about her torment, and while she was being attended by Dr.Lloyd, for a blow to the head she had received from John, she confided in him and he suggested to Mrs.Reed that Jane might be better off attending a Boarding School.The Administrator of Lowood School, Mr. Brocklehurst, interviews Jane and Mrs. Reed makes it plain thatJane is a sinful and deceitful child. Mr. Brocklehurst assures Mrs. Reed that she will be tamed at Lowood. Conditions at Lowood are austere, and the orphans there receive meager food and live in cold, damp rooms.Jane soon becomes friends with an older girl, Helen Burns, who eventually succumbs to the hardships ofLowood and dies in Jane’s arms. Soon after, there is a typhus epidemic in the school, and many children die. The school is supported partlythrough public donations, and it becomes clear that the conditions in the school are too harsh, and from this



point Mr. Brocklehurst’s power in the school is limited. Conditions improve, and Jane completes her sixyears of study and becomes a teacher at the school for a further two years.Prompted by the marriage of one of the teachers Jane was close to, Miss Temple, Jane decides that sheshould perhaps seek another position and she advertises in ‘The Herald’. She obtains only one reply fromMrs. Fairfax of Thornfield, a sixteen-hour journey away. Despite the distance, Jane decides to take theposition. At Thornfield, Jane for the first time experiences independence and the respect of the servants for theposition she holds as Governess for one French girl, Adèle Varens.The master of Thornfield is Mr. Rochester and Adèle is his ward. She has only been in England for a fewmonths and knows little English, and her servant knows none.The housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax is relieved that Jane speaks French fluently and will be able to interpret. Shemakes Jane feel very welcome and Jane is thrilled at having her own feminine bedroom to make as her newhome.Jane forms a strong attachment to her pupil, and she starts grooming her through discipline and education.Whilst on an errand to the village, Jane confronts a horseman with his dog. He has fallen on the ice andJane provides him aid, not knowing that he is her employer, Mr. Rochester. When she returns toThornfield, she discovers the truth and immediately becomes attracted to this older elusive man. He isdelighted at Adèle’s progress, but treats Jane strangely, and she does not know how to react to him.Since her arrival at Thornfield, Jane has often heard strange noises, such as crazed laughing, and Mrs.Fairfax blames this on Grace Poole, one of the house servants. One night Jane notices smoke coming from Rochester’s room, and she saves her master’s life by throwingwater on the flames. Again this is blamed on Grace Poole.Rochester’s name has been linked with a local lady of renowned beauty, Blanche Ingram, and Rochesterdecides to host a party for her and other guests. One of the guests, Richard Mason is attacked during thenight, and Rochester asks Jane to attend the wounded man while he gets help. He asks her to promise tokeep the matter secret. Jane is called to the deathbed of Mrs. Reed who has always been troubled concerning Jane, that she did notfulfill her husband’s dying wish. She tells Jane that she has an uncle in Madeira, John Eyre, who has beentrying to locate her. Sarah Reed dies soon after unmourned by her children.On Jane’s return to Thornfield she is overwhelmed by Rochester’s proposal of marriage, which she accepts.At the wedding ceremony, the proceedings are halted, as there is an impediment in that Mr. Rochester isalready married. A solicitor, Mr. Briggs, brings this accusation. Rochester insists that the whole companycome back to Thornfield where they are introduced to Grace Poole’s patient, Bertha Mason Rochester, araving madwoman. Jane flees Thornfield on the morning coach and only leaves the coach when her money runs out. She iseventually taken in by St.John Rivers, the local minister. The minister and his two sisters care for Jane, andit transpires through a strange coincidence that they are distant relatives. Jane receives work in St.John’sparish as a teacher, and he proposes marriage to Jane, although he is a cold person, and clearly has nostrong feelings for her. Jane feels that she has heard a distant voice from her former love, Rochester, and she is drawn back toThornfield. There she discovers the mansion as a burnt-out shell, and Rochester lives close by, a crippledman.Jane still loves Rochester and they are married and settle at Ferndean, Rochester’s new home.Bertha Rochester had set fire to Thornfield, and despite Rochester’s efforts to save her; she plunged to herdeath from the roof. Under Jane’s care, Rochester regains much of his former vigor and they have a son.



List of CharactersJane EyreJane spent her early childhood at Gateshead Hall as an orphan in the care of her aunt, Sarah Reed. Herparents had died when she was just a few months old. Her father was a parson and her mother was thedisinherited sister of Sarah Reed’s husband. When Mr. Reed died, he had made his wife promise to bringup Jane as one of her own. Jane is bullied by her three cousins, and refuses to be dominated by her harshaunt. She is sent to Lowood Boarding School for Orphaned Girls where she remains for eight years, as a studentand then as a teacher. Wishing to escape the prison-like environment of the school, she advertises as aGoverness and obtains a position at Thornfield Hall. She falls in love with the master of the hall, Rochester, and he reciprocates this affection. On their weddingday it is revealed that Rochester was already the victim of an arranged marriage with a woman who turnedmad. The deranged Mrs. Rochester is killed when she sets fire to Thornfield and eventually Jane andRochester are reunited and live happily together.Edward Fairfax RochesterEdward is the second son of a wealthy landowner, but has an unhappy adulthood when he is tricked intomarrying an insane woman, who resides in a cell-like room in Thornfield Hall. In an attempt to escape thismisery, he spends much of his time wandering Europe, during which he has a string of relationships, butone in particular involving Céline Varens means more than the others, and he has a genuine feeling for thisFrench singer and dancer, but it is not reciprocated. When Varens deserts her child, Adèle, Rochesterbrings her back to Thornfield Hall to be cared for, even though the child is not his.When he meets Jane Eyre, he sees past the slight stature and plain features, and sees a loving, caringperson to whom he is attracted. Her presence gives him some hope for the future and realizing that shecould not be another mistress for him, he decides to marry her. His attempted bigamy is discovered on thewedding day causing Jane to flee Thornfield, and shortly after this, his wife escapes her prison and sets fireto Thornfield, dying in the process.Rochester is blinded and loses his left hand in the fire, and moves to Ferndean. There he is eventuallyreunited with Jane. They marry and have a son.Sarah Gibson ReedShe reluctantly agrees to her husband’s deathbed wish and brings up Jane Eyre in her home. Whilstspoiling her own three children, and overlooking their constant bullying of Jane, she gives our heroine amost unhappy childhood. Jane rebels against Mrs. Reed’s authority seeing it as totally unjust. Mrs. Reeddies alone, unloved by her daughters.Mr. BrocklehurstThe administrator of Lowood School for Orphaned Girls, he runs a strict and austere regime at the school.Whilst the orphans suffer at the hands of cruel teachers receiving inadequate food and wearing spartanclothes, he and his family enjoy comparative luxury. His power over the orphans ends, however, whenthere is an outbreak of typhus and his inefficiency is discovered.Mrs. Alice FairfaxShe is a distant relative of Rochester, and is employed as Housekeeper at Thornfield. She has a genuineaffection for Jane in contrast to the majority of females Jane has known prior to her arrival at Thornfield.She tries to discourage Jane’s marriage with Mr. Rochester because of the large age gap.Adèle VarensShe is Edward Rochester’s ward rescued when her mother, a French singer and dancer, deserted her. It isthrough her that Jane obtains the position as Governess, and due to Jane’s influence, Adèle is molded into adisciplined, educated girl.Blanche IngramArguably the most beautiful woman in the County, she views an alliance with Rochester as advantageous asit would improve her position. She regards Rochester as the most eligible ‘bachelor’ in the area, but shebecomes less keen when she discovers that his fortune is not as large as she expected.Helen BurnsA close friend of Jane at Lowood, she is a sickly child and eventually succumbs to the rigors of life atLowood. She has an angelic quality, and gives Jane Christian advice as to how she should lead her life.She looks forward to a reunion with Jane in heaven.The Reed childrenJohn, Eliza and Georgiana are the three spoilt children and cousins of Jane. John in particular bullies Janeand inflicts physical injury to her. He is totally spoilt by his mother, and his outlandish behavior in adulthoodreduces his mother to near poverty. He has a violent death aged only 23, which is rumored to be suicide.



The two daughters are self-centered and have little regard for their mother. Interestingly, Eliza becomes anun in France and eventually, Mother Superior. Georgiana being a beauty marries well. Neither of the girlsmourned their mother’s death.Bessie LeeShe is the only servant at Gateshead Hall to show any kind thought for Jane.Miss TempleOne of the few teachers at Lowood who cares for the girls, and she becomes one of Jane’s early rolemodels. Bertha Antoinetta Mason RochesterMadness runs in her family, but this is concealed from Rochester until the arranged marriage takes place.The arranged marriage was to provide benefit for both families concerned. After a few years of wretchedlife, Edward Rochester is forced to imprison his mad, retarded wife in Thornfield under the care of GracePoole, rather than have her committed to an asylum. She escapes from her keeper and causes thedestruction of herself, and Thornfield.Richard MasonBertha’s brother, he visits Thornfield to establish his sister’s health. He later learns of Jane’s engagementand halts the forthcoming wedding due to an impediment.Grace PooleShe has the task of caring for Rochester’s deranged wife, and is paid well for the duty. However, she is analcoholic and this is one of the reasons why Bertha is able to escape from her prison, which in the end hasdire consequences for the family.St. John RiversA devout minister, he takes Jane in after she has fled Thornfield, and along with his two sisters Diana andMary, cares for her. He intends to serve as a missionary in India, and needs a wife to accompany him. Hemakes several proposals of marriage to Jane, which she rejects. It transpires that the Rivers family isrelated to Jane, and they share in Jane’s inheritance from Uncle John Eyre.John EyreJane’s uncle, her father’s brother, he obtains great wealth which he leaves to Jane, having disinherited theRivers branch of the family.

Chapters 1 and 2SummaryA lonely 10-year old girl, Jane feels rejected and unloved, living in the home of her aunt, Sarah Reed. Heraunt is only concerned with her own three children and looks after Jane, an orphan, only due to the promiseshe made to her husband on his deathbed that she would look after Jane, his sister’s daughter, as one ofher own.Jane tries to obtain solace through reading books, but she is bullied by her three cousins, and in particularby the oldest, John who is 14. He causes Jane to fall against the door and she cuts her head. As usual,Jane gets the blame for the quarrel and as punishment, she is confined to the red room, which is unusedand was where Mr. Reed died.Jane has an independent spirit and will not be intimidated by her cousins or aunt. Her aunt puts this downto sinful behavior. Jane hates to be confined in the red room and she becomes hysterical and faints.InterpretationThis book tells the story of Jane Eyre and is in a first person narrative form.It is important that the reader tries to get inside the skin of Jane in order to appreciate how isolated andunloved she feels. She never knew her parents, as they died when she was baby. This theme ofloneliness and the harsh treatment of children are repeated often and is a common element for the wholestory, especially in the early stages of the book.Jane exhibits a strong spirit, which is able to sustain her through these early years faced with the abusefrom her cousins and her aunt. Her main tormentor is John Reed, who is his mother’s favorite and can dono wrong. The doting mother is unable to confront the shortcomings of her son, as highlighted by Jane,and so her reaction is to banish Jane to the red room. This room signifies the first Gothic element of thestory, and although basically Jane Eyre is a romantic novel, it also has a strong Gothic tone.Jane’s hysterics whilst confined in the red room can be coupled with her thoughts concerning Mr. Reed andhis burial in the crypt. The red room contains mirrors and this too adds to the atmosphere of this room.



The climax of Chapter 2 is Jane’s fainting.

Chapters 3 and 4SummaryJane awakes in her bed tended by Bessie, a maid, and Jane’s only friend in Gateshead Hall.An apothecary, Mr. Lloyd, examines Jane, and feeling that she can no longer endure the treatment handedout by her aunt and cousins, she confides in Mr. Lloyd, who suggests that she might be happier in aBoarding School, and he advises Mrs. Reed accordingly.Jane overhears this conversation and learns that her father was a poor clergyman who married Jane’smother against the family’s wishes, and were thus disinherited. Both her parents died of typhus a year laterand that is how she came to Gateshead Hall.Another lonely Christmas passes for Jane, only punctuated by an occasional kindness from Bessie. In mid January, Mr. Brocklehurst of Lowood Boarding School for Girls arrives to interview Jane. He says toher, “No sight so sad as that of a naughty child, especially a naughty little girl. Do you know where thewicked go after death?” Jane was ready with her answer, “They go to hell.” “And what is hell? Can you tell me that?” “A pit full of fire.” “And should you like to fall into that pit and to be burning there forever?”“No sir.”“What must you do to avoid it?”Jane deliberated for a moment and then said, “I must keep in good health, and not die.” Mr. Brocklehurst goes on to describe how tenuous life can be and that he has only just recently buried a 5-year old child.Jane sighed and Mr. Brocklehurst responded, “I hope that sigh is from the heart and that you repent forever having been the occasion of discomfort to your excellent benefactress.”Inwardly, Jane was seething, thinking that if Mrs. Reed was her benefactress, then to be a benefactress is adisagreeable thing.Mrs. Reed advises Mr. Brocklehurst that Jane has a tendency to deceit. Mr. Brocklehurst says, “Deceit is,indeed, a sad fault in a child. It is akin to falsehood, and all liars will have their portion in the lake burningwith fire and brimstone;” He assures Mrs. Reid that he will tame this sinful girl, and will warn those atLowood School to watch carefully this wicked child.

InterpretationThese chapters explain further Jane’s plight. Apart from the maid, Bessie, she receives no kindness at all.The other servants look down on her, and her cousins bully her. Even when Mr. Lloyd talks with her, he isnot totally sympathetic to her position, although he does suggest that she may be better off at a BoardingSchool, and Mrs. Reed pursues this.We are also made aware of Jane’s intelligence, obtained from her extensive reading, which she used as ameans of escape from her dismal life. She refuses to be manipulated by Brocklehurst’s interrogation and heattributes this to her wickedness. Before she leaves Gateshead Hall, she is determined to show Mrs. Reed that she is not totally cowed. AfterMr. Brocklehurst leaves, Jane says to Mrs. Reed, “I am not deceitful: if I were, I should say I loved you; butI declare I do not love you: I dislike you the worst of anybody in the world except John Reed: and this bookabout the Liar you may give to your girl Georgiana, for it is she who tells lies, and not I.” Jane senses thatshe has Mrs. Reed reeling at this verbal attack and she goes on to say that she disowns her as her aunt,and tells her that she will never come to see her when she grows up, and that “the very thought of youmakes me sick, and that you treated me with miserable cruelty.” The reader must remember that Jane is only 10, but she has the spirit of an adult, which she will requirewhen she goes to Lowood.Brontë is probably well qualified to pass comment on ministers in the Church of England from experiencesshe would have had as a child. She portrays Brocklehurst as a hypocritical, Bible-thumping minister whomay be adept in quoting directly from the Bible, but fails to practice what he preaches. He may be able tointimidate children with the fear of God, but certainly his contemporaries would see through this.

Chapters 5 and 6Summary



Jane arrives at Lowood School just after dark having said farewell to Gateshead Hall, and only Bessie wishedher well.One of the teachers, Miss Miller, brings Jane in to the main schoolroom where seventy plus girls agedbetween 9 and 20 study their lessons.Jane soon fits into the daily routine of the school, which starts before dawn and goes on until 5.00 p.m. inthe evening. Their lessons are only punctuated with three meal-breaks. She soon becomes friends with anolder girl, Helen Burns, which explains that Lowood teaches orphans and part of the fees are paid bydonations from the public. Some of the teachers are kind, but others are cruel like Miss Scratcherd, who seems to pick on Helen Burnsmost cruelly. The school is always cold, and in fact one morning the water is frozen in the washing pitchers. Onemorning Helen is beaten with a bundle of twigs (the birch) as punishment for having dirty nails. Janewonders at Helen’s resilience to withstand this cruelty, but she herself confesses that she is careless andlacks concentration. Feeling that she has a kindred spirit in Helen, Jane recounts her life at Gateshead Hall. Helen encouragesJane not to feel hatred for her aunt and her cousins, but to follow Christ’s teachings and to love thy enemy.

InterpretationBrontë provides a vivid description of life in this Boarding School. The orphaned girls wore drab uniforms which included a straw bonnet and a gray cloak which they usedwhilst outside. The meals consist of burned porridge, bread and cheese, and stew and potatoes, but with very little meat.Sometimes they may get an additional meal, which would comprise of coffee and a slice of bread, orperhaps water and oatcakes.The actual hours of study are long, and for those intelligent girls they will at least be well educated by thetime they finish at Lowood.Helen Burns is a curious character seeming to have advice for Jane beyond her years. She accepts herharsh treatment by the teachers stoically and she is almost too good to be true. Clearly Brontë wishes toportray her as an angelic person who has a lasting effect on Jane and her behavior later on in the story.The reader may recall Jane’s parting words to Mrs. Reed and it will be shown that Jane offers Mrs. Reed,her aunt, forgiveness later on in the book.

Chapters 7 and 8SummaryThe area is gripped by a severe winter and the girls struggle to keep out the cold, being inadequately fedand clothed. They are still forced to struggle along the almost impassable road that leads to the church,every Sunday. Mr. Brocklehurst, the manager of Lowood School visits to assess how the supplies are beingused.Jane tries to hide from Mr. Brocklehurst, and in doing so causes a slate to fall and smash. Mr. Brocklehurstmakes an example of Jane and orders her to stand on a high stool as punishment. He is reminded of whatMrs. Reed said about her and he warns all the students and teachers that she is bad company, and shouldbe avoided. Afterwards, Miss Temple and Helen give her reassurance, but Jane is distraught byBrocklehurst’s unfair treatment of her.Helen has kept some cake and bread for Jane, and she brings it to her and comforts her by saying thateverybody distrusts Brocklehurst, and they will not put any credence on his condemnation of Jane. Miss Temple shows some sympathy for both Jane and Helen, and they are invited to her room to share intea and cakes. Jane pours out her story to Miss Temple, and later she decides to write to Mr. Lloyd toconfirm Jane’s innocence. When she receives a reply, Miss Temple announces publicly that Brocklehurstfalsely accused Jane. Jane still feels isolated and obtains comfort through her studies, in particular French and drawing.

InterpretationBrontë realized that this was a grim tale, and so she helped lighten it with brief bouts of comedy. Inparticular, she takes the opportunity of poking fun at the hypocritical Brocklehurst. Fortunately, he is notinvolved directly with the teaching of the girls, for he is even crueler than Miss Scratcherd. He chastises theteachers for wastefulness saying that they must make sure that the children’s clothes are repaired ratherthan having to buy new clothes.



He makes a great scene about visual signs of vanity, even criticizing girls for having curly hair. All thisranting seems absurd when his daughters come in dressed in “gray beaver hats, then in fashion, shadedwith ostrich plumes, and from under the brim of this graceful headdress fell a profusion of light tresseselaborately curled.” The elder lady who was with them was “enveloped in a costly velvet shawl, trimmedwith ermine, and she wore a false front of French curls.” This was in stark contrast to the underdressedgirls shivering in the cold of the harsh winter. Jane does find good role models at the school in particular one of the teachers, Miss Pierrot, who developsJane’s love of French, which will help her obtain a position as Governess later on. Jane also delights insketching which enables her to escape her drab world.

Chapters 9 and 10SummaryAt last spring comes and melts away the harsh winter, and slowly Jane is becoming more integrated atLowood. She becomes friendly with another pupil, Mary Ann Wilson, who enjoys walking in the countryside, and thepair takes the odd walk together when time permits. However, the school is hit with an epidemic of typhus, which affects more than half the girls, and some die.Mr. Brocklehurst and his family are conveniently absent to avoid any possible contagion. The only benefit ofthis is a corresponding relaxation on supplies of food, and the girls’ portions increase.Helen Burns develops consumption, and despite the surgeon, Mr. Bates, being in attendance, nothing canbe done for her. She is kept in isolation, but Jane joins her once everyone has gone to sleep. Onemorning, Jane awakens as the nurse carries her back to her own bed, and she learns that Helen had diedduring the night.After this typhus outbreak, public attention is given to Brocklehurst’s management of the school, and it isagreed that he has been overzealous, and his powers are reduced dramatically. From this time, conditionsin the school improved.Miss Temple marries the Rev. Mr. Nasmyth, and Jane is sorry to lose this role model who had become asurrogate mother for her.Jane has now been at Lowood for six years as a pupil, and now two years as a teacher, but she feels sheneeds to search for a ‘new servitude’. She says, “My world had for some years been in Lowood: myexperience had been its rules and systems; now I remembered that the real world was wide and that avaried field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to goforth into its expanse.”Jane had a sleepless night, and it seemed to her that a voice spoke telling her to seek liberty from theprison that Lowood was to her.Jane resolves to place an advertisement in ‘The Herald’ for a position as Governess, to which she receivesone response from Mrs. Fairfax of Thornfield. Jane is offered the position provided she can obtain suitablereferences, and after what seems an age, she obtains these from the governing board of the school, whocannot fault her for the service she has put in at Lowood. The day before she leaves, Jane receives a surprise visit from Bessie Lee, who gives Jane all the newsconcerning the Reed family. Bessie has married and has two children. She says that Mrs. Reed received avisit from John Eyre, Jane’s uncle wishing to trace his niece before he took ship for Madeira. He did nothave the time to come to Lowood to visit Jane.

InterpretationAs a result of the ill treatment to the girls of Lowood, some have little resistance to the typhus epidemic thatstrikes them down. It is fortunate that Jane has two friends in Helen and Mary, for when Helen dies of consumption; she stillhas Mary to fall back on. When Jane goes to see Helen on her last night, she tells Jane that she is very happy, and “when you hearthat I am dead, you must be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about. We all must die oneday, …… by dying young I shall escape great sufferings …… I believe; I have faith: I am going to God.” Jane says, “and shall I see you again, Helen when I die?” “No doubt dear Jane.”Helen was buried in an unmarked grave in Brocklebridge Churchyard until fifteen years later when aheadstone was erected and the word, “Resurgam” was inscribed, which means ‘I shall rise again’.Jane makes good use of her time at Lowood and expands her education.



She has no idea how she has developed until she meets with Bessie prior to her departure from Lowood.Bessie is surprised at Jane’s education, and that she far outstretches her cousins Georgiana and Eliza Reed.There is a further hint of the Gothic in the story by the way in which Jane is spurred on to escape Lowoodand obtain a life outside even though she refers to it as “a new servitude”. The reader must also sense that the reference made to her Uncle John Eyre will have some relevance lateron in the story.

Chapters 11 and 12SummaryJane arrives at Thornfield Mansion to take up her appointment as Governess, exhausted after a sixteen-hourtrip. The house is an imposing structure, which looks all the more ominous as the hour approaches midnight.However, inside, Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, warmly greets Jane. She informs Jane that the master ofthe house is Mr. Rochester, but he is usually away, and that Jane has been engaged to teach his ward AdèleVarens.In the morning Jane meets with Adèle who speaks little English, and Sophie her maid, who speaks onlyFrench. They are both thrilled that Jane can converse with them, and Mrs. Fairfax is also relieved, for shehas not been able to communicate at all with Sophie.To date, Adèle has been largely spoilt, and Jane soon instills some discipline and sets up a classroom in thehouse’s library. Jane is impressed with the house and its luxurious furnishings, and she loves her bedroom, which is the firstfeminine room she has occupied in her life.Now and again Jane hears a distinctive crazed laugh, and Mrs. Fairfax explains that it is Grace Poole, theeccentric seamstress of the house.Adèle soon thrives under Jane’s tutorage, and the pair soon settles into a routine of work and play. To help Jane while away her spare hours, she again indulges in sketching. The only break in the monotonyis the occasional glimpse of Grace Poole, often carrying a pitcher of beer or drinking gin. Jane suspects thatshe may be an alcoholic.Whilst on an errand to the nearby village of Hay, she encounters a black and white Newfoundland dog, andthen hears the clatter of a horse slipping on the ice. The rider has been thrown from his steed and Janegoes to his assistance. She describes the man as past his youth, not handsome, and with stern features.The man dismisses Jane, but she will not leave him until she sees him safely remounted on his horse. He isunable to do this without with assistance of Jane’s frail form. When Jane returns to Thornfield, she discovers that the mysterious horseman is her employer, Mr.Rochester.

InterpretationAgain, there is the veiled hint of Gothic influences as Jane arrives at Thornfield at midnight, but this quicklymelts away when she is welcomed warmly by Mrs. Fairfax.However, Brontë deliberately keeps this Gothic tone alive, for when Mrs. Fairfax gives Jane a tour of themansion, they encounter one wing, which is uninhabited, and Mrs. Fairfax says that if Thornfield had aghost, this is where it would reside. The reader wonders if there is some supernatural force in the housewhen Jane hears the manic laughing, and Mrs. Fairfax attributes this to one of the staff, but there is thatelement of mystery and foreboding about these references.Jane thrives in her newfound position, where for the first time, she is given respect as Governess andtreated as an equal by the housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax, who has longed for someone with whom she canconverse. Again the Gothic theme emerges. On Jane’s trip to the village when she sees the dog (Pilot), she isimmediately reminded of the tales told to her by Bessie concerning the forbidding animal spirit calledGytrash that roamed the moors. Jane is unafraid of the dog, but has problems in controlling Rochester’shorse when helping him to remount.There is a short dialogue during which Rochester interrogates Jane, not revealing that he is the master ofThornfield. Jane makes the interesting comment that had the man been young and handsome, she wouldhave felt awkward at assisting him, but she describes him as not being young and with stern features. Jane is mortified when she returns to Thornfield and discovers that the horseman is her employer. She doesn’t know it yet, but Mr. Rochester will provide a useful distraction to Jane from her classroomduties.



Chapters 13 and 14SummaryLife at Thornfield changes through Mr. Rochester’s presence. The servants seem to have more purpose intheir work and Jane is ousted from the library, and has to make alternative arrangements for a classroom.Mr. Rochester continues in his cantankerous mood, but is overly interested in Jane, wishing to know herskills in music and any other talents she may have, in particular her artwork, which greatly impresses him.Adèle has been anticipating receiving a present from Mr. Rochester, and after a few days they aresummoned and Adèle receives a box of presents. Adèle tries on her new dress, stockings and sandals, andas she dances about, Rochester describes her as a “French floweret” and she reminds him of her mother. Rochester passes comment on Jane’s behavior saying that she is prim and too reserved and asks her tocomment on his looks. Jane attempts to keep her opinion to herself, and fearing that Rochester may beunder the influence of wine, she selects her words carefully.

InterpretationIt is evident that Rochester is the guiding force in Thornfield, which comes to life when he reappears fromhis travels. The reader is also aware that he has more than a passing interest in Jane, who after all is just anotherservant in the household. Their conversation soon becomes quite personal and he says to her, “Do youthink me handsome?” After some deliberation she responds, “No sir” to which he replies, “There issomething singular about you …… When one asks you a question, or makes a remark to which you areobliged to reply, you wrap it out …… which, if not blunt, is at least brusque. What do you mean by it?”Jane replies by saying that beauty is of little consequence. Rochester goes on to excuse his rugged featuresby saying that Lady Fortune has not always looked kindly on him. “She has even kneaded me with herknuckles and now I flatter myself I am as hard and tough as an India rubber ball …… does that leave hopefor me?”Jane cannot help but look puzzled, as she cannot understand this enigma of a man.Jane provides Rochester with a challenging conversation which he has not been able to share with anyoneelse, and from the descriptions provided by Brontë, the attraction that both has for each other is notphysical but more intellectual for we know that Rochester has a craggy appearance and Jane is plain, havinga small frame and wearing uncomplimentary clothes.

Chapters 15 and 16SummaryJane narrates some of the story of Rochester’s affair with Adèle’s mother. She appealed to Rochester’smale ego through flattery and he believed that she returned the feelings he had for her. However, one night he discovered her with a young Viscount and she proceeded to mock Rochester’sunhandsome appearance. He ended his affair but gave her money so that she could continue her careerelsewhere. He obtained some satisfaction by wounding her lover in a duel. Céline abandoned her daughtersoon after and Rochester brought her back to Thornfield as his ward. Jane doesn’t think less of Rochesterover his affair with the French dancer; in fact she is impressed at his devotion to Adèle even although she isprobably not his child.One night Jane hears noises outside her door, and at first she thinks it is Pilot, but when she investigatesshe sees smoke pouring out of Rochester’s bedroom door, and using several basins of water she puts outthe fire that threatens to engulf his bed. Rochester indicates that it is Grace Poole who has set the fire andhe makes Jane promise to keep the affair a secret. The next day she comes into contact with Grace Poole – a rare occurrence - and she is preparing newcurtains for Mr. Rochester’s bedroom. She is a seamstress. She tells Jane that he had fallen asleep whilstreading and a candle had ignited the curtains and bedclothes.Jane is puzzled by Grace Poole’s position in the house, and why Mr. Rochester puts up with her behavior.Rochester has left Thornfield to go to Millcote for a weeklong house party. Mrs. Fairfax describes Blanche Ingram, who Mr. Rochester admires, as being a striking and most beautifulwoman.

InterpretationThe Gothic tone returns to the storyline. Mysterious noises awaken Jane and she discovers the fire inRochester’s bedroom.



Without Jane’s intervention, Rochester may have been killed as he was in a deep sleep. Rochesteracknowledges this by saying, “Why, you have saved my life – snatched me from a horrible and excruciatingdeath …… at least shake hands.” Rochester held out his hand and Jane took it. Seeing that there is no danger, Jane is anxious to return to her bedroom, but Rochester is reluctant to lether go. He says, “I knew, you would do me good in some way, at some time: I saw it in your eyes when Ifirst beheld you:”Jane eventually returns to her bedroom, but spends a restless night.The reader wonders about Rochester as well. Does he propose to take advantage of Jane? Does he havetrue feelings for her? He certainly speaks poetically, but the reader must question Jane’s objectivity due toher naivety with regard to men, and the world in general.What we need to do is study the character of Rochester in detail. He is not a womanizer, but has soughtsolace from the problems that are resident in Thornfield by having a series of relationships so that he canforget the past. At heart, he is a caring man as is evident by his rescue of Adèle. What he seeks is lastinghappiness. Will he obtain this with Jane or Blanche?The reader has the advantage over Jane. She does not know what to make of the man, and her thoughtsand feelings are in turmoil. Not only is Jane puzzled with Rochester, but her encounter with Grace Poole also raises doubts in her mindconcerning this eccentric seamstress. Jane knows that Rochester must have spoken to Grace Poole andpresumably asked her to be secretive as well, but Grace doesn’t hesitate in telling Jane about the fire, andwho was to blame.If all these quandaries were not enough for Jane, Mrs. Fairfax brings her right back down to earth by tellingher that Mr. Rochester has left for a party with Blanche Ingram, one of the most beautiful women in thecounty, whom he admires.

Chapters 17 and 18SummaryJane cannot help missing Rochester and she longs for his return. A letter is received giving the servants notice that Rochester will return in a few days to continue the partyat Thornfield. There is now great activity from all the servants, cleaning, polishing, cooking etc.Jane also learns that Grace Poole receives five times more in salary than the other servants, thus adding tothe mystery.A party of eight ladies and five gentlemen arrives, and Jane and Adèle are summoned to the Drawing Roomto join in the festivities. Adèle is excited by the party, but Jane keeps away from the company and occupiesa window seat concentrating on her knitting.Blanche Ingram is indeed beautiful, but she is also proud, and punctuates her conversations with sarcasm. At the piano, Blanche plays whilst Rochester sings and Jane takes the opportunity to slip away unobserved.Rochester notices her missing and goes after her saying that it is his wish that she attends while his guestsare at Thornfield.The festivities continue with organized games, charades and play-acting. Jane spends her time observingthe company and it is clear that Rochester does not love Blanche. She assumes that if they do marry it willbe more for social rank and political reasons than for love.Mr. Rochester has to leave on some business and in his absence; Mr. Mason arrives from the West Indiesclaiming to be an old friend of Rochester. One of the servants advises the company that there is an oldgypsy outside, and they decide to let her in to tell their fortunes.

InterpretationBrontë provides us with two different viewpoints regarding the company of partygoers – one from Adèle andone from Jane. Adèle views the party and those attending with great excitement. This must be a real break in routine forher and this will provide an insight to her of what she might expect when she grows up to adulthood. Allshe can see is fine ladies and handsome gentlemen, dancing, singing and playing musical instruments. Jane’s view is totally different. She would not be there if it was not for her master’s insistence. She feelsintimidated by Lady Ingram in particular. She is a formidable beauty, tall and elegant, and Jane regardsherself as plain, mainly due to her small size. She sees the revelers for what they are, as privileged, shallowpeople, who are deliberately rude to her because she is a Governess, and they are dismissive of theservants.Brontë uses much symbolism in the play-acting and games of charades indulged in by the partygoers, inparticular Rochester and Blanche. They engage in role-play where Blanche is Mary Queen of Scots, and



Rochester suggests, “Who would not be the Rizzio of so divine a Mary?” (Rizzio was Mary Queen of Scotsmusician, and it was widely rumored that they had an affair, but he was regarded as quite an effeminateman.) Blanche replies as Mary Queen of Scots, “A fig for Rizzio! It is my opinion, the fiddler David (Rizzio)must have been an insipid sort of fellow; I like black Bothwell better: to my mind a man is nothing without aspice of the devil in him;” (Mary Queen of Scots married Lord Bothwell who was widely suspected ofmurdering her first husband, Darnley.) One must assume that although Rochester goes along with this ‘play’, he perhaps is not impressed withBlanche’s preference for the evil Bothwell over the artistic Rizzio.Another character is introduced into the complex storyline in the form of Mason. Jane immediately feelsapprehensive about this man. Perhaps she has a premonition that he will bring her unhappiness. This, together with the introduction of a gypsy, gives a further hint of Gothic influence. The reader must feel some sympathy for Jane having to witness the apparent courtship between the manshe loves and the woman who is superior to Jane both in looks and social standing.

Chapter 19SummaryJane describes the gypsy as a sibyl (a female prophet or oracle), who goes on to read the fortunes of allthose present apart from Jane. She insists on having her private audience with Jane before she leaves thehouse. Out of curiosity Jane enters the darkened room and approaches the gypsy. Jane tells the gypsythat she does not believe such nonsense, but from their early conversation, Jane admits that the gypsy isquick of ear, eye and brain. The gypsy asks, “Why don’t you tremble?” “I am not cold.”“Why don’t you turn pale?”“I am not sick.”“Why don’t you consult my art?”“I am not silly.”The old crone laughed under her bonnet and started to smoke a short pipe, and then said, “You are cold;you are sick; you are silly.”Jane responded, “Prove it.”The gypsy continued to probe Jane with pointed questions and also revealed that she had an understandingof Jane, which unsettled her.Jane is concerned that the gypsy seems to know about matters close to her heart. Still suspecting that atrick is being played on her, she wonders if the gypsy is Grace Poole. The gypsy removes her disguise toreveal Mr. Rochester, who begs forgiveness from Jane. Jane reveals that Mr. Mason has arrived, and the color leaves Rochester’s face. He takes a glass of wine.

InterpretationThere is a vague Gothic tone in these chapters, with the introduction of the ‘gypsy’.The scene is set in a darkened room with the old hag predicting the future for the guests at Thornfield.When Jane is summoned, she goes out of curiosity and perhaps she should be in fear of such practices.The pipe-smoking gypsy is able to touch on matters close of Jane’s heart, and she starts to wonder if thegypsy does possess the gift of foretelling the future – for how would she know of these matters. WhenRochester is revealed as the gypsy, all is made plain.Chapter 19 should be read in detail for Rochester just about confesses his love for Jane. It is important thatthe reader picks up on this, as it is a key development of the plot. He is in fact trying to encourage Jane toadmit her true feelings, which he suspects. He tells her to listen to her heart instead of her brain, and thathe is aware of her inner beauty and charm.

Chapter 20SummaryA heart-stopping shriek fills Thornfield Hall and Rochester explains it as one of the servants having had anightmare. He rushes upstairs and Jane soon joins him, and they find Richard Mason soaked in blood.From the adjacent room, Grace Poole’s distinctive cackle can be heard. Rochester gives Jane instructions on how to care for Mason’s wound while he leaves to get help. As heleaves, he locks the door so that Jane is trapped between the outside world and the snarling beast she canhear in the adjacent room.



When the surgeon arrives, he notes that Mason has been bitten and stabbed, and Rochester makes plansfor Mason to depart as soon as possible. Mason begs Rochester to take care of ‘her’, and he departs in acarriage for the surgeon’s house. Rochester seems subdued by the oppressive atmosphere of Thornfield and asks Jane if marriage to Blanchewill rejuvenate him. Jane doesn’t think so.

InterpretationThe Gothic theme continues into this chapter. It starts with cries for help. The silence of the night wasshattered by a savage, sharp, shrilly sound that filled Thornfield Hall. Rochester explains that it must beone of the servants having a nightmare. Little do they know of the nightmare that resides on the top floorof Thornfield Hall.Jane is taken up there by Rochester when they find the wounded Mason. Whilst Rochester is away gettingthe surgeon, Jane has “to listen for the movements of the wild beast or fiend in yonder side-den.”This is perhaps the most mysterious and suspense filled chapter to date.The reader is obtaining an insight as to why Rochester is so brusque and grim at times. The house clearlycontains some evil that oppresses Rochester. The only release from this pressure has been the arrival ofJane. Although Jane is happy in the house with her new family, all that keeps Rochester here is Janeherself, for there is some evil that haunts him. He makes reference to this after Jane describes Thornfieldas a ‘splendid mansion’. Rochester: “You see it through a charmed medium; you cannot discern that thegilding is slime and the silk draperies cobwebs; that the marble is sordid slate, and the polished woods mererefuse chips and scaly bark.” This quotation gives the reader a foretaste of what Thornfield will become bythe end of the story.As the plot develops, Jane does not receive answers to her questions, only more questions, such as - Whathold does Mason have over Rochester? What is the source of the snarling sounds? Is it Grace Poole? Whathas she to do with Mason? Why would Rochester have to care for her? All that Jane knows is that she is becoming more and more embroiled in her master’s problems, but her lovefor him is undiminished.

Chapter 21SummaryA growing sense of unease takes hold of Jane and she only sleeps fitfully. She has a recurring dreamconcerning a babe in arms, and she takes this as an ill omen. She then receives news that her cousin John Reed, the child that bullied her, has died and suicide issuspected. Her aunt Sarah Reed has suffered a stroke and wishes to see Jane. Jane asks for leave ofabsence and Rochester is surprised that Jane has relatives. She explains that she has never spoken of thembefore as they had cast her aside. Jane makes the long journey to be at Sarah Reed’s bedside, and shereceives a cool reception when she eventually arrives. Not surprisingly, the only person who is pleased tosee her is Bessie, who is now married and is nursing her third child.Jane is now far removed from the unhappy child that left Gateshead Hall, as she arrives as a confidentyoung woman. Jane notices immediately that Sarah Reed’s two daughters have little time for their mother.Georgiana has left the gaiety of London to return to be with her mother, and is already bored. Eliza spendsher time in religious study.Mrs. Reed has summoned Jane as she wishes to unburden herself before she dies. She reveals that she hasbroken her promise to her late husband by not bringing Jane up as one of her own, and she has also lied toJane’s uncle John Eyre saying that Jane had died at Lowood. She gives Jane John Eyre’s letter written threeyears earlier, asking for Jane’s address, because he wants to adopt her and make her his heir.Jane offers the hand of forgiveness, but the bitter dying woman rejects this. Soon after, she dies alone.

InterpretationFrom the description given of the life in Gateshead Hall, it is not surprising to the reader the way in whichSarah Reed’s children have turned out. The spoilt son continued his outrageous undisciplined behavior,running up huge gambling debts, which have brought poverty to the whole family. The two daughters havenot been brought up to be well-molded individuals – one daughter can only think of marrying a richhusband and thinks London is the place to achieve this goal, and the other daughter immerses herself in astrict religious routine.Despite the hostility that Jane receives, she is pleased to know that she has an apparently caring relative inJohn Eyre. The actual letter is contained in this chapter, and it makes quite sad reading, and the reader



hopes that perhaps Jane may be able to enjoy some family life with this relative if matters don’t work out atThornfield.Brontë is quite clear that the reader should have no sympathy at all for Mrs. Reed. She is receiving, inBrontë’s view, her just deserts for failing to keep her promise to her late husband, and spoiling her threechildren to the detriment of the book’s heroine, Jane.

Chapter 22SummaryIt has been a month since Jane left Thornfield, and on her return to Millcote, she decides to walk theremaining distance to Thornfield. In a letter she had received from Mrs. Fairfax, she learns that the houseparty has ended and that Mr. Rochester had gone to London to purchase a carriage. Rumors aboundconcerning his expected marriage to Blanche Ingram. As she walks towards Thornfield she comes acrossMr. Rochester sitting on a narrow stone stile. He gives her a warm welcome and she really feels that she iscoming home. He says to her, “You must see the carriage, Jane and tell me if you think it will suit Mrs. Rochester exactly;…… Tell me now, fairy as you are – can’t you give me a charm, or a philtre, to make me a handsome man?”Jane responds, “It would be past the power of magic, sir; and in thought I added a loving eye is all thecharm needed: to such you are handsome enough; or rather your sternness has a power beyond beauty.”She goes on to say how thankful she is for Mr. Rochester’s kindness, and how glad she is to see him again.She regards her home to be wherever he is.When they arrive at Thornfield, Jane’s homecoming is completed with Adèle’s excitement, and Mrs. Fairfax,Sophie and the other servants giving her a genuine feeling of well-being. Jane notes there is no talk aboutthe wedding, and so far as she is aware, Rochester makes no trips to Ingram Park.

InterpretationOur heroine has apparently obtained security in her life at Thornfield. She enjoys the respect of theservants, the love of a child Adèle, and support from Rochester, the man she loves, and he clearly is fond ofher. She wishes for no change in this arrangement. She is happy to be near Rochester and have thisplatonic relationship with him. She wishes this time would carry on forever without change. However, the reader knows that change is afoot. Will Rochester marry Blanche, which would mean Adèleleaving Thornfield and Jane’s services would not be required? Will she find happiness with her uncle inMadeira? The whole situation is in flux, and the future is unclear.Brontë uses symbolism through Jane’s dreams, and you will have noted previously the reference to a babyor infant. This represents Jane’s hopes of security and happiness. This theme will be repeated again.

Chapters 23 and 24SummaryIt is now midsummer, and the harvesting is complete. Jane and Rochester walk in the late evening in the gardens and their paths meet. He broaches the subjectof Jane’s future if he marries Lady Ingram, who has suggested that she could obtain a position in Ireland asGoverness to five daughters of a family she knows. Jane bursts into tears at the thought of separation fromThornfield and Rochester. Rochester comforts her and says, “I sometimes have a queer feeling with regardto you – especially when you are near to me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs,tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame.”

Just then, a nightingale sings in the wood. Jane is too upset to speak. Rochester asks her why she isgrieved so, and she responds by saying that she is sad to leave Thornfield - that she loves Thornfield.Rochester holds her in his arms. He kisses her and proposes marriage.At first Jane cannot believe it, Rochester swears an oath that he is sincere, and she agrees to marry him.The moon that had illuminated this scene suddenly gives way to black clouds, and there is a clap of thunderand a bolt of lightning that sends them scurrying to the house.Inside Thornfield, the pair are drenched and Rochester helps Jane out of her wet outer garments and theykiss repeatedly. Mrs. Fairfax watches on incredulously.Jane awakes the next day wondering if it was a dream, but Rochester confirms that they are to be marriedin four weeks. He has already written to his London banker to send the family jewels for the wedding.Jane requests a quiet wedding without pomp. When Jane confronts Mrs. Fairfax, she is concerned aboutthe differences in their social standing and age, and she reminds Jane, “All is not gold that glitters.”



The happy couple and Adèle travel into Millcote to search for a wedding dress, but Jane chooses a rathersubdued dress. She writes to her uncle in Madeira advising him of her impending marriage.Although deeply in love with Rochester, Jane insists that they must follow the proprieties, and she rejectshis ardent advances. Jane admits to herself that this is difficult because “He stood between me and everythough of religion, as an eclipse intervenes between man and the broad sun. I could not, in those days, seeGod for his creature: of whom I had made an idol.”

InterpretationThe Gothic theme returns to the story in dramatic fashion as thunder and lightning just after Rochester’sproposal. This represents God’s view of this unholy alliance – one remembers the words of the weddingservice, “those that God has joined, let not man put asunder”. One of the casualties of this storm is the old horse-chestnut tree in the grounds, which is split in two by abolt of lightning. This has various symbols and is returned to again at the end of the story. The splitting ofthe tree symbolizes the split that will occur between Jane and Rochester; the damage that the tree hassuffered will mirror the damage that Rochester suffers through fire also; and it symbolizes separation andtragedy. There was also reference made to magic when Rochester requests Jane to cast a spell over him to makehim handsome, presumably for Blanche Ingram. You will note that Jane thinks that love is what is requiredfor a lasting relationship, and not shallow considerations such as good looks and beauty.Jane wishes to have a fairly low-key wedding, and clearly she is concerned about her own shortcomings. Itis almost as if she fears that having an elaborate wedding will build up her hopes too high, only for them tobe dashed. Perhaps this has something to do with the veiled warning that she receives from Mrs. Fairfax.

Chapter 25SummaryOn the eve of her wedding, she is all prepared. Jane decides to go for a walk in the gardens and sheapproaches the blackened ruin of the horse-chestnut tree. In the sky is a blood-red moon, and Jane hearsa melancholy wail. Her intended husband is away, and she is restless for his return. She decides to walk out and meetRochester on his return. Rochester helps her onto his horse and they return to Thornfield.Rochester can see that Jane is upset and he asks her what is wrong. She tells him that she had a strange dream. She was wandering along a winding road carrying a feeblechild who was crying. She was trying to catch Rochester, but he just kept getting further away. In herhaste, Jane dropped the child and then awoke. Jane then noticed a dark form in her bedroom. It was a tallwoman with dark hair wearing a white garment. She had Jane’s veil over her own head. When the figurelooked into the mirror, Jane could see a ghastly face. It reminded her of a vampire. Jane asks Rochesterwho the woman was, and he surmises that it was probably Grace Poole. Rochester promises that he will explain about Grace Poole a year and a day after their marriage.

InterpretationThe romantic theme that has been developing is now immersed in Gothic images. There is a recurrence ofthe dream where Jane carries a child, which symbolizes her security and happiness. The child is dropped,and Rochester disappears in the dream. This provides the reader with a heavy hint as to what is to happen.Again, the image of the ruined tree, a blood-red moon and the distant wailing, are all typical ill omens, andalthough Jane doesn’t know it, she has come face-to-face with Mrs. Rochester, although it is not absolutelyclear whether this was a physical meeting or still part of Jane’s dream.Brontë makes the connection between Bertha and a vampire. Bertha is sucking the life out of Rochester,and he grasps at some form of happiness with marriage to Jane.We also learn that the woman, after wearing the veil tore it in half, but again these events are blamed onGrace Poole.Although Jane has had a religious upbringing, and she is concerned not to give herself to Rochester beforethey are married, deep down in her heart she would do anything for this man, and as she says in theclosing paragraph of Chapter 24, he has come between her and God – she has made him an idol. In Chapter 25, there is another dream where Jane sees Thornfield in ruins – yet another glimpse of whatlies ahead.



Chapter 26SummaryJane looks at herself in the mirror, dressed, and ready for her marriage to Rochester.When Rochester sees her he says, “Fair as a lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of hiseyes.” They walk hand-in-hand to the church, and the Minister asks if anyone knows of any impediment to theirmarriage. Mr. Briggs, a London Attorney, insists that Rochester married Bertha Antoinetta Mason in Jamaicafifteen years ago. Rochester says that there is no proof that his wife is still alive, when Richard Masonenters and declares that he saw Bertha in April. Rochester commands that the wedding party follow him. He takes them to the third floor of Thornfield Hallto meet Grace Poole’s patient. Those assembled see Bertha groveling on all fours hidden beneath a mop ofdark grizzled hair. She is a tall woman, almost the same height as Rochester, who wrestles her to a chair,and ties her down with a cord. He says, “That is my wife, such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever toknow”, and laying his hand on Jane’s shoulder he continues, “and this is what I wished to have. This younggirl, who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon,”Rochester asks the lawyer and the minister not to judge him. It transpires that Jane’s letter to her uncle John Eyre had alerted Mr. Mason who by coincidence is abusiness associate of John Eyre. He also states that John Eyre is critically ill. In shock, Jane returns to her room. Jane remained there for quite a while and pondered what hadhappened. She mused, “I looked at my love: that feeling which was my master’s – which he had created; itshivered in my heart, like a suffering child in a cold cradle: sickness and anguish had seized it.” In the end,she cannot totally blame Rochester for his betrayal of her. She also blames herself for being blind andweak.

InterpretationThere is much imagery in this chapter.At last the reader comes face-to-face with Mrs. Rochester, and the circumstances concerning this marriagecome to the fore.Rochester and his family had been tricked into this arranged marriage, which was designed to bring securityto both families. He had suffered for fifteen long years, and had vainly hoped he would be released fromthis invisible prison. Yet again there is reference to a child, this time shivering in a cot, which this time symbolizes Jane’s love forRochester. In a way it is an answer to one of the questions posed through Jane’s dreams.

Chapters 27 and 28SummaryIt is nearly the end of the day before Jane emerges from her room, but she is already resolved to leaveThornfield where she has been so happy. She fears that if she remains, she will be tempted to becomeRochester’s mistress.Rochester explains the circumstances behind the wedding – how he was tricked into marrying Bertha whowas already showing signs of madness. He tried to end the marriage legally, but failed, so he brought hiswife back from Jamaica to be housed in Thornfield, under the care of Grace Poole. He goes on to confessto Jane that he had spent most of his time in Europe and had had three mistresses.The next day, Jane leaves Thornfield with all the money she has, and her possessions. After two days of travel, she arrives at Whitcross district, hungry and exhausted. She wanders the streetsfor a few days trying to seek employment. Starved and exhausted, she ends up at the house of the family Rivers, a brother and two sisters called St.John, Mary and Diana. They also have a servant called Hannah.

InterpretationAlthough Jane is shocked at the revelation that Rochester is already married, she is not broken. As we haveseen she has great fortitude and is a survivor, and although her love for Rochester is ailing, it can berevived although she does not see this.It is Rochester who is broken by these events – his last chance of happiness has been snatched away fromhim. Not only is he broken spiritually, he will also be broken physically.Briefly, Jane’s love for God had been eclipsed by the passion she felt for Rochester. She now returns to Godand hopes he will aid her.



Brontë provides a graphic description of the days Jane spent as a homeless person. She makes acommentary on the plight of the homeless at this time, and if it were not for St. John Rivers, throughChristian charity bringing her in from the rain, she might have met an untimely death.

Chapters 29 and 30SummaryIt takes Jane a few days to recover and regain her strength. She is made at home in the Rivers household,and St. John soon discovers that she is an educated person. Not wishing to reveal her past, Jane callsherself ‘Jane Elliott’. St. John is a parson and very handsome, but he is on a mission to do God’s work and he hopes eventuallyto travel to India in order to be a servant of God and a Missionary. The Rivers are mourning the loss of their father, who died of a stroke three weeks ago. After a while, Jane advises her benefactors that she would like to obtain employment and St. John says thathe will make enquiries for her. She soon becomes very close to the sisters, Mary and Diana. They are bothwell educated, and Diana teaches German to Jane while Jane gives Mary art instruction. Soon Diana andMary prepare to travel down south in order to return to their jobs as Governesses.St. John plans to open a school at Morton Village for local girls, and would like Jane to be its Mistress at arate of £30 per year. She agrees. She will have her own furnished cottage adjacent to the school. More sadness afflicts the Rivers family when they receive a letter that their Uncle John has died. They havebeen disinherited from their Uncle’s estate due to a family quarrel. There is only one other relative whostands to inherit a fortune of £20,000.

InterpretationWe are provided with clear details regarding the personalities of the Rivers household. St. John is fair-haired and handsome and receives great respect from his sisters. He is a parson to a small parish inMorton, but is dedicated to his duties, and exercises great pastoral care over his flock. His life is intrinsicallylinked with God. However, we suspect that he is not obtaining full satisfaction from his work. He feels hecan do more, and eventually plans to become a missionary in India. Jane, meantime, sees hope in her future as a teacher as she considers this to be an advance on herprevious role as a governess. Normally governesses were treated like any other servant, but as a teachershe will enjoy independence.

Chapters 31 and 32SummaryJane moves into her cottage and a little orphan girl serves her as a handmaid. Her pupils at the school have very limited education. Only a few can read, and none can write or doarithmetic. She believes that she is in God’s hands, for he has guided her away from a life as a mistresswith Rochester, who said that they could live in France, to an honest vocation as a school mistress. Jane notices that St. John is deeply attracted to a local girl, Rosamond Oliver who is a benefactress of theschool, but he suppresses his desire as he thinks it will interfere with the work he has obligated himself todo for God.As the months pass, Jane becomes an important member of the community who appreciate her devotion totheir children, and their improvement is clear to see. Jane tries to encourage St. John to pursue his feelings for Rosamond, and she even suggests that she couldpaint a miniature for him. St. John decides that he can allow himself 15 minutes a day in which to dreamabout Rosamond. He tells Jane that although he has strong feelings for Rosamond, she would not be asuitable wife for a missionary. He looks over Jane’s drawings and tears a strip from the edge of one ofthem and departs quickly.

InterpretationWhilst Jane was at Thornfield she slowly let her heart take over from her head when ruling her affairs. Shehas now reverted back to having her head dictate her actions, and she has subdued the feelings in herheart. In order to forget about the past, she immerses herself in her work to the benefit of the localchildren. She continues to enjoy her new friends Diana and Mary, but she is unable to break the shield thatSt. John has erected around himself. His denial of his true feelings clearly affects his personality, and he isoften depressed and moody. Jane does not relish nighttimes, for she still allows her thoughts to drift back to Rochester.



St. John is also in the same predicament. He doesn’t allow his feelings for Rosamond to develop. Theseare suppressed, like Jane, and he busies himself about his parish and dreams of life as a missionary.

Chapters 33 and 34SummarySt. John and Jane have a long talk. He has discovered her true identity, for the strip of paper that he toreoff one of her sketches had her name ‘Jane Eyre’ on it. He recounts Jane’s life story and then continues thetale after she fled from Thornfield, saying that a lawyer, Mr. Briggs, is urgently seeking Jane concerning heruncle John Eyre of Madeira. He has died leaving her a legacy of £20,000 and he is the same Uncle Johnthat the Rivers family recently mourned, so they are in fact cousins.Jane is excited, firstly because the Rivers are related to her, and secondly because she will be financiallyindependent. She immediately declares that her inheritance can be easily shared four ways, and she wishesthat her three cousins shared in her fortune. St. John is impressed with his new cousin’s Christian attitudeto this good fortune. She advises St. John that she will continue at the school until a substituteadministrator can be found, and she presses ahead with the legal transfer of the inheritance to her cousins.Christmas approaches and Jane and Hannah the maid, work hard in preparing the house for the return ofDiana and Mary. Jane takes it upon herself to carry out some renovation to the old house, and although St.John has reservations about this, Diana and Mary are delighted when they return home. Whilst the threeyoung ladies and Hannah enjoy the holiday break, St. John continues his pastoral care often being out untillate at night, visiting the sick and poor. They learn that Rosamond is to marry someone else. St. Johnwants Jane to stop her study of German and practice Hindustani. Spring arrives and Jane decides to write to Mrs. Fairfax and Mr. Briggs for news of Rochester, but shereceives no reply.St. John wishes to marry Jane so that they can both work in India together. She agrees to go with him toIndia, but as his sister and not his wife. St. John is hurt by Jane’s refusal to marry him, and he shuns her.

InterpretationWe get further information concerning St. John’s makeup. He is surprised at Jane’s reaction to the letterconcerning the death of her Uncle John. She shows sadness at the loss of a relative, delight that she hasfound new relatives in the Rivers family, and only then does she appreciate the inheritance she hasreceived. He perhaps thinks he is the only one capable of leading a truly Christian life, but Jane’s totallyhonest reaction to the revelation contained in Uncle John’s letter contradicts this view. He starts toseriously consider Jane as a wife to share in his missionary duties. He regards her as being “docile, diligent,disinterested, faithful, constant and courageous.” He doesn’t consider her independent spirit and hisunfeeling description of her sounds as if he would treat her like a pet. He is aware that her love for Rochester is still apparent, but this is sinful and she can perhaps atone for thisby devoting her life to God’s work.Jane deals with St. John’s proposal cleverly, offering to go with him as a helper rather than a wife, knowingthat this would not suit St. John.

Chapters 35 and 36SummarySt. John continues to be cold to Jane, and still makes hints concerning his proposal of marriage. Sheexplains that she could not enter into a loveless marriage. This would kill her spirit. St. John tries tomanipulate Jane – almost blackmailing her into agreeing to his proposal.Diana advises Jane not to go to India under any circumstances, as a life of servitude in that country wouldbring her to an early death. St. John has many good attributes, but he is misguided. No one can deny that he is devoted to his flockand his fellow man. He is also an inspired reader from the Bible, and at evening prayers he reads from theBook of Revelation, Chapter 21, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and heshall be My son. But, the fearful and unbelieving …… shall have their part in the lake which burneth withfire and brimstone, which is the second death.”Jane had a sudden ‘revelation’ of what life would be like for her in India with St. John, and it appalled her. Jane was alone with St. John when she was startled, and St. John asked her what she had heard. Sheresponded by saying, “I heard a voice somewhere cry, Jane, Jane, Jane. It did not seem in the room, nor inthe house, nor in the garden; it did not come out of the air, nor from under the earth, …… it was the voiceof Edward Fairfax Rochester.”



Jane ran out into the garden. She told St. John that she must go on a personal errand before she candecide what to do with her future.The next day, Jane left for Thornfield only to find it a blackened ruin. Now she knows why her letters wentunanswered. The Innkeeper who worked as old Mr. Rochester’s butler relates the story of how Thornfield was destroyed.Young Rochester’s mad wife, Bertha, had set fire to her room and Jane’s room. Rochester managed toevacuate the house and then went back inside to try and rescue Bertha, who was on the roof. She fell toher death. He lost an eye and his left hand had to be amputated. The other eye became inflamed, and heis totally blind. He now lives at Ferndean with two old servants. Jane engages a carriage, and hopes to be there before dark.

InterpretationJane will have recalled the fire and brimstone text from Mr. Brocklehurst. He used the quotation as a directthreat to Jane unjustly. St. John uses the same text to manipulate Jane to join him in India as a missionary,but she realizes she would be his drudge. If St. John had wished to alienate Jane, he couldn’t have picked abetter Bible passage. Brontë stresses the fact that God moves in mysterious ways, and makes His views known to the reader.When Rochester proposed to Jane we observe that soon after there is a violent thunderstorm and a bolt oflightning strikes the old horse-chestnut tree splitting into two. In response to St. John’s proposal, there is asupernatural experience for Jane when she hears Rochester’s voice, the man she loves, calling to her overthe many miles that separate them. Those characters in the book that show God to be a vengeful and all-powerful being are flawed in themselves. Brontë is trying to stress that God is love.We also note Brontë’s writing style in that she likes to have no loose ends regarding the storylines of thebook, and intentionally or not, in doing this she creates suspense for the reader through Chapter 36. Wehave the Innkeeper’s long account of the happenings at Thornfield, and this account is not based on rumor.It comes from a trusted ex-member of staff at Thornfield, who witnessed the final destruction of Thornfield,and who brings together all the relevant facts of the past right up to the present day.Eventually Jane learns of Rochester’s whereabouts and makes haste to join him.We also obtain an insight into Bertha, who up until now has just been categorized as a mad woman, but sheclearly had some inkling as to the goings-on within Thornfield. It is evident that she was able to slip awayfrom Grace Poole on numerous occasions, for it is clear that she planned to kill Jane through jealousy whenshe became more than just a governess in her husband’s eyes.

Chapter 37SummaryThe carriage takes Jane to Ferndean, but she has to walk the last mile. When she arrives she seesRochester at a distance, and as the rain starts he goes inside frustrated in his efforts to walk alone. He isstill short-tempered, and has a brooding aspect.Jane enters and is greeted by John and his wife, Rochester’s two old servants. John is sent to fetch Jane’strunk from the carriage, and Jane carries a tray into the parlor containing water for Rochester. Recognizing Jane, Pilot becomes excited. Rochester says, “Who is it? What is it? Who speaks?”Jane responds, “Pilot knows me, and John and Mary know I am here.” She confirms that she is no delusion,and she comforts Rochester. She tells him that she has come back to him, but he cannot understand why ayoung woman would want to stay with him, as he is a ruin. She responds by saying that he was neverhandsome, and that she is there because she loves him. She goes on to relate how her rich uncle inMadeira has died, and that she is financially independent, but she chooses to be with him. Rochester goes on to say, “I am no better than the old lightning-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard,and what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?”Jane responds, “You are no ruin, sir …… you are green and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots,whether you ask them or not, because they take delight in your bountiful shadow …… because yourstrength offer them so safe a prop.”They agree to be married.Rochester reveals that a few nights previous, he called out “Jane, Jane, Jane”. He feels that his prayer hasbeen answered. Jane did not confide in Rochester that she had heard him. Rochester pledges that he willbe a more obedient servant to God.

Interpretation



Brontë again uses great symbolism centered on the chestnut tree. Just as the splitting of the tree markedthe couple’s separation, so now it symbolizes the renewal of the love between the two, as there is now noimpediment to their future together. Brontë is also making a clear comment regarding marriage, and we come back to the fact that a goodmarriage is based on love and compatibility. This theme was also pursued by Jane Austen in ‘Pride and Prejudice’.Jane and Rochester will have true happiness. Neither of them is particularly attractive, unlike Blanche andSt. John who have all the physical attributes, but are shown to be either shallow or misguided. Jane describes Rochester as a caged eagle, and she has the key to his cage, and together they canexperience true freedom. Rochester is portrayed throughout the novel as a most masculine character, and despite his deformities, hestill has a strong presence, unlike St. John who suppresses his manliness so that he can be “closer to God”.

Blanche has all the physical attributes to be a beauty – her height and her position in society – but she isunable to show love to Rochester. She views him more as property than a soul mate, in contrast to Janewho in spite of all her hardships, has not lost her capability to love and has the ability to appreciate fully thesmall joys that she has obtained recently.

Chapter 38SummaryIt is ten years on.Jane and Rochester enjoy a loving and contented marriage. They receive regular visits from Jane’s cousinsDiana and Mary, and St. John writes occasionally from India, but never mentions Jane’s marriage.Adèle attended a Boarding School, but when Jane visited her she did not like the severity of the school, andJane brought Adèle home. Jane then found a more appropriate school close by, and slowly Adèle lost herFrench defects (a Victorian view) and grew up to be a well-mannered and moral young woman. After consulting with a London doctor, Rochester regained the vision of one of his eyes, just in time to seehis newborn son.Diana married a sea captain, and Mary a clergyman. St. John is slowly wearing himself out in India.

InterpretationThe reader should not lose sight of the fact that Charlotte Brontë was a minister’s daughter, and much ofher own personal experiences are reflected in this book. She makes clear comments concerning the caliberof some ministers in Victorian North England, but in the end, the message is that true love will find a way,especially for those that observe God’s laws.Jane is rewarded by not succumbing to temptation by being Rochester’s mistress. In the end she has alasting, permanent relationship with Rochester, her husband, and their child is born in wedlock.There is a warning to those who are over zealous in their service to God. Early in the book we see howBrocklehurst’s injustice and hypocrisy lead to evil being done at Lowood School, where innocent childrensuccumb to death and disease. He eventually loses his power and status. So far as St. John is concerned, he will obtain little enjoyment out of life because he has denied his trueself, although the last paragraph of the book indicates that he will be rewarded in heaven.Rochester himself indicates that he is like the prodigal son returning to his father, and wishes forgivenessfor his lax morals in the past, but even out of this behavior came the rescue of Adèle who Brontë shows asnot having inherited her mother’s sins.Remember, the story started with Jane being a miserable, solitary orphan. It ends with her beingsurrounded by a loving husband, caring cousins, a child of her own and a close friend in Adèle.



Questions for study with ideas for answers

Q: First and foremost, ‘Jane Eyre’ is a romantic story. What are the ingredients to support this?

Ideas:The main theme of the story is that love conquers all. The first part of the book deals with the hardships suffered by Jane, and the reader wants her to fall in loveand be happy ever after. This is, of course, what happens, but in between, Jane has to overcome thefollowing:-

Her plainness, in particular her small statureThe man she loves is married and this is Victorian EnglandShe is an orphan and is of low social statusThe man she loves is her employer, and is many years older than herShe has had strict Christian morals instilled in her, and she cannot be with the man she lovesoutside marriage

Can you come up with similar barriers for Rochester?

Q: Brontë uses Gothic themes and symbolism throughout the book. Please illustrate some of these.

Ideas:There are many references to blood and death. This starts early on in the book when Jane is confined inthe red room of Sarah Reed’s home. This was where Sarah’s husband had died.It is difficult for us to appreciate the effects death has on Jane, as most of us are not exposed to it, but atLowood School death was a far-too-common occurrence, and Jane is exposed to the deaths of herclassmates through typhus and consumption. In fact Helen Burns dies while sharing the same bed as Jane.Reference is made to the appearance of Bertha in Jane’s room as being like a vampire. The clearsymbolism here is that she is sucking the life out of Rochester, and the love out of Jane and Rochester’srelationship. We have the actual physical attack by Bertha on Mason where she stabs and bites him causing him to bleedprofusely, and Jane has to stem the flow.You will recall on the eve of Jane’s marriage that she saw a blood-red moon. There is also the image of the chestnut tree being struck by lightning, which has been covered in theInterpretation.There are supernatural elements such as wailing, voices in the dark, and the general Gothic scenery of thewild country in North England.These are only a few examples. How many more can you find?

Q: The Brontë sisters were renowned for their poetry and ‘Jane Eyre’ has two main poems. One isearly on in Chapter 3 and the other is in Chapter 24. If you think these are more than mereembellishments, please expand.

Ideas:The first poem or song is sung to Jane by Bessie in an attempt to cheer her up. It concerns a poor orphanchild, and it is obviously a commentary on the plight of orphans in Victorian England. The only hope thatthe poem gives is in the last line, which states “God is a friend to the poor orphan child.” Unfortunately, ithas the reverse effect on Jane, and she bursts into tears. She does not wish to be a poor orphan child. Shewants to be part of the family at Gateshead Hall, but they have all rejected her. The well-meaning Bessiehas only made matters worse, and Jane remarks that she has sung the poem as if it was a funeral hymn.The second poem or song runs to 12 verses, and it is sung by Rochester to Jane. This is a much moreromantic scene, but again there are hints contained in the lines concerning what will happen later on in thestory. It is a clear indication that Rochester is determined to obtain some happiness. He states in the songthat he defies the omens and is impetuous to achieve his aim of happiness i.e. marriage to Jane, eventhough this is bigamy. In a way, the whole poem mirrors the plot of the book from the time Jane arrives atThornfield. It mentions that the truest love is first kindled, and then it increases to a tide of love. Bearingthis in mind, the reader should go over this poem again. As Rochester sings this song, he clearly thinks thatthe last 2 verses will be fulfilled in the near future. However, due to his impetuousness there are manytragedies in store before the last verse is fulfilled,



“My love has sworn, with sealing kisswith me to live – to die;I have at last my nameless bliss:As I love – loved am I!”

jane eyre – by charlotte bronte - bookwolf bronte jane eyre the author charlotte brontë (1816 –...

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