Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre (originally published as Jane Eyre: An Autobiography) is a novel by English writer Charlotte Brontë, published under the pen name "Currer Bell", on 16 October 1847, by Smith, Elder & Co. of London. The first American edition was published the following year by Harper & Brothers of New York. Jane Eyre follows the experiences of its eponymous heroine, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.

The novel revolutionized prose fiction by being the first to focus on its protagonist's moral and spiritual development through an intimate first-person narrative, where actions and events are colored by a psychological intensity. Charlotte Brontë has been called the "first historian of the private consciousness", and the literary ancestor of writers like Proust and Joyce.

The book contains elements of social criticism, with a strong sense of Christian morality at its core, and is considered by many to be ahead of its time because of Jane's individualistic character and how the novel approaches the topics of class, sexuality, religion, and feminism. It, along with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, is one of the most famous romance novels of all time.

About the Author

Charlotte Brontë (21 April 1816 – 31 March 1855) was an English novelist and poet, the eldest of the three Brontë sisters who survived into adulthood and whose novels became classics of English literature.

She enlisted in school at Roe Head in January 1831, aged 14 years. She left the year after to teach her sisters, Emily and Anne, at home, returning in 1835 as a governess. In 1839 she undertook the role of governess for the Sidgwick family but left after a few months to return to Haworth where the sisters opened a school but failed to attract pupils. Instead, they turned to write and they each first published in 1846 under the pseudonyms of Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. While her first novel, The Professor, was rejected by publishers, her second novel, Jane Eyre, was published in 1847. The sisters admitted to their Bell pseudonyms in 1848, and by the following year were celebrated in London literary circles.

Brontë was the last to die of all her siblings. She became pregnant shortly after her marriage in June 1854 but died on 31 March 1855, almost certainly from hyperemesis gravidarum, a complication of pregnancy that causes excessive nausea and vomiting.

Summary

The premises were in the house of Gateshead Hall where Mrs. Reed and her children live and also Jane, Bessie (nurse), Abbot lives.

Chapter 1

There lived Reed's family; Mrs. Reed and her three children, Eliza, John, and Georgian Reed. Jane was neglected by the family as the family nurse, Bessie complained. She was indoctrinated hence and thence. Jane was reading Bewick's History of British Birds and the fancy, thrills help her to indulge in her own imaginations like the stories that were narrated by Bessie. But soon, she was interrupted by John; he came and started bulling her as he does always. He hits her with a hard blow and after finding out about the book, he smacked her with it. Now she bleeds and in order of self-defense she strikes back but as Mrs. Reed came followed by Bessie and her maid Abbot, she ordered to take her away to the red-room and lock her there.

Chapter 2

Jane was taken to the red room and locked up in it. Both Bessie and Abbot hated her and always threatened her that if Mrs. Reed doesn't take pity, she would be in the poorhouse. Thus left her there, and went outside. We get a complete vision of the room and it seemed quite gloomy to us. In there, Jane resides and thinks over the cruelty, she received from every being. No one loves her. Still, Mr. Reed was her own uncle but as he was dead 9 years ago, the promise Mrs. Reed had, didn't matter much now. By the thought of her uncle's ghost, she screams in panic as she saw a light outside. She thought that he might come to take revenge for her. But both Bessie and Abbot came and thought that it is her ploy to get outside. Then Mrs. Reed came and reassured her that it wouldn't work out and she had to stay there. And the scene closed, by her being unconscious.

Chapter 3

The next day she became conscious at the nursery and Mr. Lloyd was beside as he is a stranger, Jane finds relief in his company. He left and told Bessie to take care of Jane and she did it with pretended kindness; she served Jane and told her to call her in distress. Jane asked her to bring Gulliver's Travels and read it. Beside her, Bessie sits and sings a melody; the melody of an orphaned child, and Jane is now in tears. Mr. Lloyd came again and asked everything and in absence of Bessie, Jane told everything, also her wish about going to school. Mr. Lloyd recommended it to Mrs. Reed. From Abbot and Bessie's conversation, Jane learned that her father was a clergyman and her mother rebelliously married him as he is beneath her class. Abbot and Bessie are still prejudiced against Jane and dotted blindly Miss Gerofiana!

Chapter 4

Jane's Days are hereby going as monotonous as ever. She is still treated in an ill manner by the siblings. But jane now found new courage and starts confronting Mrs. Reed as she treats him. Now Bessie became gentle with Jane and she appeared to her as the best thing. Here Jane told us about the personality of Eliza how she loved to save money. One day after several months, Jane was summoned by Mrs. Reed and it is certain that Mrs. Reed decides that Jane would no longer live with them. In the hall, Jane finds a man, Mr. Brocklehurst, he came there to take Jane to Lowood school, and between the interview, Mrs. Reed exclaimed Jane's character in a wild manner and it displeases her. So after Brocklehurst's leaving, Jane charged Mrs. Reed as a lier, and now in a bold tone, Jane confronted her. But still, in her heart, she felt sorry, because vengeance is no remedy. While Jane spent her last days at Gateshead hall, she was greatly embraced and loved by Bessie above all.

Chapter 5

 On 19th January, rising early Jane left Gateshead by a carriage which took her to Lowood institution. There, she was received by two ladies, one was a tall lady with dark hair and dark eyes. She was 29 years old and gave Jane's care to Miss miller. Thus after a night's sleep, Jane's daily life at Lowood begins. The schedule was fixed starting with morning lessons and breakfast. But many questions arise in Jane's mind about the teachers and the persons. From a book, Jane came to know the name of the benevolent lady, Maria Temple. She gave them a compensation bread with cheese for the burnt breakfast. In the afternoon before dinner, Jane meets a girl who was reading Rasselas. From her, Jane came to know about the details of the Lowood institute and its teachers (Miss Smith, Miss Scatcherd, Madame Pierrot) and the founder of the new building Naomi Brocklehurst. Mr. Brocklehurtst lives two miles away from there. After dinner, that girl was dismissed by Miss Scatcherd but she was not crying and it puzzled Jane. Thus her first day at Lowood ended.

Chapter 6

The next day begins as it is but now the weather is kind of chilly. In the class, all including Jane was given the work of knitting. While knitting hem, she observed the class of Miss Scatcherd's, she was rebuking her pupils and among them, there was the girl whom Jane talked before. She was severely beaten by the teacher. Scatcherd addressed her as Burns, but while she beats her, there seemed no emotions on the countenance of Burns. In the play hour, evening as it was Jane's favorite time, she meets with Burns; Helen Burns. She conversed with her about the previous scenario. Jane loathes Miss Scatcherd but to her surprise, Helen Burns doesn't hate her. She insistingly said that it is her fault that she was flogged. Though Jane, being a young child, doesn't understand her logic, Burns said that she never mends her faults and that's why she is guilty. To her, Life appears too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs. So she believed in Jesus's words and lived in peace. In a while, a monitor came and called her to mend her drawer and she left sighing.

Chapter 7

Jane's first stage was spent in this way and she described the struggle of all during the winter season which is so deadly and harmful to their bodies. Elder students often took the food of younger ones thus the civility worked. But then comes the visit of Mr. Brocklehurst when Jane was at three weeks at Lowood. He came and point out all the wrongdoing of Lowood and the extra treatments which were given to the students. He said that no vanity should be given to them. Pointing out to a curled hair girl, Julia Severn, he said to cut off her hair along with other's who had such hair. Upon his lecture, Misses Brocklehurst came, who was the ready image of the subjects which he deprived them of. By a slight mistake, Jane's slate fall from her hand, and all the attention was fallen on her. Then Mr. Brocklehurst discriminated against her by saying her story of Mrs. Reed before all and told everyone that she is a liar and no one should talk to her. Thus Jane was served her punishment. While she was taking it, she caught the smile of Helen Burns, proving her testaments right though Burns herself was condemned by Miss Scatcherd. The remark Jane had is - 

"Eyes like Miss Scatcherd's can only see those minute defects, and are blind to the full brightness of the orb."

Chapter 8 

Jane was crying as all her hopes of taking a prestigious place in Lowood went in vain. But Burns came and soothed her feelings by telling her that she knew how sincere she is. Miss Temple approached them and took them into her chamber. There she reassured Jane that she would only believe in Jane's action rather than rumors. Thus, then Jane told her story and Temple sent Mr. Lloyd for confirmation. Now Miss Temple asked Helen about her health and gave both of them food of accurate benevolence. Later she talked with Helen about the books she reads and both indulge in their thought and Jane took pride in Helen's recitation of Latin. Being Farewelled by Miss Temple that night Helen again was rebuked by Miss Scatcherd and the next day Burns was given a shameful punishment. Later Mr. Lloyd's reply of confirmation came and now Jane again regained her previous position. She was promoted to a higher class and able to learn French and drawing. To her, "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Which is juxtaposed with Lowood and Gateshead?

Chapter 9

Their hardship ceased as spring came. Now everything is pleasant, but be present or not it takes illness with time and 45 children among 80 were ill by cold. Many were taken by their close relatives and others were left at Lowood for care. But those who are well were enjoying nature at that time. All routines of daily life were broken as normal classes can't be established now. So Jane and others spend time roaming in the wood like little gypsies. Now her mate is Mary Ann Wilson who has the same nature as her and both indulge in explores. One day when they were late in coming home, they found out, that evening Mr. Bates made his sudden visit. And Jane learns that Helen Burns has her worst health. That night fearing that she might die, Jane went to her and meet her. Helen was happy to see Jane and both fell asleep in each other's embrace. The next day in the morning she was taken by the nurse. And Jane found out that in the morning Miss Temple found her asleep and next to her was Helen Burns -but dead. Her grave was in Brocklebridge churchyard and after 15 years, a grey stone with her name on it was inscribed with the word "Resurgam".

Chapter 10

As it was an autobiography, so short details are excluded; now it was eight years later. Jane spent 6 years as a student and 2 years as a teacher at Lowood, where Miss Temple becomes a mother figure to her but soon she got married to Rev. Mr. Nasmyth and left. Now the world seemed empty to Jane. Jane wants to find a new established now and so she sends her advertisement away. Miss Gryce was her roommate. In that advertisement, she wrote off her abilities of English education and French along with Drawing and Music;  and a reply came, a week later. It was from Mrs. Fairfax, Thornfield, near Millcote who will like to take her in as she sent her later the signed application by the committee members. The day when Jane will leave, Bessie came for meeting her. She is now Mrs. Leaven as she married Robert Leaven and had a son and a daughter. From her Jane knows about the incidents at Gateshead after her leave, Georgiana is beautiful and she was not given the liberty to marry as she like and John was still the same, creating trouble for Mrs. Reed. Bessie also told that a gentleman (father's brother) came from Eyre family to meet Jane but without finding her disappointingly left for Madeira for the wine business. Thus they both left their separate ways. Jane mounted the vehicle which will lead her to Millcote.

Chapter 11

The scene shifts as this chapter begins; she was waiting at George Inn in Millcote. From there a driver, John took her to Thornfield by an hour and a half carriage Journey. There she met Mrs. Fairfax who resembled the picture of Jane's imagination but she was friendly and kind. Jane was given the charge to teach Miss Varens and then Leah was the servent who gave her food and Jane went to her room, took a rest. That chamber looked neat and comforting. The next morning Jane rose and confining herself with a presentable attire she went to the stairs and watched the decorations of the house. From Mrs. Fairfax, she learned this residence is in possession of Mr. Rochester's and Varens is his ward. Next Adela Varens came, a seven or eight years girl with a foreign accent and followed by a nurse named Sophie, who was also French. Adele told that she used to live with her mama and she taught her many things and left for Holy Virgin and Mr. Rochester brought her to England. Before Jane, Adele Presented her knowledge by singing and receiving poetry though her choice was not quite accurate. Mr. Rochester was a relative of Madame Frederic who brought up Adale after her mother. Jane took her to the study room and with its accommodation, she gave her morning lessons and went upstairs. There she found Mrs. Fairfax took her to revisit the whole house so that she could be well acquainted with it. As they venture through rooms, she asked Mrs. Fairfax about the character of Rochester and learned that he is a peculiar gentleman. Thus roaming once she heard a laughing sound which was coming from one of the rooms but it wasn't a ghostly thing as a servant named Grace Poole was laughing. They both went downstairs and met Adele and dinner was served before them.

Chapter 12

It was all a smooth career but Jane was a creature who doesn't want a monotonous life. This everyday fixed schedule tired her. She must have some action in her life. She also tried to have a conversation with its inhabitants(viz. John and his wife, Leah, Sophie) but failed as they are not talkative. So one day when Adele took a rest day, Jane went out to visit the near lands. And on her journey of exploring lands, by an incident, she remembered Bessie's story "Gytrash", of a spirit. But in reality, it was a horse, rider by a traveler who after passing her fall on the ice and hurt his shrine. Jane was asked for help and she did what she could. The traveler asked her about her residence and she gave answers though when she was asked to take his horse to him, she failed and the traveler laughed. With his dog, Pilot he left but this engraved an adventurous memory in Jane as reminding this encounter she was late to go to the hall. But when she did she found Pilot on its premises and asked Leah about the visit and to Jane's surprise, Leah said Mr. Rochester came back.

Chapter 13

That night, they went to bed but the next day Adele was inconstant for a gift that Mr. Rochester might bring. So Jane and Adele came at the tea when Mr. Rochester received them gloomily. He is quite a strange character as with the strange actions he talked and criticized others. he examined Jane and frequently criticized her from piano to studies and also three drawings. After his departure to rest, It seemed that he wasn't quite pleased to talk to them but Mrs. Fairfax told that it is his nature and this irritation came from his family. He lost his elder brother, Mr. Rowland Rochester. Old Rochester and Mr. Rowland both combined to bring Mr. Edward into what he considered a painful position. But it was an abstract reason and Jane didn't dig deep.

Chapter 14

Jane doesn't often get the chance to speak with Rochester as he was busy with duties. Though one night Adele and she were summoned by him and he gave Adele her long-awaited french gift and she went with it, playing. But now Jane and Mr. Rochester start their conversation. Jane was direct in her usual reply. When he asked her if he was handsome, Jane said no, though she admires his eyes. Still, before Jane when Mr. Rochester told about himself he said that he was no villain but bad circumstances made him a vicious one, an Indian rubber ball. He was trying to reform himself again into flesh from rubber ball. But as the conversation was going out of the agenda for Jane; she cuts it off. Later Adele came before them with her pink dress and Mr. Rochester told Jane that Adele reminds him of Celine Varens. He promised Jane to explain how and why Adele became his ward.

Chapter 15

Mr. Rochester explain later in the afternoon when Adele was playing, he told Jane about the past. He told that Celine Varens was the woman who he loved and gave her all the privileges that she seeks. He was in love but one day when he was home, he saw someone coming out of the carriage of Varens and then he feels jealous. Rochester also asked Jane if she ever felt so; but he knows she didn't and he also ensures that she would, in the future. From that day he became scornful toward Varens as he caught her red-handed. He showed mixed feelings consists of Pain, shame, disgust. But later after six months Celine fave Adele to him, saying that it was his child but he didn't believe it. So now she runs away abandoning her child and Adele left all alone. Still, Jane said that she will stay by her as Adele is an orphan now. Later that night Jane was unable to sleep because she was remembering this unbelievable story as it seemed in Rochester's paroxysm of emotion. But at 2 o'clock she rose by a strange laugh, she thinks of seeing someone outside her door. As she persuades that presence, she arrived at Rochester's room in fear as she saw smoke coming out of it. There Jane saw that his bed was burning and being unable to make him awake, she extinguishes the fire with buckets of water and by rising Rochester gasped the whole incident and went out for searching the criminal but by returning he said that he thinks it to be Grace Poole but told Jane, not to reveal anything before morning and as Jane was leaving for bed. Mr. Rochester stops her and thanked her wholeheartedly. This gratitude pleases Jane much, and she was feeling joy. And too feverish to rest, she rose as soon as day dawned.

Chapter 16

The next day when Jane was fearing to talk to Mr. Rochester, she heard all of the other voices from his room. It seemed to her, When she talked to Grace Poole, that Mr. Rochester hides all the incident and told it was an accident. But Grace calmly talked with Jane and asked her thoughts on the incident. Jane harbors a deep disgust in her heart for Grace as she thought Mr. Rochester might have some weak points so that he couldn't give Grace in custody. Now without being able to talk with Mr. Rochester, Jane deeply desired to talk; In the evening when she thought that he might come, Leah summoned her by saying Mrs. Faifax wants her to have something to eat. At the table Jane learned, he went to Leas, Mr. Eshton's place for the party, and it was quite an elegant one. Mrs. Fairfax also said that there will be present many benevolent ladies and among them Miss. Ingram was the Queen. With her sublime beauty, she enchants. Once she has sung a duet with Rochester and earned praises. Thus by her description, Jane makes a portrait of herself and the image of Blanche Ingram. And comparing those at night, she was able to calm her jealousy. At last, she learned that she was chasing something impossible.

Chapter 17

In the meantime, a week passed and Mr. Rochester doesn't come back; Jane was compensating herself by saying that she is only a governess and he only gives her money and that is the relation between them. Still, a letter came and as Mrs. Fairfax read, it said that he will come but with him, many companions would come to visit also and they have to receive them grandly. Meanwhile, Jane overhears Leah's talk about Grace Poole which she concealed in the presence of Jane. She received a 5x salary than them. That night the carriages came and Jane waits by the window to see Miss Ingram compare her with her portrait. When they are all dining in the party room Jane was listening to them talking. Adele was sleepy so they reside that night but the next day for the summoning of Mr. Rochester Jane was to be present at their party and that evening she did so. There arrived the guests; Mrs. Eshton and her daughters, Amy, Louisa; Lady Lynn, Mrs. Colonel Dent, Dowager Lady Ingram, and her daughters, Blanche and Mary. Miss Ingram was pleased to meet Adele and Amy and Louisa take her with them to talk. Then the gentlemen came; Henry and Fredrick Lynn, Colonel Dent, Mr. Eshton, Lord Ingram. Jane surveyed their appearances and admits that they have more harmful faces than Mr. Rochester but she has only her eyes for him as his very presence enchants Jane. But while they are conversing about Adele, the conversation fell upon the character Governess and they shared that how they thought of them as Nuisance and in their childhood how they vexed theirs. Later Mr. Rocheste sings and it also made a mesmerizing effort on Jane and as she was leaving the room, Mr. Rochester reaches to her and talk to her. It seemed that Jane is depressed from the early talk and she is on the verge of crying. Thus Mr. Rochester said that she, in spite of being sad, had to remain at the party every day.

Chapter 18

The guests remained several days and each night Jane had to put up with Blanche flirting with Rochester during the game of Charades from which Jane was excluded. Jane thinks that despite all her charm, she cannot love Rochester. But still, she thinks Rochester will probably marry Blanche, perhaps for the political or social reasons that Jane couldn't understand. One day when Rochester was away Mr. Mason came who told him that he was a friend of Rochester and both meet while on a trip to West Indies. But something about the appearance of Mason, Jane didn't quite like him. After some days, there came an old Gipsy woman at Thornfield who profused to be a fortune teller and told the fortune of Blanche and it displeases her. And the other ladies were also frightened by the accuracy of that fortune teller. Though next, Jane was being called off for Fortune telling, she went in excitement.

Chapter 19

In the Library room, the gypsy's face was hidden behind her hat. She has a fair insight as she bewildered Jane by telling unknowable insights and hints that Jane was very close to her happiness. She also told that Blanche and Rochester would marry and it is more than the love she seeks money. But from the Gipsy, Ingram learned Mr. Rochester wasn't as wealthy as it seemed and it gloomed her. That Gipsy asked Jane about her love interests but she told that she is happy with her own traits and in the future, she will rent a house and open a school for her own wish to attain happiness. In this way, the fortune-telling ends but in the meantime Jane recognizes the gypsy's voice which is none other than Mr. Rochester. He is in disguise; so Jane though became mad at his folly, told him about Mr. Mason and Mr. Rochester staggered. He asked Jane if she would abandon him after learning some past scandals. But Jane assures that she would remain by his side. And as his request, Jane went and called Mason and gave the news of Rochester's arrival. Then she retired to her room. Rochester and Mason's calmed conversation soothed her fear of that night.

Chapter 20

In that night, Jane rose as she heard a scream that seeks help. All the residence rose and gathered in the hall, but Mr. Rochester came to reassure them that a servent had a nightmare and insisted they go to their rooms. But later he came to Jane's door to ask help; both of them went to the third floor in Grace Poole's room, where Jane learned that Mr. Mason was attacked by Poole and bleeding by bite wounds. Rochester went to fetch a surgeon and told Jane to take care and don't talk to Mason as he is in poor health. At that time, Jane only heard the sound of snarling from the next room and Mason's groan. At dawn, Rochester returns with the surgeon and after treating Mason, he sent him away before any guests would rise up. He took Jane for a walk in the garden, there he told her about an autobiographical story of a young man who committed an error and he is avoiding it by leading a luxurious life. And his question is what if he is trying to lead a moral life by marrying but society is blocking him to have a wife; should he ignore society? But Jane said that no one should look for redemption in another person rather he should seek God. Thus Rochester said he would marry Blanche for his 'regeneration' and at last he changes the subject matter.

Chapter 21

One day in the afternoon, Bessie's husband from Gateshead comes and gave Jane the news that by staying in debt for a long time in Gambling, John Reed committed suicide and this news degraded the health of Mrs. Reed so from taking leave from Rochester Jane to arrive at her old residence; all reverie happened about the pangs of her past. She meets with the two daughters, Eliza who was stern and composed, and the other Georgiana, the sociable one. Jane meets Mrs. Reed but still on her deathbed, her feelings didn't change for Jane; She still hates her. And after ten days when she was again able to speak, she called Jane and told her that 3 years ago John Eyre sends them a letter by telling that he would like to take Jane to him as his child but as Mrs. Reed hates Jane, she replied that letter by saying that, Jane was dead of fever at Lowood. Jane was upset and angry but still, she tried to relinquish their friendship with Mrs. Reed but it is in vain as she will die; hating her to the end. Between those days Jane also is able to point out the quarrel of the two sisters and how they abhor each other and as soon as their mother would die, they would separate themselves. Thus their mother died and Georgiana sheds tears but Jane and Eliza never wept.

Chapter 22

Jane stays at Gateshead for 1 month long and as for the request of Georgiana and Eliza, she stays long Georgiana soon went to London and marries a rich gentleman and Eliza went to a French convent and became madam superior. Thus Jane received a letter from Fairfax, stated that the party dispatched from Thornfield and Rochester went for London to buy a carriage, surely for his marriage with Blanche. And Jane fears that her days would be over now. Still, when she returns to Thornfield, she meets Rochester before the house and told Jane to look at the carriage and how it will suit Blanche. But Jane was more interested in meeting Rochester as it was after such a long time. She said, "Wherever you are in my home_my only home". Thus when she saw that Rochester doesn't go to meet Ingram, a hope burnt in her heart that might their marriage had broken.

Chapter 23

Two weeks after, Jane returns to Thornfield; one evening Rochester told Jane that he was going to marry Blanche and so she had to left Thornfield. Rochester finds a job for her in Ireland. But Jane was sad about their parting and she explained how much she loves Thornfield. Rochester told her to stay but she fiercely said that what impudence he had in choosing a loveless marriage? But Rochester proposed that he is not going to marry Blanche, he was only trying to provoke Jane. And she at first thought he was teasing but later agrees to marry him. As the rain starts pouring, the couple left for the house and departs by kissing. Jane feels utter happiness before going to bed. But the next day, Adele came and said that the chestnut tree was split by the lightning; where they had sat when Rochester proposed.

Chapter 24

Rochester told Jane that he would marry Jane in less than 4 months. The engagement was announced but Jane was still worried about how Fairfax would react. When Rochester explained everything, she didn't believe in their marriage as it is impossible between unequal parties. Jane was irritated by Mrs. Fairfax's skepticism but she herself was a little suspicious of her fiance. She feels like she was in a fairy tale. But when Rochester starts lavishing expensive gifts and flattering compliments on her, Jane feels degraded. She wants to be treated normally and Jane would live on her earnings by tutoring and dresses her plain outfits. Once Jane thins to notify his uncle John Eyre about their marriage, thus she would gain legacy and would be able to stand equal to Rochester. One night Jane requests Rochester to play the piano but while playing the song, she resists all the romantic overturns of Rochester. She wants the plain, stern Rochester; not this fancy one, so to put him off, she argues with him and aggravates him. But even, so she still worships him like an ideal he is to her eyes.

Chapter 25

As the wedding is approaching, everything was being packed for the honeymoon in London. But Rochester spends more time outside on his business and Jane was waiting by the burnt chestnut tree. When Rochester comes back Jane told him about the strange things that happened to her, she dreamt that she was on the road with a crying child and chasing behind Rochester without ever catching him up. The next dream was about her and the child, waiting at the ruins of Thornfield for Rochester but then woke up as she falls into the dream. And after waking up she saw a visage of a discolored "Savage" face who was strolling in the drawer of Jane and at last, took up her wedding veil and tore it into pieces. But Rochester consults her by saying that it would be Grace Poole and promised to tell her about everything when their marriage would be a year and a day long. Jane spends the night with Adele in the nursery by cradling.

Chapter 26

On the wedding day, Rochester hurriedly took Jane to the church and Jane noticed two strangers on the way; they both attempted the ceremony but when the marriage was being conducted one of them rose up and announces that there is an "impediment" to the marriage. Rochester didn't pay heed to it but the priest stops his conduct. The stranger, Mr. Biggs was a London Lawyer who announced that Rochester married a Creole woman, Bertha Mason, 15 years ago in Jamaica and she lives at Thornfield. The other stranger reveals his identity: he is Mr. Mason, Bertha's brother. Rochester was furious but told everyone that the story was true but Jane and no one knows of Bertha; then he took everyone to the third floor of Thornfield house where he kept her under the observation of Grace Poole. Jane then noticed a disheveled lunatic who appears to be a half-woman and half-animal; she attacks Rochester but he wrestles her into a chair. Mr. Rochester says that her family kept it hidden before the marriage that she was insane. Mr. Mason came to know about their marriage from Jane's letter to John Eyre who is a business acquaintance. As he was at his dying bed, she sent Mason to stop this false marriage. Jane then locks herself up and stumbles upon her thought of this betrayal of lies that she received from Rochester. Tomorrow nothing will remain the same.

Chapter 27

Jane now wants to leave Thornfield but went she left her room, she finds Rochester outside who seeks forgiveness and Jane forgives are at once though she didn't state it. Rochester stated that they should leave Thornfield together but Jane disagrees with him though she loves him. Then Rochester starts telling his story; how he is betrayed by his own family and he was given marriage to Bertha who seems sane at first but is actually insane. Thus after the deaths of his family members, he returns to Thornfield and hired Grace Poole to look after Mason and went on a tour to further Europe to seek a wife who would be impossible to him but didn't find any. Rochester plunged into debauchery with a mistress, including Celine Varens, in the end, it disgusts him; he thinks of it as buying a slave. But when he almost lost his hopes and returns to Thornfield, he found out of Jane whom he loved dearly at last. For instance, Jane thought of staying there as to be parted with Rochester will be painful. But she knows that she would love herself if she listens to her own self and that night Jane'smother appeared in her dream and tells her to flee temptation. At last, fighting her own desire, Jane sneaks away from Thornfield and taking her modest belongings, hires a carriage on an unknown road.

Chapter 28

All money for Jane runs out and as the carriage couldn't take Jane any long, it left her at a crossroads. And after leaving it, Jane realized that she let her belongings into the carriage. Without nowhere to go Jane spends the night outside, praying to God. The next morning, she went to a nearby village and asked for employment but didn't find any. When she needs food, she seeks it from a woman in the store, in enhance of her silk handkerchief but she didn't give her any. Burning with shame but desperately being hungry, Jane begs at a farm for some leftover porridge fed to the hogs. Thus weak from hunger and despair that night Jane follows a distant light of a candle and reaches a country-house in the rain. There lived Mary and Diana Rivers, studying German inside; Jane knocked on the door but the servant, Hannah came and turns her away as a suspicious began. Jane collapses outside vowing to wait for God's will. Just then, the woman's brother, St. John arrives home. He takes her inside where the River sisters gave Jane food and a dry bed. Jane introduces herself as Jane Elliott, using an alias as no one would discover her, and thanked God for this warm shelter.

Chapter 29

Jane was half-conscious for three days. And throughout these days she felt that she was being nursed by them and on the fourth day, Jane was able to rise from the bed. By wearing her clean clothes, she came down and found Hannah in the kitchen. Jane criticizes Hannah for her rude behavior but Hannah said that she was being aware of "chiders" as she told the history of the Moor family and how her father died after losing a business deal to a trusted person. From then she brought up Mary and Diana who are now governess and St. John is a poor person. Later Jane gives her history to St. John by telling her that her name is an alias. And she had no connections in England now. Though St. John is firm but charitable and promised to help her. Mary and Diana, much warmer personalities than their brother they assure Jane that she can stay with them much longer than it takes.

Chapter 30

Jane became friends with Mary and Diana. They altogether enjoyed their time by indulging themselves in different studies. Jane taught them drawing and from them, she learned German. A month passes in this way and it is now time for them to return to their governess duties. They also said that St. John will also leave to be a missionary. St. John was unlike his sisters; rather distant. Jane once went to the church to listen to his sermon but it was stern and by listening to it jane became sad. They had a conversation afterward and the two of them realizes that they both feel restless but in different ways. He then offered Jane a position for running a school for poor girl-children of his parish in Morton. The pay was little but being able to become independent, Jane accepts it. Before the day of their departure, a letter came, that stated their wealthy uncle, John was dead. But his fortunes will go to his other relations, not to them. At last, they told Jane that it was their uncle who led their father into his disastrous business failure.

Chapter 31

When Jane starts her work at the school, there were 20 students. They have little potential. Jane believes that personal potential is not limited to social class, she can't help feeling a little degraded for becoming a teacher but again she thanked God for providing her with such accommodations. St. John thinks about Jane's feelings toward this job and said that he also had monotonous feelings towards being a priest but at last he finds his purpose in his life by becoming a missionary in India. It was a difficult part of choosing but still noble. While they are talking, the school's benefactor came, Rosamond Oliver. She had come to see the new governess, Jane. But from Jane's point of view, it seems St. John and Miss Rosamond are in love with each other. When St. John declines her offer for seeing her father, it became clear to Jane that what Diana told about his brother is true to the core.

Chapter 32

With the passing days, Jane becomes accommodated with the place, now she was able to enjoy the teaching. Her students start making progress. And she became a respectable entity in the neighborhood; for this Jane starts to enjoy her life here. Though seldom, she was troubled by the timing dreams of Rochester. Rosamond visits the school often; and whenever she does, it was in the presence of St. John. And Jane follows the blush of St. John's face whenever he saw Oliver. Once Oliver saw the drawings of Jane; it pleased her so much that she offers Jane to visit and meet Mr. Oliver and they asked jane to draw a complete portrait of Miss Oliver. So she did and while drawing, at night St. John came and by seeing the portrait, became enchanted for 15 minutes. It was a pure bliss of solitude for him. But after seeing something on the drawing paper of Jane, he tore the corner of it and took it with him and leaves the room abruptly. Though Jane was confused, dismisses the act as meaningless.

Chapter 33

"This was wealth indeed! Wealth to the heart! A mine of pure, genial affections. This was a blessing, bright, vivid, and exhilarating; not like the ponderous gift of gold; rich and welcome enough in its way, but soering from its weight. I now clapped my hands in sudden joy - my pulse bounded, my veins thrilled."

That following night St. John fights through snow and came to Jane's hall. And he told Jane about a story but it was her own story which resembles his one. And it seemed that Jane's uncle John died and left a fortune for her which is 20000 pounds. And by putting all pieces at places the mystery unfolded before her eyes that it was the same uncle of St. John's. He revealed before Jane that his full name is St. John Eyre Rivers and his mother was Jane's father's sister. Thus Jane finds her relations now. And she became overjoyed. These newfound attachments, it gives her more joy than the fortune she received. Then she took the best judgment by deciding that the fortune which she received by law, shall be divided equally and now St. John, Diana, and Mary could be independent financially; They would live together with Jane now. Jane shows compassion toward her brother and told him that she will continue to be the governess until he finds a replacement for her.

"And you cannot at all imagine the craving I have for fraternal and sisterly love. I never had a home, I never had brothers or sisters; I must and will have them now."

Chapter 34

"And I will give the missionary my energies - it is all he wants - but not myself: that would be only adding the husk and shell to the kernel. For them he has no use: I retain them."

In the winter, Jane closes the school and started spending time decorating Moor's house; Thus she could spend Christmas with Mary and Diana. But on this account, St. John becomes more cold and distant. When Jane asked him about Rosamond Oliver, he told him that she will marry Mr. Granby, a wealthy aristocrat. One day, while Jane was studying German, St. John suggests she should learn "Hindustanee" instead, which he was studying for his missionary work in India. Though Jane agrees first, later it seemed that John is slowly gaining a strong influence over her. And she was also becoming cold. It was until summer, she studies, and one day St. John took Jane on a walk in the hills and there he told her, she has admirable qualities. He then proposes that she should marry him and accompany him on his missionary work. But Jane pursues her heart which was mute in this prospect; she understood that she would never become happy as St. John's wife. She told them that she will go to India but not as his wife; as his sister, she would go. but he responds that in denying his proposal she is denying the Christian faith.

Chapter 35

The continuation of St. John's request goes on that Jane should marry him. But Jane thinks that going to India, is not easy work; the hard work and labor that she has to give would easily drain out her life. So Jane wanted to enjoy Love before that. Diana also agrees with her when she told her everything. Jane shouldn't have to go as St, John only wants her to be a tool in his missionary cause. One evening, St. John performs his prayers so perfectly that it enchanted Jane; she felt compelled to accept his marriage proposal then. Still, when Jane was about to give in, she heard Rochester's voice, asking for help, "Jane!", "Jane!", "Jane!". Jane rushes outside and cries out a promise to go to him.

Chapter 36

Jane was preparing to leave for Thornfield, but in the morning St. John slipped a paper under the door. It said that Jane shouldn't fall for her own temptations. Though Jane knows that what she was doing is right. When she was on the Journey to Thornfield, she was brooding that how different it is now from when she had left it. She had a family now. But receiving Thornfield, all hopes shattered as she finds the house to be burnt down and in ruins. She learns what happened afterward from her confinements and sets the room of Jane on fire and it spread. Rochester meanwhile helped all the servants to come out but finds Bertha at the roof-top laughing maniacally and then she jumped to her death. In this process of rescuing, Mr. Rochester was badly injured. He lost his sight and an arm. And now he lives nearby in a modest house called Ferndean. Jane continues her pursues.

Chapter 37

Jane travels towards Ferndean, leading to a forest, at last, she arrives. She saw Mr. Rochester in the yard. It seemed that he is physically strong but his countenance was sad and gloomy. He rejects help from his servants and ventures here and there, on his own. Jane knocks on the door and consults with Mary by revealing her identity. She then takes a tray with a glass of water and candles; enters into the parlor of Rochester. It seemed he recognized Jane by listening to her voice but he didn't believe it at first. Rochester holds her hand and takes her's into his arms brimming with emotions. Jane discloses before him, that she is independent now, achieved great wealth, and how she meets Mr. Rivers. She describes St. Jonh charmingly to create Jealousy in the mind of her master. Rochester thinks himself inferior and told Jane to pursue her happiness. But for Jane happiness is staying beside her master; she could pursue total happiness in that way. She promises to never leave him again and Rochester now asked her to marry him and Jane joyfully accepted it.

• Rochester told Jane that he now found new beliefs in Religion. As it seemed that God had punished him for his utmost pride. So he prays to God Regularly. One evening he even shouts for help loudly by saying, "Jane!", "Jane!", "Jane!" and felt he heard a response. It actually shocked Jane that, how much coincidental it sounds to her own experience. This was their connection which served as "his prop and his guide". She leads him home.

Chapter 38

The final chapter begins with the line, "Reader, I married him." They have quite a happy marriage. After that Jane becomes the provider for Rochester; reading, describing everything as possible. But she never tried to guide him once. Jane wrote letters to Diana, Mary, and St. John. Though Diana and Mary were overjoyed, John doesn't reply first. Jane visits Adele to a more liberal school. And with English Education, her French doubts cleared; she also became quite a polite and principled young woman. Within two years of their marriage, Rochester regains one of his eyesight by treatment. At first from that eye, he saw the first-born child of them which was a boy who inherited his father's black eyes.

Now the description passed ten years after, now Jane said both Diana and Mary were married to a respected gentleman and they are living happily. Where St. John pursued his missionary purposes and did great in India. But one day, she received his last letter which explained that he is near his death. But Jane never feels sad for him as he had died by doing what he loved and respected most. In the last words of the letter, he begs his master, Jesus Christ, to take him soon.

Analyzing some critical points of The Novel

• Because Jane is an orphan, the wealthy Reeds treat her as a dependent—someone who relies on their support. They treat her more like a servant than a family member.
• Imagined or not, the ghost in chapter 2 sets the tone for many of the supernatural elements in the novel. Jane wants revenge, but it takes a terrifying form in Mr. Reed's spirit. Jane must learn another, more controlled way to confront injustice.
• Education is the only field for an orphan girl like Jane to create a place for herself in society.
• Jane's parents are split between the working class and the upper-class gentry (people who owned property). Jane's mother chose love and her own desires over her family's money. Jane will do the same eventually. Like her mother, Jane is determined to earn respect for herself, and for women in general
• Brontë uses Lowood to satirize the conditions in girls' charity schools. Because it's a charity school, Mrs. Reed didn't pay anything to send Jane to school there.
• Ms. Temple is a mother figure for Jane. She provides love and sustenance (physical and spiritual) that Mrs. Reed never did.
• Helen is independent and intellectual like Jane. But she is much more restrained and refuses to say anything negative about the people running the school—though she could.
• Humiliated and even physically injured, Helen is a Christ-like figure who endures unjust persecution without complaint. Helen's religious views help her endures her suffering. Helen's optimistic faith will contrast with the stern Christianity of characters later in the book.
• Money isn't everything. Even at Lowood, Jane feels enriched by her friends and studies and in Moor House, she is more pleased to regain her relations than her fortune.
• In Victorian literature, characters like Helen who are too sensitive or pure for the harsh world often died of consumption.
• With its dark splendor, mysterious and absent master, and suggestive name, Thornfield Hall has a Gothic feel to it. Jane, like Mrs. Fairfax, is a servant and dependent on the "master" of the house. These servants and dependents, it seems to us that, they will become a new "family." Grace Poole's mysterious character also serves the role of a Gothic element in the novel.
• Rochester is a product of class rules. When Jane Eyre was written, the first-born son of wealthy families usually inherited everything, while other children were set up to be rich through specific careers or lucrative marriages. Later in the novel, Jane goes against this tradition by sharing her inheritance equally with her cousins.
• Adele is a living symbol of Rochester's past, which he wants to reform. But he will need Jane's help; it is symbolized in part by her role as Adele's tutor.
• The Gothic mystery in Thornfield deepens and becomes more dangerous. A fire in the bedroom suggests that the raging passion symbolized by the fire is connected to love, sex, and marriage.
• The gypsy's presence emphasizes Bronte's interest in a supernatural connection between minds. To the gypsy, Blanche and the other women asked about love and husbands. Jane focuses on her own independent dreams.
• Mrs. Reed is a liar and lacks the religious virtue of repentance. Like Rochester in the attack on Mr. Mason and the fire in his room, Mrs. Reed has created a cover-up. He wants things his way, just as Mrs. Reed does, and is willing to lie to get what he wants. In contrast to them, and like a good Christian, Jane is able to forgive Mrs. Reed despite her awful actions.
• The Storm after the confession of Jane to Rochester that night represents divine disapproval of the marriage. Rochester's secrets will split up their marriage, just as lightning split the tree.
• Before marriage, the dreams of Jane, suggest the distance she still feels from Rochester. The suffering child symbolizes an unhealthy future for their marriage. The decaying Thornfield foreshadows its actual destruction and represents the mess of Rochester's life. Bertha appears as a terrifying image of a bride, which parallels Jane's anxieties about her marriage. The ripped veil, like the split tree, represents how Jane's wedding will be broken up. Instead of telling Jane the truth, Rochester delays his confession—an ominous start to a marriage based on equality.
• Bertha is made out to be a violent and insane monster, but there is a method in her madness: all of her violence is directed against the people who took away her freedom, love, and identity. Her rage is unchecked. She is all feeling, no judgment. Ironically, Rochester, who has kept Bertha secretly locked up, claims to be a victim of families hiding their secrets.
• Before the escape from Thornfield hall, that night Jane's mother came into her dream. Jane's mother is a spirit, a supernatural entity, yet Jane's dream could also just be an expression of her subconscious. Either way, the spirit carries a religious message. It helps Jane to renounce temptation and give up what she loves most in order to preserve her virtue. In the end, Jane prizes her independence and self-worth above her love for Rochester.
• There's a Christian allegory in Jane rising again after three days, just as Christ did after the crucifixion. And just as Christ was in a sense reborn, Jane is metaphorically born into a new family. The family also seems to be of her class, with two sisters in school and a person who, like her father, works with the poor.
• Rosamond's name is French for the "rose of the world." She represents the earthly desire that St. John rejects for his cold spiritual principles.
• Unlike Rochester, St. John only admires Jane's qualities for their usefulness. He wants her to be a traditional religious wife—an aide to her husband. He doesn't love her; he only loves his religion. While St. John believes that human hearts should only serve God, Jane wants the freedom to feel.
• Bertha uses fire to destroy the room where Jane, who stole Bertha's husband's love, lived. Fire symbolizes Bertha's unrestrained passions and madness. The inferno represents the fatal consequences of Rochester's secrets. He loses his eyes, symbols of his pride and power, as punishment from God.
• Jane literally takes the place of the servant by bringing the tray—she returns to Rochester to serve him forever. Rochester may be physically powerless, but he is still her master. Jane's teasing and Rochester's newfound humility show that Jane is also Rochester's master. They are equals—each other's masters—and so their marriage is a joining of two independent people.
• Rochester's regained sight shows how God tempers justice with mercy. The son represents Rochester's redemption.
• St. John is solitary and strong, but his fate is sad. He and Jane both craved and found a "master" they can serve. Unlike St. John, however, Jane doesn't sacrifice herself (or her life) in order to serve that master and be virtuous. Instead, Jane has found a balance between love and purpose, and between independence and service.