Jane Eyre Chapters 20-22

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Questions and Answers

What gothic, violent event occurs while Ingram and guests are visiting Thornfield?

A sudden cry for help in the night!

What symbolic scene occurs while Jane cares for the bloody Mr. Mason?

Jane gazes at the image of the apostles and Christ's crucifixion.

What talent does Jane enjoy about Rochester?

His singing and piano playing.

What line reflects Rochester's act of marrying his governess?

'Overleaping an obstacle of custom.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Rochester say that indicates his dark past?

He tells a hypothetical story about a young man committing a 'capital error' and leading a life of dissipation. Signup and view all the answers

What details are there about John Eyre's letter to Jane?

He wishes to adopt Jane and bequeath her his fortune; the letter is three years old. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to John Reed, Jane's childhood bully?

He committed suicide after financial troubles and unhappiness. Signup and view all the answers

What are Georgiana's traits as an adult?

Beautiful face, chubby figure, whining attitude, self-centered ego. Signup and view all the answers

What are Eliza's traits as an adult?

Severe coldness, solitary busyness, devotion to religion. Signup and view all the answers

What are Jane's traits as an adult?

Forgiving, intelligent, principled, artistic. Signup and view all the answers

What foreshadows trouble according to Jane and Bessie?

Jane dreams of children and babies seven consecutive nights. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rochester ask Jane about his new purchase?

'You must see the carriage, Jane, and tell me if you don't think it will suit Mrs. Rochester exactly.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Rochester say about his connection with Jane?

He feels connected by a 'cord of communion.' Signup and view all the answers

What are Fairfax's thoughts about Jane and Rochester as a couple?

Mrs. Fairfax treats Jane coldly after seeing Rochester's affection. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jane Eyre's experience the night before her wedding?

She dreams of a child she must carry and of Thornfield becoming a ruin. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rochester mislead Jane about Blanche Ingram?

To arouse Jane's jealousy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jane reject Rochester's jewels?

She refuses to act as a rich aristocrat and insists on being true to herself. Signup and view all the answers

What details can be shared about the tree struck by lightning?

A storm arrives right after Jane accepts Rochester's proposal, and lightning splits the chestnut tree. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rochester's wedding gift to Jane?

An expensive veil. Signup and view all the answers

How is Bertha described when she visits Jane the night before her wedding?

'Ghosts are usually pale, Jane. This, sir, was purple.' Signup and view all the answers

Who attends Jane's wedding day at the local church?

Two strangers, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Mason. Signup and view all the answers

What strange behavior does Rochester exhibit on his wedding day?

He is impatient and holds Jane's hand imperiously. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jane's reaction at the wedding ceremony upon learning of Rochester's previous marriage?

'My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words.' Signup and view all the answers

Who did Rochester marry before Jane?

Bertha Mason. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Rochester marry before Jane?

Jamaica. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Mason's connection to Rochester?

They were business associates in Jamaica. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rochester describe his marriage to Bertha?

'Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family.' Signup and view all the answers

What description is given of Bertha Mason?

'A figure ran backwards and forwards, seemingly on all fours.' Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Bertha Mason's attack on Rochester on the wedding day?

'The lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously.' Signup and view all the answers

What metaphors does Jane use regarding her ruined wedding day?

'A Christmas frost had come at midsummer.' Signup and view all the answers

What reflections does Jane have as she weighs Rochester's previous marriage?

'Mr. Rochester was not to me what he had been.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 20

Jane responds to a violent event at Thornfield when she hears a cry for help during the night; Rochester claims a servant had a nightmare.
Jane assists Mr. Mason, who is injured, showing her medical skills as she cares for his wound while Rochester emphasizes secrecy.
Jane reflects on the image of the apostles and Christ’s crucifixion while tending to Mason, contemplating themes of betrayal and sacrifice.

Chapter 21

Rochester showcases his musical talents, singing and playing piano, which Jane finds enchanting.
Rochester expresses his desire to marry Jane, stating he wishes to overcome societal norms, indicating a progressive view on class differences.

Chapter 22

Jane receives a letter from John Eyre, declaring he wishes to adopt her and leave her his fortune; the letter was previously withheld by Mrs. Reed.
John Reed, a tormentor from Jane's childhood, commits suicide due to financial instability, hinting at the consequences of his poor choices.

Chapter 23

Adult Georgiana is characterized as beautiful yet self-centered and fault-finding, while Eliza is described as cold, religiously devoted, and emotionally detached.
Jane’s adulthood traits include forgiveness, intelligence, artistic talent, and a modest demeanor.

Chapter 24

Jane experiences ominous dreams involving children before her wedding, suggesting foreboding feelings and potential turmoil.
Rochester eagerly invites Jane to view a new carriage he purchased for his future wife, further solidifying their impending marriage.

Chapter 25

Rochester articulates a deep emotional bond with Jane, claiming a unique connection between them.
Mrs. Fairfax exhibits disapproval of Jane and Rochester’s relationship due to social class differences after witnessing their affection.

Chapter 26

The night before her wedding, Jane dreams of a child and envisions Thornfield as a desolate ruin, awakening shaken by a mysterious figure in a wedding veil.
Rochester had intentionally misled Jane regarding Blanche Ingram to provoke jealousy, reflecting his complex emotions.

Chapter 27

Jane declines Rochester's expensive wedding jewels, revealing her desire to maintain her identity and remain true to herself without adopting a new social status.
A storm disrupts their engagement celebration culminating in lightning striking the chestnut tree where they announced their union, symbolizing impending doom.

Chapter 28

Rochester gifts Jane a beautiful veil for their wedding, emphasizing his affection for her.
A dramatic confrontation during the wedding reveals Bertha Mason, Rochester's first wife, revealing the existence of a prior marriage.

Chapter 29

Rochester exhibits strange behavior prior to the wedding, displaying impatience while navigating to the church, suggesting inner turmoil.
Upon revealing Bertha's existence, Jane experiences a visceral shock, indicating the profound impact of this revelation on her emotions.

Chapter 30

Rochester's previous marriage to Bertha Mason in Jamaica significantly complicates his relationship with Jane.
Bertha's violent outburst on the wedding day leads to a struggle between her and Rochester, highlighting her deteriorating mental state.

Chapter 31

Jane uses vivid metaphors to describe the devastation of her wedding day, expressing feelings of loss and betrayal akin to a seasonal catastrophe.
Reflecting in solitude, Jane comes to terms with Rochester’s deceit, feeling her trust shattered and recognizing a profound change in her perception of him.

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Description

Explore the pivotal moments in Chapters 20 to 22 of 'Jane Eyre' where themes of sacrifice, social class, and personal relationships are interwoven. Jane's medical skills are put to the test, and Rochester's progressive views on marriage are highlighted. Discover the impact of familial bonds and the consequences of past injustices.