Jane Eyre · Chapter
XXXII explained
Jane continues her work at the village school in Morton, finding satisfaction in teaching and earning the regard of the local community.
What happens
Jane continues her work at the village school in Morton, finding satisfaction in teaching and earning the regard of the local community. She develops a friendship with Rosamond Oliver, who visits the school and sits for a portrait. St. John Rivers visits Jane and reveals his inner conflict over his feelings for Rosamond, which he suppresses due to his missionary calling. Jane attempts to persuade him to consider marrying her, but he remains resolute.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Respect and Integrity
Jane finds fulfillment and self-respect in her work as a teacher, earning the admiration of her pupils and neighbors through her dedication and integrity.
Love and Morality
St. John struggles with his love for Rosamond Oliver, which he suppresses due to his moral commitment to his missionary calling, highlighting the conflict between personal desire and duty.
The Search for Belonging
Jane experiences a sense of belonging in the Morton community, yet her dreams of Mr. Rochester reveal her lingering desire for a deeper emotional connection.
Characters to notice
- Jane Eyre
Jane is content in her role as a village schoolteacher, finding joy in her work and the respect of her pupils and neighbors. She also experiences vivid dreams of Mr. Rochester and struggles with suppressed passion.
- St. John Rivers
St. John visits Jane and reveals his repressed feelings for Rosamond Oliver, which he denies due to his ambition to become a missionary. He is torn between love and duty.
- Rosamond Oliver
Rosamond visits Jane at the school and sits for a portrait. She is cheerful, beautiful, and clearly fond of St. John, though he resists her affection.
- Mr. Oliver
Mr. Oliver visits Jane, praises her work at the school, and speaks highly of the Rivers family. He appears open to a match between Rosamond and St. John.
Key passages
“I felt I became a favourite in the neighbourhood. Whenever I went out, I heard on all sides cordial salutations, and was welcomed with friendly smiles.”
Jane realizes she is well-liked in the community, receiving warm greetings and smiles wherever she goes.
Highlights Jane's growing acceptance and contentment in Morton.
“I used to rush into strange dreams at night: dreams many-coloured, agitated, full of the ideal, the stirring, the stormy—dreams where, amidst unusual scenes, charged with adventure, with agitating risk and romantic chance, I still again and again met Mr. Rochester...”
At night, Jane has vivid, restless dreams in which she repeatedly encounters Mr. Rochester in dramatic and romantic situations.
Reveals Jane's unresolved feelings for Rochester and her inner turmoil beneath her calm exterior.
“Reserved people often really need...”
Reserved individuals frequently require...
Incomplete quote; Jane reflects on the needs of reserved people, likely referring to St. John.