Jane Eyre Summary

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Here you will find a Jane Eyre summary (Charlotte Bronte's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Jane Eyre Summary Overview

Raised by her wealthy yet cruel Aunt Reed after her parents' death, young Jane Eyre experiences an unkind childhood, with servant Bessie as her only source of kindness and affection. Following a series of events which lead Jane to believe she has encountered her uncle's ghost, Jane is sent to the Lowood School. Here, she endures harsh conditions and a cruel headmaster, but also forms a bond with the stoic Helen Burns. The latter's tragically premature death and a sweeping illness force the school's restructuring, leading to improved conditions for Jane, who spends another six years there as a student and two as a teacher. Yearning for a change, Jane accepts a governess post at Thornfield Manor, teaching a vivacious French girl, Adèle. Jane is drawn to the manor's brooding owner, Rochester, and despite her belief that he will marry the beautiful but spiteful Blanche Ingram, he proposes to Jane. Their wedding day is marred by accusations of Rochester's pre-existing marriage to the mentally unstable Bertha, whom he has hidden in the manor. Jane, unable to accept her beloved's deceit, leaves Thornfield Manor in desolation. Destitute and desperate, Jane is taken in by the Rivers siblings - Mary, Diana, and St. John - at Moor House. St. John, a clergyman, finds her a teaching job and reveals she has inherited a fortune from her uncle, who, astonishingly, is also the Rivers' uncle. Despite St. John's proposal and pressure to accompany him to India as his wife, Jane declines, feeling drawn back to Rochester. Upon her return, she discovers Thornfield burned down by Bertha, who perished in the fire, and Rochester left blind and handicapped. Despite his condition, Jane reunites with him at his new home, Ferndean, where they rebuild their relationship, marry, and live in harmonious equality for the next decade, with Rochester regaining partial sight to see their firstborn son.

chapter 1

On a gloomy November afternoon at the affluent Reed residence, Gateshead, a little girl, Jane Eyre, is engrossed in reading Bewick’s History of British Birds in the drawing room. Her aunt, Mrs. Reed, has explicitly instructed her not to mingle with her cousins Eliza, Georgiana, and the aggressive John. John mocks Jane for her low status as an orphan, living off his mother's generosity. Provoked, he throws a book at Jane, leading her to lose her tolerance. A fight ensues between the two youngsters, after which Jane is unfairly blamed by Mrs. Reed. As punishment, she is sent to the eerie "red-room" where her Uncle Reed breathed his last.

chapter 2

Housemaids, Bessie and Miss Abbott, forcefully bring Jane to the red-room despite her protests. Once inside, Jane is startled at her own reflection in the mirror, forcing her to think about how she ended up in this situation. She remembers her Uncle Reed, who had kindly taken her into Gateshead after her parents passed away. She also recalls his dying wish for his wife to treat Jane like one of their own children. Suddenly, Jane is overcome with a feeling that her late uncle's spirit is in the room, seeking vengeance on his wife for not keeping her promise. Jane screams in horror, but her aunt thinks she is only trying to avoid punishment, so her cries are ignored. Eventually, fear and weariness make Jane pass out.

chapter 3

Awakening in her room, Jane is under the watchful eye of the family apothecary, Mr. Lloyd, and Bessie, who disagrees with her mistress's harsh approach towards Jane. The following day sees Jane confined to bed, with Bessie providing comfort through a song. Mr. Lloyd discusses Jane's difficult life at Gateshead and proposes sending her off to school, an idea that stirs cautious excitement in Jane. Jane's understanding of her past broadens as she overhears a chat between Bessie and Miss Abbott. She learns that her mother was a Reed, a wealthy family who disapproved of her father, a poor clergyman. This resulted in her maternal grandfather cutting her mother off from his will after their marriage. It is revealed that Jane's parents passed away from typhus, contracted by her father while tending to the destitute, shortly after her birth.

chapter 4

"I'll never call you aunt again and I'll never visit you when I grow up. The mere thought of you makes me nauseous..." Time has passed and Jane's situation at her aunt's home worsens while she waits to go to school. She finally gets permission to attend Lowood girls' school and meets Mr. Brocklehurst, the strict schoolmaster. When he asks about her religious beliefs, Jane's honesty about finding psalms dull upsets him. Her aunt, Mrs. Reed, tells him Jane is prone to lying, which he promises to share with the teaching staff. Jane is deeply upset and defends herself, causing Mrs. Reed to back down for once. Before Jane leaves, Bessie, the maid, shares that she likes Jane better than the Reed children and entertains her with stories and songs.

chapter 5

Just four days after encountering Mr. Brocklehurst, Jane embarks on a solo journey to Lowood on the early morning coach. On reaching the school, she's welcomed by a gloomy building on a dreary, rainy day, which she is to call home. The next day, she's introduced to her fellow students and familiarized with the daily schedule, a routine that keeps the girls engaged from early morning till dinner. The school's head, Miss Temple, is gentle, but one teacher, Miss Scatcherd, is notably harsh, especially towards a young girl, Helen Burns. Jane and Helen form a friendship, and Jane learns that Lowood is a charity school for girl orphans, implying the Reeds haven't spent a penny to send her here. Jane also discovers Mr. Brocklehurst's extensive control over the school, with even Miss Temple having to report to him.

chapter 6

Jane's second day at Lowood school is tough - the water is frozen, so they can't clean themselves. The school is harsh: not enough food, too much work, and long, boring sermons. Jane finds some comfort in her friend, Helen, who is wise beyond her years and handles Miss Scatcherd's cruelty calmly. Helen tells Jane she follows a Christian belief of loving enemies and tolerating hardships, but Jane doesn't agree with this passive acceptance of unfairness. Despite Jane's objections, Helen doesn't change her views. Helen's only self-criticism is that she sometimes falls short of her strict standards, thinking she's a bad student. She scolds herself for daydreaming about her family and home when she should be focusing on schoolwork.

chapter 7

During Jane's initial weeks at Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst is absent. Upon his return, however, Jane grows anxious, recalling his pledge to Mrs. Reed to inform the school of Jane’s alleged falsehoods. Jane's accidental dropping of her slate sparks Mr. Brocklehurst’s wrath, leading him to label her as negligent. Jane is made to stand on a stool as Mr. Brocklehurst publicly accuses her of being dishonest and bans the other pupils from interacting with her for the day. Helen offers Jane quiet solace during her public humiliation by subtly comforting her with a smile whenever their paths cross.

chapter 8

After class, Jane falls to the ground, convinced her Lowood reputation is destroyed. However, Helen comforts her, revealing the girls feel sympathy rather than disgust for Jane's supposed dishonesty. Jane defends herself to Miss Temple, sharing her troubled past at Gateshead. Miss Temple, appearing to trust Jane, reaches out to Mr. Lloyd for verification. Warmly, Miss Temple invites Jane and Helen for tea and cake, increasing Jane's affection for her. Upon receiving Mr. Lloyd's letter which validates Jane's version of events, Miss Temple publicly vindicates Jane. This brings Jane relief and peace, allowing her to concentrate on her studies. She shows exceptional talent in drawing and improves in French.

chapter 9

The cheeriness of spring at Lowood School is short-lived as typhus strikes, affecting more than half the girls due to the damp forest surrounding the school. Jane, however, stays healthy and spends her days outside with her new friend, Mary Ann Wilson. Her friend Helen, however, is ill, but not from typhus. Jane is devastated to learn Helen has consumption and is dying. One night, Jane manages to visit Helen in Miss Temple's room for a final farewell. Despite her illness, Helen assures Jane she's not in pain and is ready to leave this world and its hardships. They share a poignant moment, falling asleep in each other's arms. Helen passes away in her sleep. Her burial site stays unmarked until a gray marble stone, presumably put there by Jane, is placed fifteen years later inscribed with "Resurgam", Latin for "I shall rise again".

chapter 10

Upon the discovery of Mr. Brocklehurst's role in the typhus outbreak at Lowood, new administrators take over the school. The girls' conditions markedly improve, and Jane thrives academically for six years. Following two additional years as a Lowood teacher, Jane craves a change, especially when Miss Temple marries and departs. As such, she seeks and lands a job as a governess at Thornfield Manor. Before she departs, Bessie visits Jane. She recounts the events at Gateshead since Jane left for Lowood. Georgiana's secret elopement with Lord Edwin Vere was thwarted by Eliza, who spilled the beans to Mrs. Reed. John, on the other hand, has descended into debauchery. Bessie also discloses that Jane's uncle, John Eyre, appeared at Gateshead seven years prior in search of Jane but left for Madeira to seek fortune as he couldn't visit Lowood. After their conversation, Bessie returns to Gateshead, leaving Jane set for her new chapter at Thornfield.

chapter 11

Delayed by her driver, Jane arrives at Thornfield under the cover of darkness. Although the house's exterior is hidden in shadow, she appreciates the comfortable, warm interior. She's greeted by Mrs. Fairfax, a formal older lady, whom Jane had mistakenly thought was Thornfield's owner through their letters. Instead, Mrs. Fairfax is the housekeeper, acting as manager whenever the real proprietor, Mr. Rochester, is away on his frequent travels. Jane's role is revealed as the tutor for Adèle, a young French girl of eight with a mother who was a performer. Mrs. Fairfax shares about Rochester's peculiarities and his family's history of intense, often violent behavior. An unexpected, eerie laugh suddenly resounds throughout the house. Mrs. Fairfax calls for a woman named Grace, instructing her to quiet down and remember her orders. Once Grace departs, Mrs. Fairfax describes her as an unstable, unpredictable seamstress employed in the house.

chapter 12

The idea that tranquility should be enough for humans is futile; they crave action and will create it if it doesn't exist. Many people endure a more subdued existence than I, and many silently rebel against their circumstances. Jane enjoys her time at Thornfield, finding Adèle energetic, smart but a little spoiled and occasionally sulky. Even so, she often feels a sense of unease, and often walks the upper corridors of Thornfield to clear her mind. One evening, while watching the moon rise, she sees a horse approach in the distance. This brings to mind an old tale of a spirit known as a Gytrash, known for assuming the form of a mule, dog, or horse to spook late-night travellers. To her surprise, a dog also appears. Once she realizes the horse has a rider, the strange feeling ends. After the horse passes by, it slips on ice causing the rider to fall. Jane assists the man up and introduces herself. She notices his dark, stern face with a heavy brow, and he appears to be not quite middle-aged. Upon returning to Thornfield, she finds the same dog, Pilot, in Mrs. Fairfax’s room. A servant informs her that the dog is Mr. Rochester's, who has just returned home with a sprained ankle from his fall.

chapter 13

The following day, Mr. Rochester requests Jane and Adèle's company for tea. His demeanor is somewhat standoffish towards both, yet he appears taken with Jane’s artwork, requesting to view them. Jane confides in Mrs. Fairfax about Rochester's unpredictable and harsh behavior, to which Mrs. Fairfax attributes his tough past experiences. Mr. Rochester, being somewhat the black sheep of his family, fell into possession of Thornfield nine years prior, upon his elder brother's death, who originally inherited it after their father passed away.

chapter 14

Jane doesn't interact with Rochester often after his arrival at Thornfield. However, once evening, in a talkative mood post-dinner, he summons Jane and Adèle. He bestows upon Adèle the eagerly anticipated gift, and while she's busy playing, he engages in rare casual conversation with Jane. When prompted whether she finds him attractive, Jane reflexively replies "no". Based on Rochester's expressive response, Jane suspects him to be mildly intoxicated. His insistence on conversation makes Jane uncomfortable, particularly when he suggests their relationship isn't one of servitude. They delve into topics such as sin, forgiveness and redemption. Jane becomes curious when Adèle brings up her mother, to which Rochester assures that he will share more details in the future.

chapter 15

Rochester finally shares his history with Adèle and her mother, Celine Varens, a French singer and dancer, to Jane. He admits to an extended fling with Celine, but upon catching her with another lover, he cut ties. Despite Celine's insistence that Adèle is his child, Rochester denies paternity due to an absence of resemblance. Nevertheless, when Celine deserted Adèle, Rochester brought her to England to ensure her well-being. Later, Jane ponders over the odd revelations about Rochester's history. She's interrupted by the sound of fingers against the wall and a creepy laughter from the corridor. She spots smoke billowing from Rochester's door and rushes in to find his bed curtains on fire. She manages to extinguish it, saving Rochester's life. Oddly, Rochester responds by exploring the house's third floor. Upon his return, he vaguely says, “I have found it all out, it is just as I thought.” He verifies Jane's suspicion that the laughter belonged to Grace Poole. He appreciates Jane for her quick thinking and advises her to stay mum about the night's incident. He spends the rest of the night on the library couch.

chapter 16

Jane is taken aback when the near disaster from the previous night doesn't cause any uproar. The house staff attributes the incident to Rochester's negligence with a lit candle, and even Grace Poole doesn't seem guilty. Jane can't understand why someone suspected of attempted murder still works at Thornfield. She discovers her growing affection for Rochester, but is let down to hear he will be away attending a gathering with the stunning Blanche Ingram. Jane chides herself for feeling disappointed and decides to curb her romantic fantasies by comparing her own image to a sketch she made of Blanche, highlighting her own ordinary looks compared to Blanche's beauty.

chapter 17

Rochester's absence from Thornfield for a week leaves Jane worried. She fears he might travel to Europe, potentially for over a year, without coming back as per Mrs. Fairfax's speculation. A week later, Mrs. Fairfax receives news that Rochester will return in three days with many guests. Meanwhile, Jane remains puzzled by Grace Poole's ordinary interaction with the staff despite her peculiar, solitary behaviour. She finds out from an overheard servants' conversation that Grace is highly paid, making Jane question the exact nature of Grace's role at Thornfield. Finally, Rochester comes back, bringing with him a group of classy, high-born visitors. Jane is reluctantly part of these gatherings, yet spends her time observing the guests from a window seat. Blanche Ingram and her mother, also part of the group, treat Jane with contempt and harshness. When Jane attempts to exit the gathering, Rochester prevents her but reluctantly lets her leave after noticing her teary eyes. He tells her she is expected in the drawing room every evening during his guests' visit. As they separate for the night, Rochester nearly reveals more than he meant to, with a cryptic "Good-night, my—" before he cuts himself off.

chapter 18

The visitors continue their stay at Thornfield. In various games, Rochester and Blanche Ingram pair up, leading Jane to suspect that they plan to wed. However, she senses no true affection between them, guessing Blanche is interested in Rochester's wealth while he is attracted to her beauty and status. A peculiar man named Mr. Mason shows up at Thornfield, which disturbs Jane due to his vacant gaze and lethargic demeanor. From him, she learns that Rochester once resided in the West Indies, where Mason himself has also lived. A gypsy woman visits Thornfield one evening to read fortunes. Blanche Ingram is the first to consult her and returns looking noticeably upset.

chapter 19

Jane visits the library for a fortune reading. Despite initial skepticism, she gets drawn into the old woman's predictions. The gypsy appears to know a lot about Jane and hints that she's on the verge of happiness. The gypsy also discloses that she informed Blanche Ingram of Rochester's exaggerated wealth, explaining Blanche’s unusual grumpiness. As the fortune reading progresses, the gypsy's voice deepens and Jane recognizes the voice as Rochester's. Jane scolds Rochester for the deception and recalls suspecting Grace Poole to be the gypsy. Upon hearing of Mr. Mason's arrival, Rochester appears distressed.

chapter 20

That very night, Jane is awoken by a cry for assistance. She rushes into the corridor, meeting Rochester who calms everyone by attributing the noise to a servant's bad dream. Once the house is quiet again, Rochester requests Jane's help, asking her if she's queasy at the sight of blood. He escorts her to the third floor where Mr. Mason is found with a stab wound on his arm. Rochester instructs Jane to bandage the injury and departs, instructing them to remain silent. In this quiet moment, Jane observes a religious painting on a nearby cabinet. Upon Rochester's return with a doctor, they attend to Mason while Jane is dispatched to fetch a potion. Rochester administers it to Mason, promising it will give him strength for an hour. Once Mason departs, Jane and Rochester take a walk in the orchard where Rochester narrates a tale about a young man who makes a huge mistake abroad and then lives a decadent lifestyle out of desperation to escape his guilt. The young man yearns to redeem himself and lead a virtuous life with a wife, but societal norms hinder him. He questions if the man would be right in defying societal customs. Jane advises that the man should seek redemption from God, not another human being. Rochester, clearly alluding to his own predicament, seeks Jane's opinion on whether marrying Blanche would purify him. He abruptly leaves before Jane can respond.

chapter 21

After seven consecutive nights of dreams filled with children, Jane learns that her cousin, John Reed, has taken his own life. She discovers that her Aunt, Mrs. Reed, has suffered a stroke and clings to life. Upon returning to Gateshead, her childhood home, she reunites with Bessie, her old housemaid. She encounters her cousins, Eliza and Georgiana, for the first time in years. Eliza, plain in appearance, plans on joining a convent, while Georgiana maintains her beauty. The sisters have been estranged since Eliza spoiled Georgiana's plan to elope. Despite Mrs. Reed's ongoing bitterness towards her, Jane attempts to mend their broken relationship. Mrs. Reed, however, hands Jane an old letter from her uncle, John Eyre. In the letter, John expresses his desire to adopt Jane and leave her his wealth. The letter is notably three years old, withheld out of spite by Mrs. Reed. Despite her aunt's cruelty, Jane makes a final attempt to reconcile with her. But Mrs. Reed stubbornly refuses and passes away at midnight.

chapter 22

Jane stays at Gateshead for a month since Georgiana fears being alone with Eliza due to their disagreements. Eventually, Georgiana moves to London to stay with her uncle and Eliza enters a French convent, where she later becomes the Mother Superior. Georgiana marries a rich man. Jane gets a letter from Mrs. Fairfax at Gateshead, informing her that Rochester's visitors have left and he's gone to London to purchase a new carriage, indicating his plans to wed Blanche. During Jane's journey back to Thornfield, she's both excited about seeing Rochester and worried about her own future post his marriage. Unexpectedly, she bumps into Rochester near the Millcote station. He questions her about her long absence from Thornfield to which she responds that she was with her deceased aunt. Rochester informs her about his new carriage and wants her opinion on whether it will please Mrs. Rochester. Jane, though taken aback, expresses her joy to be with Rochester again stating wherever he is, feels like her only home. Upon reaching the estate, Jane receives a warm welcome from Mrs. Fairfax, Adèle, and the other servants.

chapter 23

After a fortnight of happiness, Jane crosses paths with Rochester in the garden, who invites her for a stroll. Taken by surprise, Jane agrees. Rochester reveals his plans to wed Blanche Ingram and mentions a job opportunity for Jane as a governess in Ireland. Distraught by the thought of being far away from Thornfield, Jane shares her displeasure. They settle on a bench under a chestnut tree, where Rochester speaks of a spiritual bond between them, making Jane weep. Unable to contain herself, Jane admits her love for him. Unexpectedly, he proposes to her. Initially, Jane thinks he's mocking her, but he assures her sincerity by confessing that he only mentioned Blanche to make Jane jealous. Overjoyed and convinced, Jane accepts his proposal. A sudden storm forces them indoors, where Rochester, while helping Jane off with her wet coat, steals a kiss. Mrs. Fairfax witnesses this, shocked. That same night, lightning strikes and splits the very chestnut tree they sat under.

chapter 24

Wedding planning for Jane and Rochester encounters some roadblocks. Mrs. Fairfax behaves devoid of warmth towards Jane, not realizing that Jane and Rochester were engaged before he kissed her. Even after discovering the truth, Mrs. Fairfax continues her disapproval. Jane feels uneasy, almost scared, when Rochester refers to her as 'Jane Rochester'. For Jane, everything seems dreamlike, too perfect to be real. Rochester contributes to this feeling by promising her a life of luxury and opulence, a stark contrast from her humble beginnings. This frightens Jane and she becomes defensive. She senses that the wedding might not take place and contacts her uncle, John Eyre, who is in Madeira. Jane thinks that if she becomes John Eyre's heiress, her social status might elevate to match Rochester's, which would make her feel less troubled about the marriage.

chapter 25

Awaiting Rochester's return on the eve of their wedding, Jane takes a stroll in the orchard, observing the split chestnut tree. Upon his return, she recounts strange happenings during his absence. Her wedding dress and a costly veil, a gift from Rochester, had arrived, and she'd experienced a couple of peculiar dreams. In the first, she cradled a crying child while making her way to Rochester along a long, twisted path. The second was more unsettling; she lost her grip on the child. Awakening from this dream, she noticed an odd figure rustling in her wardrobe – a wild-looking woman who proceeded to rip her veil. Rochester brushes it off as Grace Poole's doing and tells her it was likely a mix of dream and reality. he promises to explain everything a year and a day into their married life. Jane spends the night with Adèle, shedding tears at the thought of parting from the sleeping girl soon.

chapter 26

Sophie prepares Jane for her wedding and she along with Rochester head to the church. They notice a duo of unknown men at the churchyard cemetery. Upon entering the church, the same pair is also present. One interrupts the ceremony, identifying himself as Mr. Briggs, a solicitor, and states that Rochester is already married to a Creole woman, Bertha, from Jamaica. He produces a letter from Richard Mason confirming that Rochester is married to his sister, Bertha. Mason supports Briggs's claim. Rochester, after a moment of anger, confesses that Bertha is his wife who is mentally ill and kept in secret under Grace Poole's care. He begs for understanding and invites everyone to Thornfield to see Bertha. At Thornfield, they ascend to the third floor. Rochester shows them the room where Bertha injured her brother before revealing a secret door leading to Bertha's room. Bertha, looked after by Grace Poole, is described as beast-like, snarling and covered in disheveled hair. Bertha tries to attack Rochester, who tells onlookers that this is the only marital interaction he experiences. Jane departs with Mason and Briggs, the latter revealing that he was alerted to the wedding by a letter from Jane’s Uncle John Eyre, who also knows Mason. It turns out Mason was visiting John when he received Jane's letter, leading John to request Mason to travel to England to protect Jane. Once everyone leaves, Jane retreats to her room, overwhelmed by grief. She reflects on the morning's events and prays for divine strength and support.

chapter 27

Jane wakes up and realizes she must leave Thornfield. She encounters Rochester outside her room, who insists he didn't intend to hurt her and asks for her forgiveness. Jane remains silent, though she admits to the reader she forgave him instantly. Jane starts to feel weak and Rochester assists her to the library. He proposes they leave England for the South of France and live as husband and wife. Jane declines, stating that she will only be his mistress as long as Bertha is alive. This prompts Rochester to tell his story. Rochester was sent to Jamaica by his father, who left his entire estate to his other son, Rowland. Rochester was to marry Bertha, who was set to inherit a large sum of money. Believing he was in love, Rochester agreed to the marriage. It was only after their wedding did he discover Bertha's family had a history of madness, which was kept from him. Bertha soon showed signs of insanity and violent temper. After the death of his father and brother, Rochester found himself alone with a mad wife and a vast fortune. He decided to return to England, leaving Bertha at Thornfield Hall. He then wandered from city to city, seeking love but only finding disappointment. Overwhelmed, Jane struggles with her decision. She doesn't wish to add to Rochester's misery and she doubts she'll find another man who values her. Despite this, her conscience tells her to respect herself and bear her suffering alone. She says her goodbyes to Rochester, kissing him on the cheek and praying for his well-being. That night, Jane dreams of her mother advising her to steer clear of temptation. She grabs her belongings and sneaks out of Thornfield.

chapter 28

Having used up all her money while traveling by coach, Jane is left to sleep outdoors. She spends a long, prayer-filled night before spending the next day pleading for food or work in a nearby town. Only a single farmer shows her kindness, sharing a slice of bread with her. Spotting a glowing light across the moors after another day, Jane stumbles upon a house. Looking through the window, Jane sees Diana and Mary, two young women studying German, while their housekeeper, Hannah, knits beside them. Listening to their chat, Jane learns Hannah's name and the women's anticipation for someone called St. John. Despite her attempts to gain entry, Hannah denies Jane entrance. Weak and desperate, Jane cries out on the doorstep, asserting her faith and acceptance of death if it is God's will. From inside the house, St. John responds, rejecting Jane's acceptance of a premature end. St. John, revealed to be the brother of Diana and Mary, ushers Jane into the house. The three siblings provide Jane with food and a place to rest. When questioned, Jane opts to hide her identity, introducing herself as "Jane Elliott."

chapter 29

Following her rescue by the Rivers siblings, Jane is given three days to recover. On the fourth day, drawn by the aroma of fresh bread, she ventures into the kitchen to find Hannah. Jane reproaches Hannah for her initial harsh judgment, which Hannah acknowledges and apologizes for. Subsequently, Hannah shares the unfortunate financial misstep of Mr. Rivers, the siblings' father, which led to the loss of the family wealth. Consequently, Diana and Mary had to seek employment as governesses. They are currently at Marsh End (or Moor House) due to their father's recent demise. Following this, Jane discloses part of her story, revealing that Jane Elliott is a pseudonym. St. John then assures her he will secure a job for her.

chapter 30

Jane quickly forms a bond with Diana and Mary who appreciate her art and provide her with books. St. John, however, is reserved and aloof, but not unkind. After a month, the sisters must leave for their jobs as governesses. Jane is then offered a role by St. John to manage a charity school in Morton, which she accepts. Despite this, St. John believes Jane won't stay long due to her restive nature, mirroring his own restlessness. His sisters anticipate his departure from England for a foreign missionary position. The siblings are informed by St. John about their Uncle John's death and his decision to leave his wealth to an unnamed relative. Jane discovers that it was this same Uncle John who lured Mr. Rivers into a bad business deal.

chapter 31

In Morton, affluent Rosamond Oliver offers Jane a cottage for living. Jane starts her teaching job, but she finds the work unsatisfactory and demeaning. During a visit to Jane, St. John confesses that he, too, once felt unsatisfied with his profession, until he felt a divine calling. He now aspires to be a missionary. Unexpectedly, the stunning Rosamond Oliver interrupts St. John and Jane's discussion. Observing their interaction, Jane suspects that Rosamond and St. John share romantic feelings for each other.

chapter 32

Jane grows increasingly popular among her students who become fond of her. However, her nights are disturbed by dreams involving Rochester. She observes the budding relationship between St. John and Rosamond, who frequently visits the school on St. John's presence. Rosamond requests Jane to sketch her portrait and during one such session, St. John shows up. He gifts Jane a poetry book - Marmion by Sir Walter Scott and glances at the sketch. Jane bravely suggests St. John should marry Rosamond, to which he confesses his love, but expresses his concerns about the frivolous and superficial Rosamond being unfit for a missionary's wife. He doesn't want his sacred mission to be jeopardized by worldly love. Strangely, he spots something on Jane's drawing paper, tears off a small bit, and leaves in a hurry with an odd expression on his face.

chapter 33

During a snowy evening, Jane is visited by a distressed St. John. He shares a tale of an orphan girl turned governess, named Jane Eyre, who vanished after a foiled wedding to Edward Rochester. Jane, having hidden her true identity, doesn't admit she's the Jane Eyre St. John is referring to. St. John has a letter from a lawyer, Mr. Briggs, who insists that it's vital to locate Jane Eyre. She is less concerned with her own whereabouts and more interested in news of Rochester, which St. John assures her is not the concern. The actual reason for finding her is that her Uncle John Eyre has passed away, leaving her a grand inheritance of 20,000 pounds. Eventually, Jane admits her identity to St. John, who already suspected it. She inquires how he knew, and he shows her a piece of paper with her signature he'd taken from one of her drawings. Puzzled why St. John would receive a letter about her, he clarifies that they are cousins, sharing the same Uncle John. Jane is thrilled to have discovered her family and opts to equally distribute her inheritance amongst her newfound kin, granting them each 5,000 pounds.

chapter 34

Jane wraps up her teaching duties for the holiday season and enjoys a joyful period with her newfound relatives at Moor House. Her cousins, Diana and Mary, express admiration for her contributions at the school, while St. John grows increasingly aloof. He shares the news of Rosamond's engagement to a wealthy individual named Mr. Granby. St. John then requests Jane to abandon her German studies to learn Hindustani with him, a language he's studying for his upcoming missionary work in India. Gradually, he dictates more of Jane's actions, leading to her feeling increasingly hollow and desolate. Yet, she continues to heed his requests. Finally, he asks her to accompany him to India as a missionary and to be his wife. Jane consents to the missionary work in India but declines his marriage proposal, stating that there's no love between them. St. John, in return, harshly demands that she accept his proposal, stating that rejection equates to renouncing one's Christian faith. He then exits the room abruptly.

chapter 35

Although tethered to him as his wife, constantly controlled, suppressing my natural instincts, forced to hold back my voice as my spirit is gradually extinguished—this would be unbearable. Throughout the subsequent week, St. John persists in persuading Jane to become his wife. She gently rebuffs his proposals, but her tenderness only fuels his stubborn insistence that she join him in India as his spouse. Diana cautions Jane against the trip, stating that St. John views her merely as an instrument for his grand mission. Post dinner, St. John prays for Jane, leaving her astonished by his eloquence and sway. She almost capitulates to his proposition, but then she hears what she assumes is Rochester’s voice, echoing her name from afar. Convinced something significant has happened, Jane feels the influence of St. John diminish.

chapter 36

Haunted by the eerie events of the prior evening, Jane ponders over whether the voice she heard was truly Rochester's, and if he might be in danger. Ignoring St. John's warning note to avoid temptation, she takes a coach to Thornfield, with a sense of anticipation to reunite with Rochester. As she journeys, Jane reflects on her transformed life over the past year. From a lone, poor woman, she now enjoys friendship, a newfound family, and wealth. She rushes to Thornfield upon reaching, only to be taken aback by the sight of the burnt down manor. To learn about the incident, she heads to a local inn called the Rochester Arms. She comes to know that Bertha Mason had started the fire months ago. Rochester, in an attempt to save his staff and wife, was caught in the fire. Bertha, however, jumped off the roof amidst the flames. Rochester, a casualty of the incident, lost a hand and his sight. He now lives in a house named Ferndean, nestled in the forest, accompanied by John and Mary, a pair of senior servants.

chapter 37

Jane visits Rochester at Ferndean. She watches him from afar as he checks for rain, his face reflecting profound sadness. After he reenters the house, Jane moves forward and knocks. Mary opens the door, and Jane later brings a tray to a visually impaired Rochester. On recognising Jane's presence, he mistakenly thinks her a spirit. Upon grasping her hand, he pulls her close and she vows to stay by his side. The following day, they take a stroll in the woods where Jane recounts her exploits from the past year. She also reassures him that she harbors no romantic feelings for St. John. Rochester proposes to her once more and this time she accepts, now that Bertha Mason's shadow no longer looms over their relationship. Rochester shares with Jane that he had called out her name in desperation and imagined a reply. To avoid exacerbating his delicate state, Jane hides the fact that she had indeed heard his cries at Moor House.

chapter 38

Jane and Rochester tie the knot in a modest ceremony, attended only by the minister and the church clerk. Jane informs her cousins of her new marital status. St. John remains silent on the matter, but Mary and Diana reciprocate with their blessings. Noticing Adèle's unhappiness at her school, Jane transfers her to a better institution, reflecting on her own troubled childhood. Adèle blossoms into a pleasant and well-mannered lady. Fast-forward to ten years into Jane and Rochester's wedded life, which Jane describes as extremely joyous. They exist on equal footing, with Jane aiding Rochester in managing his blindness. After a couple of years, Rochester's sight partially returns in one eye, allowing him to see their firstborn son. Jane also shares that Diana and Mary have wed, and St. John departed for India as intended. His final letter to Jane indicates his sense of foreboding about his forthcoming demise. Jane doubts she will hear from him again but feels no sorrow, acknowledging he has completed his divine mission. She concludes her narrative with an excerpt from his letter, where he implores Jesus's swift return.