Jane Eyre · Chapter
A New Servitude explained
Jane Eyre reflects on the eight years she spent at Lowood after the typhus epidemic led to reforms.
What happens
Jane Eyre reflects on the eight years she spent at Lowood after the typhus epidemic led to reforms. She rose to become the first girl of her class and then a teacher, but after Miss Temple's marriage and departure, she feels restless and yearns for change. She decides to seek a new position and advertises for a governess post, receiving an offer from Mrs. Fairfax at Thornfield Hall. Bessie Lee visits her, bringing news of the Reed family, and Jane prepares to leave Lowood.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Respect and Integrity
Jane's decision to seek a new position reflects her desire for independence and self-respect, as she refuses to remain in a stagnant role.
The Search for Belonging
Jane's longing for a new place and new faces underscores her search for a home and purpose beyond Lowood.
Social Class and Inequality
The chapter highlights the limited social mobility for women like Jane, who must rely on servitude to improve her condition.
Characters to notice
- Jane Eyre
Jane concludes her time at Lowood, feeling transformed after Miss Temple's departure, and actively seeks a new position as a governess.
- Miss Temple
Miss Temple marries and leaves Lowood, taking with her the serene atmosphere that had influenced Jane.
- Bessie Lee
Bessie, now married to Robert Leaven, visits Jane at Lowood and shares news about the Reed family.
- Mrs. Fairfax
Mrs. Fairfax responds to Jane's application, offering her the post of governess at Thornfield Hall.
- Miss Gryce
Miss Gryce, a teacher who shares Jane's room, is mentioned as snoring and interrupting Jane's reflections.
Key passages
“A phase of my life was closing tonight, a new one opening tomorrow: impossible to slumber in the interval; I must watch feverishly while the change was being accomplished.”
Jane feels that one chapter of her life is ending and another is beginning, making it impossible for her to sleep as she anxiously anticipates the change.
This captures Jane's emotional state as she prepares to leave Lowood.
“I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing.”
Jane yearns for freedom, but her prayer for it feels futile, as if carried away by the wind.
This illustrates Jane's deep longing for independence and her frustration with her current constraints.
“But Servitude! That must be matter of fact. Anyone may serve: I have served here eight years; now all I want is to serve elsewhere.”
Jane pragmatically accepts that servitude is a reality for her, and she simply wishes to serve in a new place.
This shows Jane's realistic and determined approach to improving her situation.