Chapters 28-38

Chapters 28-38

Summary 28-33
Jane has been taken in by the Rivers and spends a number of days recovering, four days pass and Jane is much better, she talks to Hannah who tells her all about Mr. Rivers. Jane tells some of her story and concludes that her name isn’t really Jane Elliott and St John says that he will look for a job for her. Jane becomes friends with Mary and Diana who both dote on her. St John is completely the opposite. St John found a job for Jane in a town named Morton, managing a school. Jane learns about Uncle John. Jane meets a wealthy lady named Rosamond Oliver who accommodates Jane is a cottage. Jane begins to feel that teaching is rather a disappointment and St John explains to Jane that he felt the same and relays his plans of becoming a missionary. Jane begins to have strange and unnerving dreams about Rochester. Jane keeps a continual eye on the relationship between Rosamond and St John and in turn suggests that he should marry her. St John makes it clear that his holy duties are what are important, he then notices a piece of paper tears a piece off and dashes off without explanation. One evening Jane receives the unexpected arrival of St John who proceeds to tell her the story of an orphan who was governess at Thornfield and whom strangely disappeared after almost marrying Mr Rochester. It is obvious to Jane that St John suspects her, especially as he reveals that he has a letter from a solicitor as Jane has been left twenty thousand pounds by an uncle. Jane decides to split the money between herself, St John, Mary and Diana after discovering that they are cousins.

Characters
In the beginning of these chapters Jane is once again isolated and alone in the world. Jane becomes manipulated and in trying to escape from her problems is soon under the control in part by St John, who is a devout Christian but also emotionless and distant. Jane is once again sad and unhappy for the best part of these chapters. However after discovering that Diana and Mary are her cousins she becomes a great deal happier as she finally has real family that loves her.

Themes & Motifs
Religion has become a motif. St John relies strongly in his belief in God and in his plan to become a missionary. Jane is miserable because she realises what she has lost- Mr Rochester. Jane’s misery is again revisited; it seems once again to catch up with her as her real identity is proven. Sense of place is recreated. Jane’s emotions seem to reflect upon this.

Personal Response
Throughout these chapters Jane seems to hold back and suppress her feelings and I find this interesting as usually she isn’t scared to be honest; however I think that the power St John has over her suppresses her true character during these chapters as he tries to manipulate her. I cannot decide whether or not I like St John, he seems to me to be too wrapped up in his own ideas about God and religion to take much notice of how the people around him feel.