Jane Eyre: Conclusion - Study Guide
This study guide focuses on the final chapter of Jane Eyre, exploring its themes, vocabulary, and key quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
- Love & Partnership: The chapter emphasizes a deeply equal and fulfilling marriage based on mutual respect, intellectual connection, and unwavering devotion. It's not a romantic idealization but a practical, lived experience of companionship.
- Independence & Fulfillment: Jane achieves independence not by rejecting connection, but by finding a partner who allows her to maintain her selfhood and contribute equally. Her fulfillment comes from living "entirely for and with what I love best."
- Vision & Dependence: The restoration of Rochester’s sight is symbolic. It represents a shift in their dynamic, but importantly, Jane remains essential to his life even after he regains his physical vision. She was his "vision" before, and continues to be vital in other ways.
- The Power of Acceptance & Kindness: The chapter highlights the positive impact of acceptance and kindness, particularly towards Adèle. Jane's care for her leads to a happy outcome.
- Different Paths to Fulfillment: The chapter presents multiple paths to fulfillment – marriage, religious devotion (St. John), and dedicated work. It doesn’t suggest one is superior but acknowledges the validity of different life choices.
- Spiritual Growth & Acceptance of Fate: St. John's story, though separate from Jane’s happiness, demonstrates a different kind of fulfillment through unwavering faith and dedication to his mission. The chapter accepts his path even if it doesn't align with Jane’s desires.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| phlegmatic | adjective | not easily excited or perturbed; stolid, calm |
| ejaculation | noun | a sudden cry or remark |
| torrent | noun | a violent rush of something (like words) |
| cadet | noun | the younger son in a family |
| aught | pronoun | anything; at all (archaic) |
| faâl | adjective | deficient, lacking; weak (dialectal) |
| varry | adjective | very (dialectal) |
| noan | pronoun | none; not any (dialectal) |
| unreservedly | adverb | without qualification or restriction |
| pulsation | noun | a throbbing or vibrating rhythm |
| concord | noun | agreement; harmony |
| exquisite | adjective | extremely beautiful or delicate |
| damping | adjective | discouraging; suppressing |
| profiting | verb | benefiting from |
| indentable | adjective | capable of being marked or indented |
| pioneer | noun | a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area |
| indefatigable | adjective | incapable of being tired out; tireless |
| encumber | verb | restrict or burden |
| Greatheart | noun | a character in Pilgrim's Progress, known for courage and steadfastness |
| Apollyon | noun | a demon in Pilgrim's Progress, representing Satan |
| redeemed | adjective | saved from sin or evil |
| incorruptible | adjective | incapable of being corrupted; not liable to decay |
Quotes to Look For
- “Reader, I married him.”: The opening line – direct and declarative. Consider its impact after the novel’s journey.
- “No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am: ever more absolutely bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.”: Highlights the profound connection between Jane and Rochester.
- “We talk, I believe, all day long: to talk to each other is but a more animated and an audible thinking.”: Illustrates the intellectual equality of their relationship.
- “He was then his vision, as I am still his right hand.”: Emphasizes Jane’s continued importance even after Rochester regains sight.
- “He loved me so truly, that he knew no reluctance in profiting by my attendance: he felt I loved him so fondly, that to yield that attendance was to indulge my sweetest wishes.”: Demonstrates the reciprocal nature of their love and care.
- “Our honeymoon will shine our life long: its beams will only fade over your grave or mine.”: A powerful statement about the enduring nature of their love.
- “She’ll happen do better for him nor ony o’ t’ grand ladies.”: The servants' pragmatic acceptance of Jane as a suitable wife.
- “Firm, faithful, and devoted, full of energy, and zeal, and truth, he labours for his race; he clears their painful way to improvement.”: Describes St. John’s dedication and purpose, even if it doesn't align with Jane’s values.
- “My Master,” he says, “has forewarned me. Daily He announces more distinctly,—‘Surely I come quickly!’ and hourly I more eagerly respond,—‘Amen; even so come, Lord Jesus!’”: St. John’s unwavering faith and anticipation of his reward.
This study guide should help you analyze the concluding chapter of Jane Eyre and understand its significance within the broader context of the novel.