The Maturation of Jane Eyre: Chapter 21 Analysis

TLDRIn Chapter 21 of Jane Eyre, Jane experiences a series of dramatic events, including disturbing dreams, the news of her cousin's suicide, and her aunt's stroke. She seeks permission to leave from Mr. Rochester and visits Gateshead, where she reunites with Bessie and confronts Mrs. Reed. Jane discovers a letter from her late uncle, expressing his desire to adopt her. Despite Mrs. Reed's refusal to apologize, Jane forgives her. This chapter highlights Jane's maturity and forgiveness, contrasting hypocrisy with Christian values.

Key insights

🌙Jane's troubling dreams foreshadow the disturbing events that follow.

🔍Jane seeks permission from Mr. Rochester to leave Thornfield Hall and visit Gateshead.

💌Jane discovers a letter from her deceased uncle, revealing his desire to adopt her.

🗝️Mrs. Reed expresses no regret for her treatment of Jane, highlighting the contrast between hypocrisy and forgiveness.

💔Jane's aunt refuses to apologize, but Jane forgives her, demonstrating her maturity and growth.

Q&A

Why does Jane ask permission to leave from Mr. Rochester?

Jane seeks permission to leave Thornfield Hall to visit Gateshead and confront Mrs. Reed about her past treatment.

What does Jane discover in the letter from her uncle?

Jane discovers her late uncle's desire to adopt her and provide her with a better life.

How does Mrs. Reed react to Jane's visit?

Mrs. Reed shows no regret or remorse for her treatment of Jane and refuses to apologize.

Why does Jane forgive her aunt despite her lack of remorse?

Jane's forgiveness stems from her growth and maturity, understanding the value of forgiveness and Christian values.

What does this chapter highlight about Jane's character development?

This chapter showcases Jane's maturity, forgiveness, and her ability to rise above hypocrisy and embrace Christian values.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Chapter 21 of Jane Eyre begins with Jane having disturbing dreams about children and hearing that it is a bad omen.

00:09Jane learns about her cousin John's suicide and her aunt's stroke.

00:23Jane seeks permission from Mr. Rochester to leave Thornfield Hall and visits Gateshead.

00:42Jane has a reunion with Bessie and her cousins, and their relationship becomes more tolerable.

01:23Jane confronts Mrs. Reed, who shows no regret for her mistreatment of Jane.

01:57Mrs. Reed reveals a letter from Jane's late uncle, expressing his desire to adopt her.

02:26Jane forgives Mrs. Reed, despite her refusal to apologize.

02:33This chapter showcases Jane's maturity, forgiveness, and her internalization of Helen Burns's teachings.