Original Text(~250 words)
My home, then, when I at last find a home,—is a cottage; a little room with whitewashed walls and a sanded floor, containing four painted chairs and a table, a clock, a cupboard, with two or three plates and dishes, and a set of tea-things in delf. Above, a chamber of the same dimensions as the kitchen, with a deal bedstead and chest of drawers; small, yet too large to be filled with my scanty wardrobe: though the kindness of my gentle and generous friends has increased that, by a modest stock o Jane has settled into her new life as a village schoolmistress in Morton, living in a simple cottage provided by St. John Rivers. She describes her modest accommodations and reflects on her first day teaching twenty pupils, most of whom cannot read or write. Despite the humble circumstances, Jane acknowledges that her students possess the same potential for excellence as those of higher birth. However, she struggles with feelings of degradation and desolation, admitting that she feels she has descended in social status. In a moment of profound self-reflection, Jane weighs her current situation against what might have been had she stayed with Rochester as his mistress. She imagines the luxury and passion she would have experienced in France, but ultimately reaffirms that she made the right choice in adhering to her moral principles. The chapter concludes with a visit from St. John Rivers, who brings her art supplies from his sisters and observes her emotional state....
Continue reading the full chapter
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Summary
Jane has settled into her new life as a village schoolmistress in Morton, living in a simple cottage provided by St. John Rivers. She describes her modest accommodations and reflects on her first day teaching twenty pupils, most of whom cannot read or write. Despite the humble circumstances, Jane acknowledges that her students possess the same potential for excellence as those of higher birth. However, she struggles with feelings of degradation and desolation, admitting that she feels she has descended in social status. In a moment of profound self-reflection, Jane weighs her current situation against what might have been had she stayed with Rochester as his mistress. She imagines the luxury and passion she would have experienced in France, but ultimately reaffirms that she made the right choice in adhering to her moral principles. The chapter concludes with a visit from St. John Rivers, who brings her art supplies from his sisters and observes her emotional state. Their conversation reveals Jane's determination to make the best of her circumstances while St. John offers philosophical counsel about controlling one's inclinations and finding alternative paths when blocked by circumstance.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
delf
Delftware, a type of blue and white pottery originally from Delft, Netherlands
cipher
To do arithmetic; basic mathematical calculations
scions
Descendants or offspring, particularly of wealthy or noble families
inanition
Exhaustion caused by lack of nourishment; weakness from hunger
Characters in This Chapter
Jane Eyre
Village schoolmistress
Now living independently in a cottage, teaching poor children while struggling with her reduced social status
St. John Rivers
Clergyman and Jane's benefactor
Visits Jane to check on her welfare and offers philosophical guidance about controlling desires and finding purpose
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
Literary Insight
This chapter explores the timeless tension between moral principle and personal desire, showing how difficult choices shape character and destiny
Today's Relevance
In today's world of ethical compromises and difficult career decisions, Jane's struggle resonates with anyone who has chosen principle over convenience, highlighting the ongoing relevance of moral courage in personal and professional life
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I must not forget that these coarsely-clad little peasants are of flesh and blood as good as the scions of gentlest genealogy"
Context: Jane reminds herself that her poor students have the same human worth and potential as wealthy children
"Whether is it better, I ask, to be a slave in a fool's paradise at Marseilles—fevered with delusive bliss one hour—suffocating with the bitterest tears of remorse and shame the next—or to be a village-schoolmistress, free and honest"
Context: Jane weighs her current moral independence against the passionate but compromised life she could have had with Rochester
"God has given us, in a measure, the power to make our own fate"
Context: St. John counsels Jane about taking control of one's destiny when blocked from desired paths
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Thematic Threads
Independence
In This Chapter
Development
In Your Life:
When have you had to choose between financial security and personal freedom, and what did that decision teach you about what you truly value?
Morality vs. Passion
In This Chapter
Development
In Your Life:
Think of a time when you wanted something badly but knew it wasn't right - how did you handle the conflict between your desires and your principles?
Social Class
In This Chapter
Development
In Your Life:
Have you ever felt judged or dismissed because of your background, education, or income level, and how did you respond to that treatment?
Self-respect
In This Chapter
Development
In Your Life:
When was the last time you had to stand up for yourself even when it felt uncomfortable or risky - what gave you the courage to do it?
Modern Adaptation
The Tutor's Dilemma
Following Jane's story...
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Jane's attitude toward her students reflect Victorian class prejudices, and how does she work to overcome them?
- 2
What does Jane's imagined life with Rochester reveal about her understanding of passion versus principle?
- 3
How does St. John's philosophy about making one's own fate compare to Jane's approach to her circumstances?
- 4
In what ways does this chapter demonstrate the cost of moral independence?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Analyze Jane's internal debate about her choice to leave Rochester. Create a detailed comparison chart weighing the benefits and costs of her two options: staying as Rochester's mistress versus her current life as a village schoolmistress. Consider emotional, moral, social, and practical factors.
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 32: Finding Purpose in Simple Service
The coming pages reveal jane finds dignity and purpose in teaching village children despite her reduced circumstances, and teach us the complex dynamics between st. john rivers and rosamond oliver's unrequited attraction. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.