Chapter 17

Summary

Mr. Rochester returns after a few days, along with a bunch of “fine people” (185) as guests. The servants work madly to prepare the house for the guests, and Jane overhears a conversation about Grace Poole, and learns that Grace gets high wages for her mysterious job. Finally, the party arrives. Jane notices that Blanche Ingram and Mr. Rochester ride together, apart from the rest of the group. Jane has plenty of chances to observe them, because Mr. Rochester commands Jane and Adèle to attend the party every night that the guests are present. On the first night, Jane sits quietly in a corner while Adèle chatters away to the ladies. Jane observes the guests, and describes them. Most notably, Blanche Ingram is very beautiful, but arrogant and unkind. Blanche and her irritatingly doting mother talk with the other guests about governesses while Jane is clearly in earshot, making rude stereotypes and insulting remarks. Blanche also flirts with Mr. Rochester, talking about how she likes masculinity, and despises pretty men. She says she likes men such as Bothwell, and the guests agree that Mr. Rochester most closely resembles Bothwell. How subtle, Blanche. Mr. Rochester compliments her constantly, and he sings while she plays the piano. Jane watches all these nauseating proceedings from her corner, and leaves the room after the song is over. While tying her shoe outside, she notices Mr. Rochester stepping outside also, to talk to her. He notices her sadness, and tries to figure out what causes it, but he soon has to return to the party. But not before he slips up and calls Jane his – well, something; he cuts himself off.

Reaction

I didn’t think Mr. Rochester was a party kind of guy! Well, I guess he’s a Victorian era party guy. The chapter is mainly filled with descriptions of the guests and the haughty Blanche. Goodness, Jane really suffered in this chapter. Blanche is extremely rude, and her mother’s fawning over her is very irritating. Why did Mr. Rochester act so enamored by Blanche anyway? And then almost confess his feelings for Jane?