Jane Eyre - Chapter 17 Study Guide
This guide covers key elements of Chapter 17, focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
- Love & Social Barriers: This chapter is pivotal in the development of Jane and Rochester’s relationship. It explores how societal constraints (class, wealth, status) threaten their connection and the lengths Rochester is willing to go to overcome them. The chapter reveals that Rochester's feelings for Jane are genuine, but complicated by his existing situation and expectations.
- Independence & Agency: Jane’s strong will and independent spirit are central to the chapter. She refuses to be a passive object of Rochester’s affection, demanding honesty and respect. Her insistence on equality in the relationship is a key theme.
- Secrets & Deception: The chapter hints at hidden truths surrounding Rochester’s life and the impending marriage to Miss Ingram. The rumors about his fortune, and his deliberate manipulation of Miss Ingram’s feelings, foreshadow a larger web of secrets.
- The Supernatural & Foreboding: The stormy weather, the description of the chestnut tree being struck by lightning, and Rochester’s internal turmoil create a sense of unease and foreshadow potential disaster. The “string” metaphor suggests an unnatural connection, hinting at something unsettling.
- Passion vs. Reason: The chapter showcases the conflict between Jane’s emotional connection to Rochester and her rational understanding of their situation. Her initial reluctance, followed by passionate acceptance, highlights this tension.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| fervid | adjective | intensely enthusiastic or passionate |
| wave-girt | adjective | surrounded by waves; bordered by the sea |
| passenger | adjective | passing through or temporary |
| Albion | noun | an ancient name for England |
| panting | adjective | breathing heavily; exhausted |
| pomp | noun | ostentatious display; grandeur |
| jewel | noun | a precious stone |
| furnace | noun | a heating device; also used metaphorically for intense heat or light |
| fervid | adjective | intensely enthusiastic or passionate |
| Eden-like | adjective | resembling the Garden of Eden; idyllic and peaceful |
| parterres | noun | formally arranged flowerbeds |
| enclosure | noun | an area that is enclosed or surrounded by a fence or wall |
| gloaming | noun | twilight; dusk |
| incense | noun | a fragrant substance burned in religious ceremonies; also used metaphorically |
| facetious | adjective | treating serious issues lightly |
| automaton | noun | a self-operating machine; someone who acts mechanically |
| morsel | noun | a small piece or portion |
| cataract | noun | a waterfall; also used metaphorically for a rush or outpouring |
| exultation | noun | great joy; triumph |
| tribunal | noun | a court of justice |
Quotes to Look For
- “It is one of my faults, that though my tongue is sometimes prompt enough at an answer, there are times when it sadly fails me in framing an excuse…” – Reveals Jane’s internal struggle and her difficulty expressing herself when emotionally vulnerable.
- “Thornfield is a pleasant place in summer, is it not?” “And though I don’t comprehend how it is, I perceive you have acquired a degree of regard for that foolish little child Adèle, too; and even for simple dame Fairfax?” – Rochester subtly gauges Jane’s emotional attachments, hinting at his plans.
- “I believe you must, Jane. I am sorry, Janet, but I believe indeed you must.” – The blunt announcement of Jane’s impending departure is a turning point.
- “I pass over the sort of slur conveyed in this suggestion on the character of my beloved; indeed, when you are far away, Janet, I’ll try to forget it: I shall notice only its wisdom…” – Rochester attempts to justify his manipulative behavior.
- “I have as much soul as you,—and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you.” – Jane asserts her equality and challenges Rochester’s assumptions.
- “I have a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame.” – A disturbing metaphor suggesting an unnatural connection between Jane and Rochester.
- “My bride is here,” he said, again drawing me to him, “because my equal is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me?” – The pivotal moment of acceptance; Rochester declares his true feelings.
- “I know my Maker sanctions what I do.” – Rochester’s attempt to rationalize his actions, despite potential moral implications.
- “It will atone—it will atone.” – A cryptic statement hinting at a past transgression and the need for redemption.
- “The great horse-chestnut at the bottom of the orchard had been struck by lightning in the night, and half of it split away.” – Symbolic foreshadowing of a coming disruption or tragedy.
This study guide should help you analyze the key elements of Chapter 17 and understand its significance within the broader narrative of Jane Eyre.