# A New Servitude explained — Jane Eyre

> Chapter companion for Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters