# III: The Narrative of Jane Gould explained — The Woman in White

> Chapter companion for The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Jane Gould, a woman sent by Mr. Goodricke, provides a brief, factual account of her duties preparing the body of a deceased lady for burial. She confirms she remained with the body, prepared it, witnessed it placed in the coffin, and saw the coffin screwed shut before receiving payment and leaving. She refers anyone questioning her character to Mr. Goodricke.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Jane Gould's emphasis on her trustworthiness and the procedural details (witnessing the coffin screwed shut) suggests a need to verify the identity and proper handling of the deceased, hinting at potential deception or conspiracy.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Gould

Narrator of this chapter; the person sent by Mr. Goodricke to prepare the deceased lady's body for burial.

### Hester Pinhorn

The servant who had charge of the body when Jane Gould arrived.

### Goodricke

Mr. Goodricke sent Jane Gould to the house and is referenced as a character witness.

## Key lines

> I was the person sent in by Mr. Goodricke to do what was right and needful by the remains of a lady who had died at the house named in the certificate which precedes this.

Mr. Goodricke sent me to properly handle the body of a lady who died at the house mentioned in the previous certificate.

_Jane Gould establishes her official role and the context of her task._

> It was laid in the coffin in my presence, and I afterwards saw the coffin screwed down previous to its removal.

I was present when the body was placed in the coffin, and I watched as the coffin was sealed shut before it was taken away.

_Jane Gould emphasizes that she witnessed the entire process, ensuring the body was properly enclosed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii-the-narrative-of-jane-gould
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woman_in_white_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters