Chapters 17-21

Summary:

Mr Rochester leaves for a while and Jane is strangely aware of her disappointment. He arrives back accompanied by guests including Blanche Ingram. Mr Rochester insists that Jane is present with Adele in the drawing room along with his guests. Mr Rochester seems at ease with the social gathering but Jane is ridiculed by the Ingram’s for her lack of social status. As Jane attempts to leave, Rochester stops her but finding her upset; he allows her to depart. Jane believes that Rochester and Blanche will be married but she realizes that there is no love between them. Later a man named Mr Mason arrives; Rochester is slightly distressed but goes on to meet with him. A gypsy woman comes to Thornfield and tells the fortunes of the ladies. Blanche is disappointed, as she was told that Rochester was not as wealthy as she thought. The woman insists on meeting Jane. Jane reveals nothing of her feelings toward Rochester. During Jane’s time with the gypsy woman, Jane recognizes Rochester’s voice and he reveals himself to her.
That night, Jane is woken by a scream and struggles coming from the third floor. Rochester asks her to aid Mr Mason who has been stabbed-they are instructed not to talk. The surgeon comes and finally Mr Mason leaves. Soon after Jane receives word of John Reed’s death and Mrs’ Reed dire health. She asks for leave and Rochester unwillingly grants it. She discovers before Mrs Reed dies that Jane’s uncle had a desire to adopt Jane and bequeath her with his wealth.

Characters:

Blanche Ingram is shown to be a beautiful, yet spiteful young lady. It seems that she could make a fine wife for Rochester although her disappointment upon being tricked into thinking that Rochester’s wealth was not as plentiful as expected shows her to be materialistic. Mr Mason is introduced as a mysterious character, His strange coming and the events that take place following. The fact that he was stabbed is bizarre and when Jane tends to him, their lack of conversation is peculiar to say the least. More evidence is given to show that Mrs Reed is a spiteful, cruel, jealous old woman. Her deception towards Jane’s uncle to spite Jane and thwart her chance of a happy childhood was cruel. Her children seem to have done no better for themselves. John Reed is removed from the story as he has committed suicide and his sisters are bitter and hateful towards each other.

Rochester is proven to be a farcical man, it shows how easy it is for him to lie and deceive. Even to Jane who he loves. His insecurities can be seen by his provocation of Jane’s emotions to discover whether or not Jane loves him or not. He must do this under the cover of another identity. Jane is always developing. She allows herself to have emotions yet keeps them to herself. Even to a fortune teller who is “guessing” correctly she does not give herself up. This may be due to her belief that she has no chance of ever being with Rochester, and if no one were to know here feelings then she remains dignified rather than rejected. This would show here insecurities and lack of self-worth coming out again. Jane displays immense strength in her treat men towards Mrs Reed. Her dying aunt- upon discovering that she has perhaps prevented her from having a more comfortable life by deceiving her uncle- Jane does nothing. Her lack of action shows Jane to be a forgiving kind woman.

Themes/Motifs:

Social status is definitely a recurring theme. The Ingram’s taunting towards Jane was based on the fact that she was of a lower social status than they were. They ridicule governess’ knowing perfectly well that they are in the company of one. A reason for Jane’s discomfort is the social divide between herself and the guests. Jane however does not see this social divide between herself and Rochester as in the seventeenth chapter she says; “he is not of their kind, I believe he is of mine” Religion appears several times in this section of the book. In the form of Eliza, who goes on to become mother superior in a convent and also it can be found in the conversations that are had between Jane and Mr Rochester.