Notes on Jane Eyre, Chapter 20

Key Events

• The chapter opens with Jane being awoken by a terrifying scream in the night at Thornfield Hall.
• The scream is followed by sounds of a struggle in the room above Jane's.
• A voice calls for help, specifically calling out for Mr. Rochester.

Main Characters Involved

• Jane Eyre: The protagonist who is woken by the disturbance.
• Mr. Rochester: The master of Thornfield Hall, who responds to the chaos.
• Miss Ingram: One of Rochester's guests who is initially concerned about the disturbance.
• Grace Poole: Implied to be involved in some mysterious capacity.
• Mr. Mason: A man injured in the incident, tended to by Jane and Mr. Rochester.

Incident Details

• Mr. Rochester calms the guests by dismissing the event as a nightmare experienced by a servant.
• Jane suspects the explanation is fabricated to soothe the guests and that something more sinister occurred.
• Jane is called upon by Mr. Rochester to help with Mr. Mason, who is injured.
• Mr. Mason has been bitten and is bleeding; he is in shock and fear.

Jane's Role and Actions

• Jane assists Mr. Rochester in tending to Mr. Mason's wounds.
• She is tasked with keeping Mr. Mason stable while Mr. Rochester fetches a surgeon.
• Jane is instructed not to engage in conversation with Mr. Mason.

Themes and Symbolism

• Mystery and Suspense: The chapter builds on the mysterious atmosphere of Thornfield Hall.
• Social Class and Secrecy: Rochester's dismissive explanation to the guests highlights the social dynamics and need for secrecy.
• Inner Conflict: Jane's fear and resolve are depicted through her reactions to the events.

Important Quotes

• Rochester reassures the guests: "A servant has had the nightmare."
• Jane's internal realization: "It was not a servant's dream which had thus struck horror through the house."
• Mr. Rochester's urgency: "I must have him off directly."

Outcome and Implications

• Mr. Rochester manages to have Mr. Mason discreetly removed from Thornfield Hall with the help of a surgeon.
• The incident further thickens the plot around the mysterious events at Thornfield and Rochester's past.
• Jane continues to grapple with her feelings for Rochester amidst the secrets he harbors.

Additional Observations

• The chapter emphasizes Jane's loyalty and adaptability in the face of crisis.
• Rochester's manipulative and secretive nature is highlighted as he manages the aftermath of the incident.
• The narrative foreshadows further revelations about Rochester's past and the secrets of Thornfield.