# Chapter XXXIII explained — Jane Eyre

> Chapter companion for Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

## What happens

St. John Rivers reveals to Jane that her uncle, John Eyre, has died and left her a fortune of twenty thousand pounds. He also discloses that he, Diana, and Mary are her cousins, as their mother was Jane's father's sister. Jane learns that Mr. Rochester has left Thornfield and that a Mr. Briggs is searching for her. Overjoyed at discovering her family, Jane resolves to share her inheritance equally with her cousins.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Search for Belonging

Jane's joy at discovering her cousins and her desire to share her fortune with them highlights her deep need for family and connection.

### Self-Respect and Integrity

Jane insists on dividing her inheritance equally with her cousins, demonstrating her commitment to justice and moral principles.

### Social Class and Inequality

Jane's sudden rise from indigence to wealth underscores the arbitrary nature of social class and the transformative power of money.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Eyre

Learns of her inheritance and her true relationship to the Rivers family.

### St. John Rivers

Reveals Jane's inheritance and their familial connection; narrates the story of Jane's past.

### Diana Rivers

Mentioned as Jane's cousin; Jane plans to write to her and Mary to return home.

### Mary Rivers

Mentioned as Jane's cousin; Jane plans to write to her and Diana.

### Mr. Rochester

Jane inquires about him; St. John knows little except that he attempted a fraudulent marriage.

### Mr. Briggs

Solicitor who wrote to St. John about Jane's inheritance and the search for her.

## Key lines

> I!⁠—rich?” “Yes, you, rich⁠—quite an heiress.”

Jane is astonished to learn that she has inherited a fortune and is now an heiress.

_St. John informs Jane of her uncle's bequest._

> You three, then, are my cousins; half our blood on each side flows from the same source?” “We are cousins; yes.”

Jane realizes that St. John, Diana, and Mary are her blood relatives.

_The revelation of their familial connection brings Jane immense joy._

> Twenty thousand pounds shared equally would be five thousand each, justice⁠—enough and to spare: justice would be done⁠—mutual happiness secured.

Jane decides to divide her inheritance equally among herself and her cousins, ensuring fairness and shared happiness.

_Jane's commitment to justice and family is evident in her decision._

## Links

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