Chapter 22

Summary

Jane stays at the Reed household a while longer, first to help Georgiana get ready to go to London, and then to help Eliza get ready to go and join a nunnery. If anyone would really be a good nun, it’s Eliza. Finally, Jane is free to go back to Thornfield. She cannot help but feel a thrill when she thinks of seeing Mr. Rochester again, despite his engagement to Blanche. When she reaches Thornfield, she bumps into him, and he discusses his upcoming wedding again. On an impulse, as she is about to go into the house after their conversation, she abruptly tells him that being with him, she feels at home. This is pretty much a love confession, but he doesn’t acknowledge it. Adèle, Mrs. Fairfax, and the servants greet her warmly, and Jane is happy to be back among people who love her. Mr. Rochester sends for her more than ever in the following weeks, and is kinder than ever. Jane is by now very much in love with him; though she thinks it is unrequited.

Reaction

Well, the contrast between the lengths of this chapter and the last could not be more extreme. Nevertheless, this one was short and sweet. It was nice to see that Jane has finally found a home, with good friends and love. I must applaud Jane for being the brave one and confessing her feelings for Mr. Rochester. Though it is frustrating that Mr. Rochester either does not realize what she means, or is super non-confrontational, so they do not discuss it. My favorite part was when Mr. Rochester says he wishes he were handsome enough to match ‘Mrs. Rochester’, and jokingly asks Jane if there is a spell to make him more attractive. Jane answers that “It would be past the power of magic, sir” (282). Ha!