Questions and Answers
What are the preparations for Jane and Rochester's wedding like?
Preparations do not run smoothly, and Mrs. Fairfax treats Jane coldly.
What does Jane feel when Rochester calls her Jane Rochester?
She feels unsettled and almost fearful.
How does Jane explain her fear about the wedding?
She has a premonitory feeling that the wedding will not happen.
What did Rochester give Jane the night before their wedding?
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What does Mr. Briggs declare during the wedding ceremony?
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Who is Mr. Briggs?
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What does Jane do after she learns about Bertha?
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Why does Jane refuse to leave England with Rochester?
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How does Rochester describe his marriage to Bertha?
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What does Jane's dream about her mother signify?
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What is Bertha Mason's condition when Jane sees her?
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What does Jane do to seek comfort after fleeing Thornfield?
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How does Jane feel towards Rochester after she exits the room?
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What does Jane call her wedding dress?
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How does Jane's prayer change her at the end of chapter 26?
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What class commentary is presented through Jane's treatment by others?
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Study Notes
Chapter 24 Summary
- Preparations for Jane Eyre and Rochester's wedding encounter difficulties, with Mrs. Fairfax expressing disapproval after learning of their engagement.
- Jane feels a mixture of fear and idealism when Rochester refers to her as Jane Rochester, leading to her unsettling premonition about the wedding.
- Jane contemplates writing to her uncle, John Eyre, for an inheritance that would provide her more equality with Rochester.
Chapter 25 Summary
- The night before the wedding, Jane experiences restlessness and encounters a split chestnut tree in the orchard.
- Jane dreams of a child crying and a struggle that foreshadow bad omens; Rochester dismisses these dreams but later finds out they hint at deeper issues.
- A disturbing encounter occurs when a mysterious woman tears Jane's veil, leading to revelations that complicate the wedding plans.
Chapter 26 Summary
- Jane and Rochester's wedding is interrupted by Mr. Briggs, revealing Rochester's prior marriage to Bertha Mason, a Creole woman with mental illness.
- Rochester admits to his past and the societal stigma around Bertha's condition, explaining his isolation of her as an attempt to protect her and himself.
- A shocking revelation unfolds as they confront Bertha's existence, leading to Jane's devastating emotional response.
Chapter 27 Summary
- After a brief sleep, Jane recognizes her need to leave Thornfield and faces Rochester's pleas for forgiveness and a new life together in France.
- Jane stands firm on her moral conviction against becoming Rochester's mistress while Bertha lives.
- Rochester narrates his troubled past, including his manipulation into marrying Bertha, highlighting themes of social and familial pressure.
Chapter 28 Summary
- Jane's escape from Thornfield leads her into dire straits, including sleeping outdoors and begging for assistance.
- She encounters the siblings Diana, Mary, and their brother St. John, who offer her shelter while Jane adopts a false identity.
- Jane's vulnerability and search for refuge depict her resilience amidst despair.
Treatment of the Insane
- Insane individuals were often confined to asylums or attics and not treated humanely, with women significantly more affected than men.
- Hysteria was commonly attributed to women's bodies and hormones, leading to disproportionate institutionalization.
Defense of Rochester’s Actions
- Rochester's actions could be justified as he faced dire consequences, and the alternative treatment of Bertha in asylums may have been worse.
- He professes to not wish violence upon Bertha, despite his threats towards Jane during moments of emotional turbulence.
Reason for Rochester's Marriage to Bertha
- Rochester was coerced into marrying Bertha due to familial pressure and initially drawn to her beauty, without understanding her family's mental health history.
Symbolism of Bertha
- Bertha represents the plight of "The Mad Woman in the Attic," embodying societal expectations of marriage and confinement faced by women.
- Her character critiques Victorian norms regarding race and sanity, as she is portrayed as the only non-white character locked away due to her madness.
Jane’s Wedding Dress and Dreams
- Jane refers to her wedding dress as a "white dream," symbolizing her idealistic outlook before the sudden disturbance of reality.
- Her dreams of children signify foreboding and disastrous outcomes, culminating in her loss of consciousness upon Bertha's intrusion.
Bertha’s Description and Rochester's Response
- Bertha is portrayed as a feral creature, illustrating the darker aspects of Victorian marriage and mental illness.
- Rochester's reluctance to harm Bertha during her violent frenzy showcases a complex sense of pity and moral conflict.
Jane's Internal Struggle and Reflection
- Jane analyzes her feelings toward Rochester and her desires to leave, highlighting her values of self-respect and moral integrity.
- She recalls her religious teachings, reinforcing her resolve to make decisions aligned with her principles, reminiscent of earlier influences in her life.
Jane’s Views on Rochester's Love
- Jane contemplates whether Rochester's professed love would extend to her if she succumbed to madness, reflecting on the depth of his character and their dynamic.
Empowerment in Conflict
- Jane discovers her strength over Rochester's emotional state, asserting her moral authority despite physical constraints.
- This dynamic illustrates the often-subverted gender power roles, shifting the balance toward emotional connection and intelligence.
Rochester's Culpability and Bertha's Fate
- Rochester initially sought beauty over suitability in marriage and later faced the repercussions of his choices, isolating Bertha rather than addressing her condition appropriately.
- While his actions may have seemed suitable given societal norms, they remain ethically questionable in retrospect.
Jane’s Reluctance to be Rochester’s Mistress
- Jane's refusal to live with Rochester is rooted in her desire for self-dignity, rejecting the temptation of a relationship built on inequality and moral discordance.
Rochester’s True Desires
- Rochester's longing for Jane transcends physical attraction, indicating a deeper emotional and spiritual connection, challenging the notion of gender dynamics in love.
Jane's Corporeal Escape and Hope
- In dreams, Jane senses a call to flee from temptation, prompting her stealthy departure from Thornfield in pursuit of self-preservation.
- Her hope that future readers avoid her anguish echoes her longing for understanding and empathy toward those in distress.
Seeking Solace in Nature
- Jane finds comfort in nature, reflecting her Romantic character traits and the recurring theme of nature as a refuge throughout her struggles.
Social Commentary and Treatment
- Jane experiences a harsh treatment from society, highlighting class disparities and the stigmatization of the impoverished, emphasizing the human tendency to judge without understanding.
- A flickering light in the distance serves as a beacon of hope amidst her isolation and despair.
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Description
Explore the key events and themes from Chapters 24-28 of 'Jane Eyre'. This flashcard set covers the challenges Jane faces as she prepares for her wedding to Rochester, highlighting pivotal character interactions and emotional turmoil. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic novel.
