# The Night of Terror explained — Jane Eyre

> Chapter companion for Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

## What happens

Jane tends to the wounded Mr. Mason after a violent attack by Bertha Mason, while Mr. Rochester orchestrates a secret departure before dawn to avoid exposure of the hidden madwoman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Secrecy

The hidden madwoman Bertha is violently revealed, and Rochester's desperate efforts to conceal her existence drive the chapter's tension.

### Love and Morality

Jane's loyalty to Rochester is tested as she assists in covering up the attack, raising moral questions about complicity.

### Social Class and Inequality

Rochester's authority over Mason and Jane's subordinate role as a servant highlight class dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Eyre

Nurse and confidante, assisting Rochester in tending to Mason's wounds and carrying out his orders.

### Mr. Rochester

Master of Thornfield, managing the crisis with urgency and secrecy, revealing his control over Mason and his dread of exposure.

### Mr. Mason

Wounded visitor, submissive to Rochester, having been attacked by Bertha during a forbidden visit.

### Bertha Mason

The hidden assailant, described as biting and attacking Mason like a tigress.

### Grace Poole

Heard laughing in the inner apartment, confirming her role as Bertha's keeper.

### Mr. Carter

Surgeon summoned by Rochester to treat Mason's wounds.

## Key lines

> She bit me... She worried me like a tigress, when Rochester got the knife from her.

Mason describes Bertha's violent attack, biting him savagely.

_Reveals Bertha's animalistic ferocity and the danger she poses._

> I have striven long to avoid exposure, and I should not like it to come at last.

Rochester admits he has worked hard to keep Bertha hidden and fears discovery.

_Highlights the theme of secrecy and Rochester's desperation._

> You don't turn sick at the sight of blood? ... I think I shall not: I have never been tried yet.

Rochester asks Jane if she can handle blood, and she responds with uncertain courage.

_Shows Jane's resolve and her growing involvement in Rochester's dark secrets._

## Links

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