Chapter 3

Summary

Jane wakes up in the nursery, with Mr. Lloyd the apothecary and Bessie near her. She feels happy that someone not related to the Reeds is present and is disappointed when Mr. Lloyd leaves after giving Bessie some instructions and promising to come back the next day. Bessie is uncharacteristically kind and gentle and Jane just eats up the rare sympathy and kindness. Jane tells us that she was fine after the red-room episode, except her nerves were shaken. Present-day Jane cuts in to tell us that she still feels the shock, but she forgives Mrs. Reed. Meanwhile, little Jane is deeply saddened by her experience, and is unable to enjoy the rare treats offered to her by Bessie – a pretty plate, a storybook, unusual kindness, a pastry, and companionship. Then Mr. Lloyd comes back and questions Jane. He abruptly seems less kind and more mocking, but he recommends to Mrs. Reed that Jane go to school, which is what Jane wants so she can get away from the Reeds and be accomplished. Jane overhears Miss Abbot and Bessie talking about her – Abbot as usual is incredibly cruel in her description of Jane, and reveals that she loves Georgiana because she is pretty and dislikes Jane because she is “sly” and unattractive. Bessie on the other hand pities Jane, though she admits Georgiana is likeable because of her beauty. The womenfolk go to the kitchen to eat some delicious rabbit.

Reaction

While Mr. Lloyd is apparently a kind character, I dislike his mockery and scoffing, and he seems like a thoroughly disagreeable old coot. Bessie again seems a lot gentler as a contrast to Miss Abbot’s loathsome cruelty toward Jane. However, they both eat bunnies. That I cannot forgive. Anyway, I really like the dialogue in this chapter, but the Reed family is thoroughly exasperating and I hope that Jane gets to escape from there and go to school.