Chapter 21

Summary

That week, Jane dreams about a strange infant every night. She remembers that when she was little, she heard servants at Mrs. Reed’s place saying that dreaming of children is an ill omen. Jane is nervous, and soon dreads sleeping, for she knows the child will be there again. The day after Mason leaves, a visitor comes for Jane. Robert Leaven, the Reed family coachman and Bessie’s husband, is there with a message for Jane. John Reed is dead after ruining himself by living recklessly, and Mrs. Reed was so stressed by the news that she had a stroke. She is on her deathbed now, and keeps asking for Jane. When Robert tells her this, Jane is surprised, but agrees to visit Mrs. Reed. First, she goes to find Mr. Rochester to ask permission to leave for a few weeks. He is with the guests, so Jane has to approach him and ask to talk to him. Miss Ingram looks annoyed, which makes her look no less beautiful – she is wearing a pretty, sky-blue dress with a matching scarf in her hair. However, Mr. Rochester draws Jane out into the hall and asks her what she wants to talk to him about.

She tells him about Mrs. Reed and asks for a week or so of leave. Mr. Rochester seems reluctant to let her go. When he finally agrees, he gives her 50 pounds. She refuses, so he rethinks and gives her 10 of the 15 pounds that he owes her for her salary. She tells him that she plans to advertise for a new position when he gets married to Miss Ingram because going to school would be best for Adèle. He agrees, but makes her promise not to advertise until he says she can. Then he gets fake upset at Jane for not promising to come back in only one week, so asks her to give him back nine of the ten pounds he gave her. She refuses bluntly, in a funny conversation. Then she bids him farewell, but he says he wants more than that cool goodbye. However, instead of specifying, he runs away when the dinner bell rings and Jane sees him no more before her journey.

Robert drives her to Gateshead, and Bessie welcomes her husband and Jane warmly. The women catch up while they wait for Mrs. Reed to wake up. Jane also sees Georgiana and Eliza. Eliza is now tall, sour, and plain, while Georgiana is beautiful and voluptuous. In an hour, Mrs. Reed wakes up. When Jane sees Mrs. Reed, she forgives and forgets in a moment, and asks her lovingly how she is doing. However, even her illness and the long years have not softened Mrs. Reed, and she goes on a rant about how annoying Jane was as a child. She becomes hysterical about John’s recklessness, seeming to forget he is dead, and Bessie says Mrs. Reed must be put to bed. Jane decides to come back to Mrs. Reed’s room later.

At first, Eliza and Georgiana don’t talk to Jane, but luckily Jane can keep herself occupied. She sketches whatever comes to her imagination – including, one day, sketching a portrait of Mr. Rochester. Georgiana sees her pictures and decides to make friends with Jane. However, all Georgiana talks about is past parties and complains constantly. In contrast, Eliza is busy 24/7 and wants no human contact. Soon, Jane visits Mrs. Reed again, and they finally have a conversation. Mrs. Reed says she regrets not treating Jane better, but goes on to say she still hates her. Then, she confesses that she hid a very important letter for Jane that arrived three years ago. Jane’s rich uncle said that he would like to adopt Jane, and would give her his inheritance when he dies. Mrs. Reed hid it because she could not bear Jane to have that happiness, and even replied to the letter saying that Jane is dead. Nevertheless, Jane forgives Mrs. Reed and offers reconciliation, but the woman refuses. Mrs. Reed dies that night. Georgiana cries hysterically and is too afraid to see her. Eliza and Jane go to see her, but neither shed a tear.

Reaction

            I guess the infant dreams were indeed an ill omen – though it’s pathetic that Mrs. Reed clings so vehemently to her hatred of Jane even on her deathbed. The fate of the entire Reed family is tragic; three people dead, Eliza with no emotion, and Georgiana a total airhead. However, it’s hard to sympathize with Mrs. Reed, despite her family troubles, especially because she could reconciled with Jane through the letter from the rich uncle, but instead went out of her way to spite Jane. Mr. Rochester and Jane’s conversation before she leaves is funny.  My favorite part was Jane telling Mr. Rochester he could not even look at her money, and “putting [her] hands and purse” (258) behind her back. Jane’s random boldness, in contrast to her outward meekness in front of the guests, is refreshing.